THE ORCHID REVIEW. 369 
Several large importations of Odontoglossum crispum have recently been 
received, and distributed by auction to numerous collections, and mayhap a 
few persons unacquainted with their cultivation were tempted by the low 
prices to purchase a lot or two, for personal experiment, and_ possibly 
ultimate profit. To these latter a hint or two may be of service, for failure 
in the first instance would probably deter them from making further and 
more extended purchases of this lovely cool Orchid. I am not of the 
opinion that this is an easy Orchid to grow, as some would have us believe. 
Not but that it is easy enough when one has the right place and other 
necessary attributes to grow it in; but in the majority of cases one or 
other are lacking, and only a moderate amount of success is obtainable. 
Newly-imported pieces, as soon as received, should be placed in a Cool 
_ house on something moist, either on the ashes on the stage or on moss 
previously spread on a mat, each piece so placed that when they break away 
_ the growth has a chance of assuming an upright position. No water should 
_ be thrown over them, especially at this time of the year, or the bulbs may 
_ rot, for if the material they are laid on is in a well-moistened condition, 
_ hone will be needed. If, however, it should be wanted, remove the pieces, 
and then damp the material. Amateurs, as a rule, are so anxious to see 
_ Some little progress in their newly-acquired treasures, that they are apt to 
3 pot them up prematurely, to the decided disadvantage of the wished-for 
Success. None should be potted until there is a reasonable possibility of 
“roots appearing, or have already done so, and as under ordinary circumstances 
Toots will not appear until the new growth has made some little headway, it 
will naturally be some time before this occurs. The objection to potting 
them before root action is imminent is that the temptation to water the 
compost when dry is irresistible to most people, and hence mischief is done. 
When any are found ina suitable condition to operate upon, pots, of 
only just sufficient size to accommodate the bulbs, should be crocked to 
within an inch of the rim, adjusting the plant in a position most favourable 
to the development of the prospective bulbs, and fill around with a mixture 
of peat and moss in the proportion of two to one. It need not necessarily 
be mounded up without the exigency of the case demands, but it should be 
made moderately firm to hold the bulbs in required position securely. Very 
little water will be necessary for some considerable time after being potted, 
a slight sprinkling from a rose-can now and again to keep the moss alive 
being sufficient until root action becomes general and vigorous. In this 
way the whole batch will not be done at once, as they will not all come on 
into condition together ; but the little extra care and trouble bestowed upon 
them will be well repaid by the increased success that will follow the 
adoption of this method. 
Odontoglossum grande, having now done flowering and finished up its 
