DECEMBER, 1911] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 373 
CALANTHES.—By this time the deciduous Calanthes will be in full 
bloom, and their long, graceful spikes will be a great attraction. Unfor- 
tunately they are not able to withstand fogs, and where these are persistent 
it is disheartening to attempt their cultivation. The plants from now 
onwards will need little or no water, and after the spikes are cut, they may 
be placed on a shelf, or in a dry, warm place to rest. 
ZYGOPETALUMS are now growing freely, and will require water whenever 
they become dry at the roots. Z. Mackayi produces its flower spikes at this 
season, and will need extra water until the flowers are open. When the 
flowers are over the plants may be repotted, using the compost recom- 
mended for the green-leaved Cypripediums. 
CaTASETUMS, CYCNOCHES AND MorMmopEs.—These deciduous Orchids 
require a decided rest in a warm house, and when the leaves turn yellow 
and fall, the plants should bave only enough water to prevent shrivelling. 
When the pseudobulbs are properly ripened, it can be withheld altogether 
for some time. 
Cuysis.—The different species of Chysis rest well in the Cattleya house, 
if kept dry at the root. When growth recommences, do not afford much 
water, until the flower spikes are seen to be pushing up with the new 
growth. 
Tuunias will by now have lost their leaves, and the old’pseudobulbs, 
having shrivelled up, should be cut clean away. The new pseudobulbs, if 
there be any signs of brown or other scale, should be carefully cleaned with 
some approved insecticide. They may then be placed away to rest until 
they show signs of growth in the spring. 
GENERAL WORK.—The cleaning of the houses and their inmates will be 
the principal work demanding our attention during the present month. It 
should be made a practice to thoroughly overhaul the Orchids and wash the 
houses, both inside and out, taking care that the slimy matter, which 
accumulates between the laps of the glass, is removed, as this allows the 
atmospheric moisture that condenses to pass away, and so prevents drip. 
All walls, stages, &c., should be well cleansed. Previous to re-arranging 
the plants, each one should be thoroughly cleaned, sponging the leaves, 
stems, and pseudobulbs with some approved insecticide. This we make a 
practice of doing every time the plants are re-arranged. As far as possible 
we dip the plants entirely overhead, and then clean them in the usval way. 
We have never seen any ill effects from the use of insecticide in this way. 
I may also state that we always use it fairly warm, and, if anything, a little 
under the strength recommended. 
SLUGS, COCKROACHES AND WoopDLIcE must be continually hunted. 
It is needless for me here to repeat the different methods of waging warfare 
against these pests, as they have been frequently given in these pages. 
