58 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
temperature. Most plants then require it, and get it, more or less. 
Some few, perhaps—principally those that are quite dormant-—may safely 
be passed over until the next time, whilst others in growth are perhaps 
watered twice. All, however, should be kept on the dry side, but not 
on any account so dry as to cause shrivelling of the pseudobulbs. 
DeENpDROBIUMS, for the most part, are now resting in the Intermediate 
house, but many are fast swelling up their flower buds, and when these are 
well set, and pretty well advanced, the plants may receive water more 
liberally, and if placed ina little extra warmth the buds will quickly expand. 
New growth at the same time will quickly be pushing from the base, and after 
blooming, what re-potting or top-dressing is necessary should be performed ; 
when if placed in their growing quarters—the Warm house—new pseudobulbs 
will rapidly form. Avoid pushing them on too rapidly in strong and moist 
heat, and still water sparingly until better and more suitable weather - 
appears, or the new growths are very liable to damp, which is always 4 
great mishap. D. Wardianum should now be coming in at its best, also D. 
nobile, D. primulinum, D. fimbriatum oculatum, D. x Cassiope, and a host 
of other hybrids. In re-potting, panning, or basketing, use the best of fibrous 
peat mixed with an equal portion of sphagnum moss, and make a special 
point of using small receptacles in comparison to the plant. Always well 
drain—at least one half—with clean crocks. A little charcoal is also good, _ 
but I think it is not very important. 
RE-POTTING of Orchids is rather a delicate operation, and especially s© 
with amateurs of slight experience, therefore the following few hints may 
here be penned. Do not disturb a large plant—for the sake of re-potting— 
unnecessarily, that is to say, unless it absolutely requires it. Potting = 
small plant may of course be done with less risk, because it is not 
necessary to disturb the roots so much. The length of time the compost 
of a newly-potted plant will last in a sweet, healthy condition depends 
on the quality of the compost used, the method of watering adopted, per 
fect drainage, &c. When re-potting is decided upon, always select the 
proper time for the operation, which is, with but few exceptions, just 
as new growth is pushing forth from the base of the pseudo- 
bulbs. Do not saturate the new compost immediately afterwards, 
but gently water the surface with the syringe, and keep it 
so moistened, together: with its immediate surroundings, for some 
considerable time afterwards, which will prevent _ shrivelling and 
loss of foliage until the plant is re-established. Also keep more shaded 
than usual. For the better accommodation of recently-potted plants 4 
good plan is to keep them together in one part of the house, So cist 
they my be more sure of proper attention. Fibrous peat and sphagnum 
moss in equal parts, except where otherwise stated, is the best compost 
