THE ORCHID REVIEW. 89 
to use, and this should be well mixed together and worked in carefully 
between the roots with the fingers of one hand, whilst the other holds the 
plant in position. Do not cramp the roots in one place, but endeavour 
to let them assume a natural position, distributed regularly about the 
pot. Make the compost moderately firm; not too firm, nor yet too 
loose. There is nota great deal of re-potting to dojust at present, because 
very few species are ready, and we are not quite far enough out of the 
winter. But there are some few which can be done, as_ follows :— 
CaTTLEYAS.—The earliest to grow of the labiata section of Cattleyas may 
be taken in hand, such as C. Trianz, C. Warneri, C. Gaskelliana, and 
C. Warscewiczii. The whole of these are now starting, and will soon 
make new roots in abundance. Like most others of the genus, they are 
intermediate-growing kinds. Those not requiring a new pot should be top- 
dressed. I may say that.a Cattleya, properly cared for in watering, &c., 
should never really require re-potting unless actually overgrowing the pot. 
_  WINTER-BLOOMING CyYPRIPEDES, having now passed out of flower, 
may also be re-potted. I prefer to give these rather a rich compost, and use 
rather less depth of drainage, so the second-rate peat is selected, and 
broken up in small pieces for one half, making up the remaining half with 
lumpy fibrous loam, finely-broken crocks and charcoal, and a_ little 
chopped sphagnum moss. One can scarcely go wrong if he cultivate the 
whole of his Cypripedes in the Intermediate house. Some few, however, 
may possibly do a little better in the warmest house, like C. Rothschild- 
ianum, C. Sanderianum, C. philippinense, C. Stonei, C. Haynaldianum, 
and. C. Lowii, and a few others will do equally well in the coolest house, 
such as C. Boxallii, C. villosum, C. insigne and its varities, and C. 
~ venustum. 
MASDEVALLIAS.—This is also a capital time to re-pot Masdevallias, and 
similar compost to that advised for Cypripediums is good for these. For 
the strong-growing kinds, like M. Harryana and M. Veitchiana, pots are, I 
think, the best receptacles, but for dwarf-growing species, like M. Wagner- 
iana and M. Shuttleworthii, small hanging pans or baskets are the best. 
Masdevallias are cool-growing Orchids, but do not like the temperature to 
descend too low, or the foliage may fall. A temperature of about 50° patie 
them well, and should there be any difficulty in keeping it above, say, 45° 
they should either be allowed to remain dry at the root, or be removed to the 
: Intermediate house for a time. 
_ Mitronia vexiLcarta may also now be re-potte 
jm good health. They commence to make a lot of roots now, and if kept 
to small pots will sure to come round. I prefer, however, the period 
immediately after blooming for the operation, when the plants are strong, 
that seeming to be the more correct period. Peat and sphagnum in equal 
d, especially if not 
