78 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
of pseudobulbs he intends placing in each. Where the house room is 
limited, and a quantity of cut bloom is required, seven or eight inch pots 
_ are most convenient, because if larger are used the soil is liable to become 
sour through watering, and the roots will not take freely to it during the 
whole summer. The number of plants in each pot should be governed by 
the size of both pots and pseudobulbs. In seven inch pots place five or 
‘six of moderate size; if larger, three or four. In six inch pots put the same 
number of bulbs but of smaller size. If space is of little consequence it is an 
advantage to grow them singly in pots, as during the growing season each 
bulb can be treated separately, and when in bloom a better arrangement can 
be made in order to display the spikes to perfection. The latter has been 
my practice for many years, using five and six inch pots for the strongest 
bulbs, and proportionately smaller ones for the others. 
Without doubt the successful cultivation of Calanthes depends con- 
siderably upon good drainage. The pots should be about half filled with 
clean broken crocks, over which place a thin layer of good turfy loam, with 
the grassy side downwards, or if preferable a layer of rough sphagnum moss 
may be used; this will prevent the drainage from becoming clogged. 
When ready for repotting, turn the plants out of the pots, and shake 
them out of the old soil, cut off all roots of the previous year (which will be 
dead), leaving about one inch attached to the pseudobulb, which will help 
to keep the plant firmly fixed in the new compost. In filling the pots the 
soil should be shaken down moderately firm within one inch of the top, 
then placg the bulb on the surface and add a little soil, pressing it firmly, 
so that the base of each bulb is covered about half an inch. 
After potting, place the plants in the best position available in the East 
Indian or hottest house, and keep them well up to the roof glass to prevent 
the young growths from being drawn. I may mention that many gardeners 
grow these Calanthes to perfection in cucumber houses, ordinary plant 
Stoves, and warm vineries. Afford no water at the root for a month or six 
weeks, merely occasionally damping the stage upon which they stand 
until the growths show signs of advancement. As the young growths 
strengthen and begin to unfold their leaves, a sprinkling may be given, but 
it must be done with discretion, as the tender growths are liable to quickly , 
turn black if too much water be given at this period. 
With careful attention the roots soon obtain a firm hold on the sides of 
the pot, and then the amount of water should be gradually increased, and 
when thoroughly rooted and growth is vigorous abundance of water is 
necessary ; and an alternate watering with weak liquid cow-manure will 
tend to promote strong, healthy growth. When the young growths are 
seen pushing out quantities of new roots over the surface of the soil a top 
dressing of good, fibrous loam will be very beneficial to them. 
