THE ORCHID REVIEW. — 19 
Calanthes, when growing freely, enjoy alight position, but not too much 
direct sunshine, and if during the growing season the young growths 
become too crowded, the plants should be thinned out considerably, so that 
they may obtain sufficient light to invigorate and solidify the bulbs, and to 
counteract those diseases to which soft, sappy bulbs are liable. 
Towards the end of the growing season, and just as the new pseudo- 
bulbs begin to form, the leaves of these deciduous Calanthes are frequently 
attacked with “spot,” which later on invariably affects the bulbs and flower 
spikes. This disease is sometimes brought about, in the earlier stages of 
growth, by over-abundance of water before the plants are firmly estab- 
lished in the new potting material; by insufficient light; by too low 
temperatures combined with a saturated atmosphere ; and also by incorrect 
ventilation. I have no doubt that many failures have resulted from these 
causes. 
I know of one instance where a collection of these plants was 
exceptionally well cultivated for many years, in what was known as an 
East Indian house, and where numerous other species of Orchids were 
staged and suspended, but the latter general collection of Orchids failed to 
give satisfaction, from some cause. Various means were tried to attain 
success, and eventually it was decided to alter the mode of ventilation, 
which previously had been from the top only. This was changed, and air 
was admitted by the lower sashes. The general collection of Orchids 
improved considerably, but the alteration affected the Calanthes, and they 
soon became spotted and unsightly, and failed to produce strong flowering 
bulbs as formerly. I have also known the pseudobulbs and leaves of 
Calanthes to become diseased and spotted through over-feeding with manure- 
Water, and by chemically prepared plant foods. — 
Towards the end of autumn, when the new pseudobulbs are fully grown, 
and the flower spikes appear, the regular application of manure-water 
should cease. The tips of the leaves will also commence to turn brown, 
and as the foliage decays so should the amount of water be gradually 
decreased, using no more than is necessary to keep the plants plump, and 
to duly sustain the advancing flower spikes. By the time the flowers are 
°pen water should be withheld altogether. 
Calanthes may be readily increased by taking off the old back bulbs, 
and inserting them thickly in pots filled with sphagnum moss, standing 
them on a shelf close up to the glass, and sprinkling them overhead 
°ecasionally with a fine syringe. They will soon commence to grow, but just 
Previous to the young roots starting they may be repotted and treated as 
advised for the older examples. If it is not necessary to increase the stock, 
the old bulbs, from which last year’s growth was produced, may be left on 
the Plant, because, so long as they retain their vitality, they will have great 
