THE ORCHID REVIEW. 149 
broken charcoal ; lay it in very lightly and settle the surface down with the 
rose syringe immediately. It grows best in the hottest house, and when in 
full growth loves.large supplies of water. The foregoing also applies to D. 
formosum, now just pushing forth, as also to D. superbiens and D. bi- 
gibbum. D.thrysiflorum, densiflorum and allied species, having now bloomed, 
should also be re-potted if they require it. About once in two or three 
‘years is quite often enough for these, as also some of the other strong-grow- 
ing kinds, such as D. Dalhousieanum, D. calceolus, and D. fimbriatum and 
its variety oculatum. They are grown well in pots. D. Dalhousieanum 
does well in strong heat, but the others named are better for a more 
intermediate kind of temperature. 
Phalznopses, Saccolabiums, Aérides, Angrecums, and such like East 
Indian house species, if still undone, should now be attended to, being very 
careful not to injure the new roots. If pots are used, perforated ones are 
tthe best. Teak wood cylinders are splendid things in which to fix them. 
Surface with a thin light layer of sphagnum moss, and henceforth water 
liberally, so that the moss grows freely. If it is necessary in the course of 
attending to these species to release the old roots from their grip, they 
should first be soaked in a bucket of tepid water, when they will easily peel 
off as will also the roots of any species grown on blocks when a fresh block 
is required, as for instance Cattleya citrina and Oncidium Papilio. 
The beautiful Cattleya superba is a basket Orchid, and does best when 
grown in the warmest house, as also does C. Eldorado. Both are partial 
to large supplies of water when growing. C. Lawrenceana also does better 
with such extra warmth, and likes plenty of moisture, always providing 
that the roots are in perfect condition, and the compost sweet and porous, 
otherwise it is apt to contract disease and rot. Now is an excellent time to 
do the necessary re-potting. Baskets or cylinders are really the best, next 
to which come perforated pots. C. Bowringiana is just starting, and should 
also be done. This grows freely enough in intermediate temperature, and 
when Once potted in good materials lasts for several years, simply because 
it is a species which does not require so much water at the root. When 
potting, elevate it well above the rim, as the new growths havea tendency to 
drive downwards. 
Top DreEssinc.—This operation is of greater importance than is often 
thought. It is frequently done for the sole purpose of giving a neat and 
fresh appearance, which undoubtedly it does, but the great benefit derived 
therefrom is that by breaking away the hardened crust or surface makes | 
‘way for the ingress of air drawn in by the water, which then again freely 
passes through. Ease off as much of the old compost as can possibly be 
removed without unduly disturbing the roots, and replace with a very thin 
layer of sphagnum moss laid lightly on. Do not press it tightly in with a 
