THE ORCHID REVIEW. 30L 
Firstly, Mr. Charlesworth pointed out that all seedlings do well in it, as. 
it seems to afford that constant supply of food which these active little 
plants require. Dendrobium Phalznopsis we have just mentioned. 
Oncidiums Forbesii, Marshallianum, and their allies, are noticeable for their 
improvement when transferred to the new compost. A batch of Oncidium 
splendidum was remarkable for its clean, robust growth, and this is a 
particularly difficult plant to grow well. Moreover it should be noted that 
they had been in leaf-mould long before they came into Mr. Charlesworth’s 
hands. The rare O. pulchellum was also doing well in it. Odontoglossums. 
luteopurpureum, grande, and cirrhosum are ali said to show marked im- 
provement after its use, and plants of the latter had luxuriant growths, 
bright green in colour, instead of that yellow appearance which is some- 
times seen. Miltonias thrive in it, and some of the plants were in splendid 
health. Cattleya Warscewiczii in leaf-mould was producing finer growths 
than when received, and C. Mossi was also improving. It is also a most 
suitable compost for many members of the Cypripedium group, and some 
of those with weak constitutions show a marked improvement when placed 
in it. We noted others, but this must suffice, and after seeing what we did 
we cannot wonder at Mr. Charlesworth’s confidence in the new compost 
which he is adopting so largely. 
And now for its composition and manipulation. The leaves are mostly 
oak—there may be a small admixture of other things—and they are used ina 
flaky or half-decayed state. We saw several loads of it as delivered, and of 
course it should be protected from rain. The leaves are first rubbed through 
a three-quarter inch sieve, which ensures their being thoroughly broken up. 
Next the small amount of fine material which it contains is rejected by the 
use of an eighth-inch sieve, and this of course would come in handy for 
many ordinary plants. For seedlings and choice things, about five to ten 
per cent. of fibrous peat thoroughly broken up, and a similar quantity of 
chopped sphagnum, is added, after which the materials are thoroughly 
incorporated together. We handled the prepared mixture, and so far as 
appearances went it seemed to have the right mechanical texture. And the 
proof of the compost of course lies in the results. Sometimes fragments of 
broken charcoal are added to keep the materials sweet, but it is not con- 
sidered strictly necessary, and is often omitted. For Cypripediums the 
leaf-mould with about fifteen per cent. of chopped sphagnum has been 
used. The pots are crocked as for ordinary plants, and just covered with 
a thin layer of moss, after which the compost, which should be only just 
moist, should be pressed in firmly, and surfaced with a layer of chopped 
sphagnum. Then a light watering is given and the plants are removed to 
their respective positions and treated in the ordinary way. 
One may ask, Is the new treatment likely to be a permanent improve- 
