56 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [ FEBRUARY, 1913. 
into bloom. After flowering they should receive a short rest, when they will 
break into growth more vigorously. 
ODONTOGLOssuUMS should have their flower spikes secured neatly to 
stakes as they develop, as if allowed to lie upon the tops of the pots they 
easily become a prey to slugs and other pests. Slugs at this season are 
most destructive to the young tender flower spikes, and must be searched 
for diligently and destroyed. O. grande and O. Insleayi are at rest, either 
in the Mexican or the warm end of the Cool house, and will require little 
water until growth has again become active. 
SHADING.—Towards the end of the month it will be advisable to have all 
the shading in proper working order, as such plants as Aérides, Phalznopsis, 
Angrecums, Cypripediums, Zygopetalums, and many others are easily dis- 
figured by the sun’s rays, and in some cases it takes a long time to get rid 
of this disfigurement. — It is therefore advisable to have everything fixed and 
in readiness in case of bright sunshine. Permanent shading on the glass is 
harmful. Roller blinds are indispensable in Orchid culture if the best 
results are to be attained. 
GENERAL REMARKS.—A continual warfare must be waged against alb 
pests, in fact against everything which interferes with our reaching the goal 
ofour ambition. Keep the temperatures normal, give air on all favourable 
occasions, and water whenever the plants require it. They will then follow 
their normal course, resting, growing and flowering in their proper season, 
and the careful and observant grower will soon come to understand their 
requirements. 
pena Mel Re teh 
SOWING ODONTIODA SEEDS. 
I HAVE ripened some Odontioda seeds, which I wish to sow. Should it be 
sown immediately after ripening, or should one wait; if so how long ? 
Also what is the best method of sowing ?—G.G.O. 
The best plan is to sow part of the seeds at once and keep the remainder 
till the weather is a little more genial, say about the end of March. The 
seeds should be scattered thinly on the compost of Odontoglossums or 
Odontiodas that will not require potting for some time, first removing any 
sphagnum that is likely to overgrow the seedlings. There should be a 
little leaf-mould on the compost. The warmest corner of the house should 
be selected, and the seed beds should be shaded from direct sunshine, and 
never be allowed to become dry. Great care should be exercised in 
watering or dipping not to wash the seeds away, and it is best to keep the 
surface moist by means of a sprayer. The seeds begin to germinate almost 
at once, and under suitable treatment steadily progress until the first leaf 
appears, when they can be pricked off in the usual way. The subsequent ~ 
treatment presents less difficulty. 
