20 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JANUARY, I912- 
CyYPRIPEDIUMS of the winter-flowering section will now be at their best, 
and perhaps no class of plants has been improved by the hand of the hybridist 
to the extent that this family has. For winter flowering they are indispens- 
able. At this season they should have all the light possible, and as they 
pass out of bloom may be repotted, should they require it. These early 
potted plants make good seed beds for those seeds which ripen during next 
and the following month. The compost I recommend is as follows: Two 
parts best fibrous peat, one part polypodium fibre, and one part fibrous loam, 
with a liberal mixture of sphagnum moss. All the earthy particles should 
be taken from the peat and polypodium fibre. Keep those newly potted on 
the dry side until the roots are seen to be moving through the compost. The 
others must have water whenever they require it. Those that are throwing 
up their flower spikes must not be allowed to suffer for want of water, or 
the flowers will be small, and many will perhaps be malformed. 
MILTONIAs will now be growing strongly, and may have water whenever 
they require it, taking care that the compost gets dry between each operation. 
Watch carefully for thrip, which is very partial to these plants, especially if 
grown too warm, and should it once get a foothold it is most difficult to 
eradicate. Fumigating at intervals as a preventative is what I would 
recommend, rather than having to eradicate this persistent pest afterwards. 
Miltonias at this season thrive best in a cool part of the Intermediate house, 
and with us are exposed to all the light possible. 
INsEcTS.—Speaking of insect pests, I think we may safely say that 
where a plant is constantly attacked by some pest we can rely upon it that 
we have not that plant in its natural conditions. It is either too hot, too 
cold, or too dry, or there is something wrong with the treatment. 
DENDROBIUMS.—Plants of this genus that are resting in a Cool house 
must not be allowed to shrivel for want of water, neither should they have 
an excess, only just enough should be given to keep them plump and their 
leaves fresh and green. Those on which the flower buds are well 
advanced may now be placed in a slightly warmer house, but must on no 
account be hurried, or the whole crop of flowers may be lost and the plants 
rushed into premature growth. If plants are treated as advised, this family 
will follow the Cypripediums that are now in full flower, and sustain the 
interest until the early flowering Cattleyas are in bloom. 
L&LIA ANCEPS and its varieties are now in full bloom, and the plants 
should be kept moderately dry, but in no case should they be allowed to 
suffer, as I often think the miserable condition one sometimes finds these 
plants in, is due to their receiving too little water when in flower, and being 
allowed to shrivel, at the same time losing their roots. 
CATTLEYAS that are growing, 
such as C. Warneri and others, may have 
water whenever they 
require it, and should be placed in the warmest and 
