FEBRUARY, 1912,] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 39 
Many of the winter-flowering Oncidiums will now need a fresh compost, 
and, as mentioned some months back, I strongly advise an annual change 
of soil. For compost use polypodium fibre, sphagnum moss, and well- 
rotted oak leaves, in equal parts. Mix the whole well together and use ina 
damp state. These plants should be accommodated at the warmest end of 
the house, and only given sufficient water to keep them just moist, until 
it is seen that a fresh start has been made. The undermentioned should 
be ready for the above treatment: O. crispum, Forbesii, Gardneri, 
Marshallianum, tigrinum and varicosum. 
I do not advise the repotting of Odontoglossums just yet, but will 
discuss this point next month. 
CATTLEYA HOUSE. 
During this and the following month an average temperature of 55° to: 
60° Fahr. should be maintained, allowing the thermometer to run up to 
68° or 70° with sun heat. At night from 58° to 63° should be the correct 
degree of warmth. Ventilate as frecly as the external atmosphere and 
internal heat of the house will allow. Usually a little bottom air can 
be admitted from 9 a.m. till 3.30 p.m. The amount of humidity in the 
house must be regulated by the amount of fire heat employed. Always 
maintain enough atmospheric moisture to prevent the house from feeling 
stuffy. A dry heat, combined with a little fresh air, is worse than a damp 
close atmosphere. Damp down once about noon, on the path, stages and 
amongst the pots. A nice moisture should thereby be created, but it is 
yet too early to syringe the plants themselves. Water all plants growing 
and in bud whenever the compost appears dry, but all at rest or just 
commencing to grow once a week. 
Cattleya Mossiz, Warneri, late Trianz, Lelia purpurata, and spring 
flowering Lzliocattleyas, should be placed well up to the light. Personally 
I prefer a shelf near the roof glass for such, providing it is within 
easy reach of inspection. Dendrobiums which have their flower buds 
showing must only be watered sparingly, otherwise the blooms will turn 
to growths. On no account try to force them, unless it be one or two 
for some particular reason. If so treated, you must not expect a good 
display the following season. Any Vanda ccerulea which are in bud 
must be given all possible light, otherwise the blossoms will become 
small and. colourless. 
SUGGESTED ADDITION. 
OponToGLossuM Rossil.—This is a pretty dwarf species, which is 
nevertheless of great beauty, and produces its flowers very freely during this 
and the following month. The plant only attains the height of five inches, 
but sends up a short flower scape, bearing several large and delicately 
tinted blossoms. The sepals are heavily barred with bright chestnut 
