Marcu, 1912.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 69 
THE AMATEUR’S COLLECTION. 
By C. ALwyn Harrison, F.R.H.S. 
Coot House. 
DurRinG this and the following month an average temperature of 55 to 60° 
Fahr. should be maintained during the day, but with sun heat the 
thermometer may be allowed to run up higher with decided benefit to the 
inmates, providing it be accompanied by plenty of atmospheric moisture. 
At night 55° Fahr. should be maintained, with as little variation as possible. 
More air can now be admitted, but cold windy days present much difficulty 
to the cultivator. Cold draughts must be avoided, and it will generally be 
found advisable only to open ventilators on the shady side of the house. 
The general remarks upon watering in last month’s article should be 
followed. Damping down may be done more frequently now, owing to the 
increased warmth. Shading is usually not yet needed, but should the sun 
shine with force directly upon the plants the blind may be lowered for a few 
hours, but I am a firm believer in plenty of light for Cool Orchids. 
Odontoglossums can now be repotted, if they need it, and this operation 
may be performed at any time between now and the middle of October, but 
winter potting requires much careful after-treatment. The only time when 
this may be done is when the new lead is about an inch in length. Remove 
the plant from the old receptacle and shake off the crocks and sour soil. 
The fresh pot should then be filled three parts full of clean broken 
potsherds, and the plant placed on these, and well to one side, so as to 
allow of future growth being made. For compost use a mixture of osmunda 
and polypodium fibres, some sphagnum moss and a handful of well-rotted 
oak leaves. Before placing the plant in the new pot cut away all dead 
roots, decayed bulbs and leaves. Be careful to have the base of the 
pseudobulbs on a level with the rim of the pot, or at least only slightly 
below. After the operation of repotting, the plants must be kept drier until 
a fresh start is made. Should any Odontiodas be possessed, these may be 
treated in the same manner, only no oak leaves should be employed in the 
compost. 
Epidendrum vitellinum majus may need fresh soil, and should receive 
similar treatment. Place this plant well above the rim of the pot, or it may 
easily rot. . 
CaTTLEYA HOUvusE. 
The average temperatures for this month should be as follows: 65 to 
475° Fahr. by day, the latter figure with sun heat, and 60 to 65° Fahr. by 
night. For the inmates of this house the degree of warmth maintained at 
night, and on sunless days, should be as even as possible. Owing to higher - 
temperatures being maintained in this house than in the preceding, less air 
