328 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [NoVEMBER, Ig12. 
length of time their flowers last in perfection, but it should be borne in 
mind that these large heavy flowers are very exhausting to the plants, 
therefore they should be cut after being open for a reasonable length of 
time. Many growers fail to realise this point, and often wonder why their 
plants deteriorate, especially after carrying a heavy crop of bloom. After 
the flowering stage is past the plants should be placed in a position where 
plenty of light and air can reach them, and have sufficient water to keep 
the roots and pseudobulbs healthy. They may still be repotted provided 
they are in the desired condition, namely, pushing forth new roots, the only 
danger being that of the plant becoming too wet before the roots get into 
the new compost. 
-MasDEVALLIAs.—Those plants that were potted at the end of August or 
beginning of September will now be rooting freely and making fresh growth, 
but they must still be watered sparingly, as should the compost be over- 
watered at this season. the plants will lose their roots and take some time 
to recuperate. The black markings often seen on the leaves of Masdevallias 
are due to overwatering or an excess of moisture in the atmosphere. These 
plants deserve a more extended culture than they receive at the present time, 
especially the brilliasttly-coloured ones. M. tovarensis is now developing 
its lovely spikes of pure white flowers, and if they have not already been 
moved-from their summer quarters in the Cool house-no time should be 
lost in placing them at the coolest end of an Intermediate house, where the 
flowers will develop more freely and last for a considerable time in full 
beauty. It is advisable, to remove the old flower spikes when the flowers 
have’ faded, although, if allowed to remain, they will produce flowers again 
next season, but this being rather exhausting to the plants is not to be 
recommended. 
Oncipiums that have been grown in a cool temperature and are pushing 
up. their spikes, such as O. varicosum and O. Forbesii, will be the better 
for a little more warmth, which will assist them in developing their flowers. 
There is a danger of the buds turning yellow and dropping off if allowed to 
remain in a low temperature. | 
GENERAL Remarks.—Cleanliness being one of the greatest aids to good 
cultivation, everything at this season, when other work is not so pressing, 
should be done to make the plants, houses, ‘&c., as clean as possible. 
Where room is limited this means an enormous amount of work, but this is 
the season of the year to attack insects and other pests. The principle 
item'to be observed during the present. month is the temperatures of the 
different houses, which must be maintained by careful stoking of the fires, 
as for some time now the health of our plants will greatly depend upon the 
manner this operation is performed. Excessive fluctuations are dangerous, 
therefore every care should be taken that no excess is permitted. 
