92 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
Massangeana, C. fuscescens, C. corrugata, C. barbata, C. ocellata and most 
others, though C. Dayana, C. speciosa, C. Parishii, C. pandurata, and C. 
asperata are the better for a little more warmth. 
Be careful still with the watering of all Orchids, especially those kinds 
which have for the past few months been quite dormant. Generally 
speaking all will require an increase, but it should be very gradual, for until 
there is greater activity with the roots and growth, and until we can rely 
upon more assistance from the outside conditions of the weather, a little 
will still suffice to keep the plants healthy. I have written a good deal 
on watering because I am convinced it is a most important subject. I 
have attempted to deal with the matter previously so as to enable 
readers to form an idea as to the quantity of water required at the various 
seasons of growth. But I find it is no easy task to write down instructions 
that are not absolutely free from the fault of being liable to be misunderstood 
by beginners in Orchid culture. It is one of those lessons which cannot be 
taught by theory alone, but requires a certain amount of practice before the 
artificial requirements of an Orchid can be known. When once this g 
grasped it is soon seen how perfectly simple it is, and the cultivator will 
then withhold or apply water without hesitation or delay, whereas previously 
he paused in timid doubt, not knowing what was right to do. Like every: 
thing else it is so simple to do when one knows. For those who do - 
understand, the happy medium policy is the best one to adopt, for 
keeping too dry there is a danger of starving, and this is equally as bad as 
keeping too wet. I don’t know if I have ever stated exactly my own Prat: 
tice in watering, but if not it is through fear of misleading. During the 
winter months one day in the week only is here set aside for watering, but 
during the summer we allow two days, which are generally Saturday and 
Tuesday. Most plants on those days are found to require water, and ne 
it without stint ; but of course there are always exceptions. Some 
not want it so often, while others require to be examined more frequently: 
Lelia crispa (sometimes known as Cattleya crispa) is very similat 
in growth to Lelia purpurata, and should be grown with that Spee 
having the same treatment in every respect with the exception © 
the time in repotting, as it is much later in making up its growths and : 
flowering. The new pseudobulbs are now only half-way advanced to thett 
leti it must be about August before they ca? Howey 
me for repotting. 
will aeog starting to grow- The plants 
: e November, in fact the pseudobulbs hae 
shrivelled alittle, which is not really desirable, though it cannot be hel 
sometimes. Continue to keep them on the dry side until the flowet spikes 
appear from the centre of the new growths, which will be shortly, 
= 2 1 
after which is the best ti 
ited. Gs a 
have been kept very dry sinc 
