316 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
clean from dirt and free from insect pests. Then his work is a pleasure, 
and the plants a delight to all who see them. When the plants are once 
got nicely clean, to keep them so should be his sole aim. That is the easiest 
way, and insures less labour. On the other hand, if the whole collection is 
left so long after being cleaned, so as to become again infested with the 
various pests, then indeed it is a sorry affair, for the plants will never 
present a respectable appearance. My favourite insecticides are still, as 
formerly advised ; for fumigating purposes, “X.L.All fumigating insecticide”; 
for destroying all kinds of scale, bug, &c., ‘‘ Murray’s electric insecticide,” 
one part, to five parts of rain water, applied with a small brush carefully, 
so that it does not run down to the roots, otherwise it is harmless, and need 
not be rinsed off ; and for the general cleansing and sponging of the leaves, 
&c., “ Kilmright ” is very effective, cheap, and handy. I dissolve about a 
teacupful to three or four gallons of rain water. 
The winter blooming kinds of Cypripedium and Selenipedium will 
now be rapidly completing their flowering growths, and commence to push 
up their spikes. With good drainage and sweet compost they love a liberal 
supply of water, and no possible harm can occur if watered in moderation 
throughout the winter. Of course it is always well to be careful, for it is a 
very bad practice to get the compost soddened. It is better rather to ert 
on the side of dryness from now and throughout the winter months. A few 
years back Cypripediums were, perhaps, even more popular than they are 
to-day, if that is possible. The excitement then, which ran so high, caused 
by the number of beautiful hybrids and new species, swelling the list in 
cultivation by leaps and bounds, has gradually subsided. Few growers then 
could have thought the time so near at hand when other popular genera of 
Orchids would burst upon us at-almost the same rate, yet here we are face 
to face with facts. Cattleyds and Lelias, Dendrobi and Masd i 
are flowing in ; and, as in the case with Cypripediums, chiefly by means of 
hybridization. I am told that the future has great things in store; that 
hybridization has barely commenced ; in fact, that the occupation of the 
collector and importer will soon be gone. 
On the subject of raising Orchids from seed, a few hints may here 
perhaps be useful. It is very interesting work when successful. But first 
let me sound a few notes of warning. If you have already as much 
work as you can possibly get through, and have no more time to spare; if 
you have not houses built on the most modern principles ; if you are lacking 
patience; then don’t attempt raising Orchids from seed on your. ow? 
account, and you will probably save yourself from much disappointment’ 
If you are fortunate enough to have these necessaries at your command, 
eh feel disposed. to try your hand, then, in order to further prevent 
disappointments, do not be over sanguine about results ; never set a flowe! 
