46 THE ORCHID REVIEW. | Fepruary, 1906, 
period. There are other aspects to this question which I may revert to at 
another time. 
Pottinc.—Cypripediums which have been passing out of flower during 
the winter may be gone through this month and potted on, divided or 
surfaced, according to the object in view and the condition of the compost. 
Large specimen plants of the choicer varieties of C. x Leeanum, C. insigne 
Sanderz, C. insigne Harefield Hall var., and many more of the older, well- 
known good varieties, both hybrid and species, are now much more 
frequently seen at the R.H.S. meetings, and this is when the Cypripedium _ 
is seen at its best. Propagation has also been busy, C. insigne Sandera 
having had particular attention paid to it in this respect, and this lovely 
variety is perhaps now more grown than any other. 
The culture of most Cypripediums, including Selenipedium, is pat- 
ticularly simple, and most of them are well adapted for growing in dull, 
town districts, although here, of course, one cannot hope to get the size and 
quality into the flowers which others in more favoured districts will do. I_ 
have frequently had occasion to notice in the suburbs of London that 
where a few Orchids are grown the Cypripediums always look best, being 
in a state of comparative vigour, while epiphytal species may have gone to — 
wreck. 
Compost.—The Cypripedium is a rather gross feeder, and a compost of 
one part each of good, yellow, turfy loam, fibrous peat in lumps, half- 
decayed oak leaves and sphagnum moss, with a good sprinkling of silver 
sand on broken crocks to keep the mixture open, will suit most of them. 
Some growers have, however, good success with peat and moss only, while 
others are satisfied with a leaf-soil and moss mixture, so that there need be 
no splitting of hairs as regards compost. In repotting vigorous plants, the 
old compost, if sweet, should be left, simply loosening a root here and — 
there. The pots should be well drained, and sufficiently large to meet the 
requirements of the plant for two years. Plants that are sickly should — 
have the pot room reduced to a minimum. Keep the plants a little below — 
the rim of the pot. Spray in between the pots of newly-potted plants and 
otherwise keep the surroundings moist, and water with great care until the — 
roots get a hold of the new compost. C. Charl , C. Spiceri 
and allied hybrids require more warmth than C. insigne and C. x Arthur: 
anum, which thrive very well in the Intermediate house. 
: MILToNIAs.—Miltonia spectabilis and its varieties, and other species of 
Miltonia which flowered about the same time, can be repotted as they show — 
signs of activity, the compost being the same as recommended for Odonto- — 
glossums last month. : 
Maspeva.tias, &c.—There will be numerous Orchids of all kinds which 
will require Tepotting as the days advance, chiefly those that flowered in 
