218 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
necessary to elevate the plants above the rim of the pot, as if kept ab 
level with it they will do equally well. Allow plenty of root room, and 
with lumps of chalk or limestone about the size of a pigeon’s egg, anda sn 
quantity of sphagnum moss. Where chalk is not easily procurable, th 
it contains something essential to their welfare. 
All the above species require a plentiful supply of water at all times, and 
especially during the growing season. Instead of watering them in the 
usual way with the can, we always stand them in a pail of water, just 
covering the rim of the pot, and allowing them to remain for several minutes 
to ensure a thorough soaking. Thrips are very fond of the young foliage of 
these plants, and must be sought after frequently. In sponging the leaves — 
great care must be taken not to raise them more than is really necessary, of 
they will certainly crack, greatly to the disfigurement of the plants. 
The hot, almost tropical, sunshine during the present season has been — 
all that could be desired for the successful blooming of the grand Cattleya 
gigas, and its free-flowering variety Sanderiana. About a week or ten days . 
after it has passed out of flower is the best time to re-pot, or to give fresh 
material to those that require it, as at this time the newly-made growth will | 
be fast pushing a number of fresh roots from their base—in fact, C. gigas 
makes more roots immediately after the flowering period than at any other 
time of the year. After re-potting, the plants should be stood at the coolest 
end of the Cattleya, or intermediate house, where they may obtain sufficient ; 
light and air to thoroughly harden and consolidate their newly-made bu 
Only sufficient water must be given to prevent the roots from perishing; ° 
any undue shrivelling. , 
In Cattleya Dowiana aurea we have an Orchid of unquestionable beauty 
and it continues to hold a prominent position in the most select collectio of 
taken not to allow water from the syringe, or from any other sour 
Considerable difficulty has been experienced in succé stv 
cultivating this gem for long together. Probably our greatest mistake ? 
been in giving it a higher temperature than necessary, and too close 
atmosphere. After repeated trials, it has been found to succeed best 
shady position in the Cattleya house, and potted in the same way as 
