THE ORCHID REVIEW. 219 
ordinary stove plant, the material used for the roots to run into being of a 
very open nature. Fibrous loam, leaf-soil, and sphagnum moss, in equal 
parts, should be used, with a large proportion of small broken pieces of 
crocks ; mixing the whole well together. The plants should at no season be 
allowed to become thoroughly dry, but less water will be required when at 
rest than in the growing period. The greatest enemies of this plant are 
small yellow thrips. These insects, being so minute, are not easily discern- 
ible to the naked eye, and much damage is frequently done to the plant 
before the grower is aware of their presence. Sponge or brush is no match 
against these troublesome pests when once they enter the hearts of the 
young growths. Therefore, immediately the new growths make their 
appearance, the safest remedy is to commence and continue dipping the 
plants into some weak insecticide until growth is completed. 
Dendrobium infundibulum, and its variety Jamesianum, are not often 
found in a flourishing condition. These two have often been grown in too 
much heat. The Odontoglossum or cool house is the proper place for 
them during the hot summer weather. About the end of September, when 
the nights become cold, they should be placed at the cool end of the inter- 
mediate house, to complete and ripen their growth; and at all times they 
must be kept moist at the root, especially during the growing season. 
As the Thunias pass out of flower, they should be moved to the resting- 
house to consolidate and ripen their growths; but water should not be 
entirely withheld until the leaves have turned yellow and fallen off. They 
still require to be kept free from insects. Lay the plants down on their 
sides occasionally, and syringe them with soft-soapy water. 
With such exceptionally hot weather as we are now having, both by day 
and night, very little fire-heat will be required, except in the warmest 
divisions. The pipes should be kept only just lukewarm during the night. 
Ventilation may be freely given at all hours in the Odontoglossum and 
Masdevallia houses. Partially close the ventilators in the East Indian, 
Cattleya, and Mexican divisions early enough in the afternoon to raise the 
temperature 8° or 10° by sun-heat, but open them again when finishing up 
for the night. Maintain in each division a moist, growing atmosphere, and 
on no account neglect the shading and watering. 
ORCHID PORTRAITS. 
BULLETINO DELLA R. SOCIETA TOSCANO DI ORTICULTURA. 
CYPRIPEDIUM SPICERIANUM, Rchb. f. vaR. MERCATELLIANUM, Pucci. A 
peculiar variety from which the green colour has vanished, leaving the 
flower yellowish-white marked with purple, instead of purple-brown. It 
appeared with Signor R. Mercatelli, of Florence.—May, p. 144, t. 5. 
