250 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
plenty of air both top and bottom, taking care to avoid cold draugt 
All other,Dendrobiums that are now in full growth must have liberal tt 
ment, both at the root and in the atmosphere. by 
Calanthes’are nowgrowing vigorously, and require an abundant supply 
of moisture at the root, but it must be given with discretion, or spot ani 
disease will be the result. Where the pots have become full of roots 
alternate waterings with liquid cow-manure will be conducive to the forma. 
tion of stout bulbs and strong flower spikes. Previous to using the manure, | 
strain it through a piece of fine muslin, so as to remove all particles of solid 
matter, which if not separated from the liquid would, after a few applica 
tions, stop up the pores of the compost. Do not apply the stimulant too 
strong at first; about one gallon to three of water will be sufficient for the 
first three or four waterings, but afterwards it may be increased to one halt 
of each. As the young roots appear on the surface, place a thin layer of 
lumpy fibrous loam lightly over them, into which they will readily push 
their way, and grow fast, sending up splendid spikes in due season. 
There are some Orchids which are far more difficult to cultivate that 
others, and among these may be classed such Mexican Lelias as 
autumnalis, albida, furfuracea, and Gouldiana. I may say that thousands 
of these plants have been imported, which after blooming for two or three 
seasons have become exhausted; in the majority of cases never to be brought ) 
round again to their former condition. To see established plants that have | 
been satisfactorily grown, and produced good spikes for six or seven 
secutive seasons is a rarity, but by careful watching and intelligent observ 
tions as to their requirements under our artificial treatment, the. successil 
cultivation of these beautiful Lzelias may no doubt be accomplished. Since 
the last flowering season, and up to the present time, our plants have ee 
hanging close to the roof glass in a comparatively dry, cool, and well-aireé 
house, where they have made large quantities of young roots ; but now the} | 
are starting into growth they will be placed in the Mexican house. To 
plants require but little Shading at any time, and delight in almost “| 
amount of sun-heat, provided the house be well ventilated. When : ut 
growth a constant supply of water at the root is necessary. By closing 
the house early in the afternoon, and at the same time pulling up the bin =| 
and well syringing the foliage, the plants will make stronger and lar 
bulbs than when grown ina close, shady atmosphere. At night, with’ 
outside temperature at 50°, the top and bottom ventilators may be par” 
opened and left so until the morning, when they should be opened i 
Lelia majalis is another beautiful Mexican species that is usually ¢ a 
cult to manage. Block treatment seems to suit this plant better than iy 
Pot or basket. Coming as it does from a very high elevation, it G0 | 
require so much heat as the preceding, but it must have all the sum 
possible. : aa 
