280 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
advantage during this month, provided they are in a condition to require 
root disturbance, and at the right stage of growth, which, as I have said 
before, is when the new break is starting from the previously made 
pseudobulb. Let me once more here warn growers against too much 
meddling for the purposes of repotting. When the roots of an Orchid have 
got well down among the crocks (which are best if of burnt earth or broken 
bricks) they render great service, and fine, large, healthy growth is the 
result. These roots should remain perfectly healthy until the plant has 
out-grown its pot, subject to careful watering, and it should be borne in 
mind that an Orchid, having such roots well down among the crocks-—which 
remain moist long after the surface has become dry—requires less frequent 
waterings than one with no roots there at all. Hence the necessity of 
careful watering, so that these roots may not perish through too much 
water, as they will do. It is surprising what an amount of drought an 
Orchid will stand with impunity when well provided with roots. Hence, 
also, the reason why we should avoid, as long as possible, repotting, for the 
old roots will then invariably die and new ones have to be formed ; the 
growth of the plant being, of course, paralyzed for a time. 
There are but few Orchids in bloom just now. It is the dullest time of 
the whole year, and, perhaps, it is well it should be so; for what with the 
outside flower garden, the holidays, and the innumerable other attractions 
this month affords, the Orchids are not so greatly missed. It is a lull 
before the storm, for the following month will bring upon us an array of 
floral beauty, which can scarcely be surpassed, even in the month of May. 
The five species taking the prominent part in this anticipated great show 
are Cattleya labiata, C. Dowiana aurea, Dendrobium Phalznopsis, D. 
formosum, and Odontoglossum grande, and, when these are out in full 
beauty, what other five species can beat them ? 
But, coming back again to the present, we are not absolutely devoid of 
flowers. The great charm of Orchid growing is that there is always some- 
thing in bloom, and something interesting to look upon, no matter what the 
season. We have still a few of that most gorgeous and brilliant Cattleya, 
C. Warscewiczii (gigas), and after blooming, this species should be given an 
airy situation in a sunny house. Its winter temperature should be an 
intermediate one, with just sufficient water applied to keep the pseudobulbs 
plumpish, and, for this, a very small supply is necessary. Then there is 
Cattleya Rex, a few plants of which have yet to bloom. It is rather a neat 
and pretty species, but not by any means can some of its varieties be termed 
showy. Some few are good, but the majority are certainly below our first 
expectations. It seems a good species to grow, and requires nothing more 
than the uniform treatment meted out to the general collection of Cattleyas. 
A few flowers of Cattleya Gaskelliana may still linger, but the majority of 
