THE ORCHID REVIEW. 311 
where the flower spike has been cut, and the leaf soon drops. To 
prevent this the sheath should be pulled bodily away, so as to prevent 
the water lodging therein. And not only this, but the plants should 
not be allowed directly after blooming to occupy a too wet, cold, or 
shady spot, but should be given a light position, where the air can 
circulate freely round them, The old stump of the flower-spike then 
soon dries up, when all fear of rot is over. 
Dendrobium Phalenopsis and its varieties are now making a great 
show. After flowering, they should be suspended in a light Warm house, 
where they may thoroughly rest throughout the winter, receiving only 
enough water to keep them from shrivelling. During summer they are fond 
of great heat and much moisture, but, if kept too excited during winter, will 
grow badly and become spotted. 
Many of the spring-flowering Dendrobiums have now completed their 
new pseudobulbs, and desire nothing more than to be placed in a depart- 
ment where the atmosphere is somewhat dry, with plenty of air, and a 
cool temperture. For the majority of these, the thermometer should 
register from 45° to 55° throughout the greater part of the winter or 
resting months. In such a temperature, with but little water given, the 
pseudobulbs will remain plump and hard, and their flower buds will slowly 
develop. Plants may be selected as required, and placed in slightly warmer 
positions for flowering. When the flower buds have attained a good size 
they should receive a little more heat, when they will expand in about two 
weeks. If any of the plants have started to grow again they must still 
undergo the same system of rest, or they will soon deteriorate. If there is 
no separate department suitable for resting Dendrobes, the Cool Orchid 
house makes a splendid place for them, and if there be one place more 
cool and airy than another, see that it is occupied by D. Wardianum, so 
that a complete rest shall be insured. 
Many of the Oncidiums are now producing their flower-spikes, and 
among these is the charming O. varicosum. This species is well-known 
on account of its beautiful spikes of yellow flowers, but it is difficult to 
cultivate it well for many years together. I think that difficulty has at last 
been overcome to a very large evtent. I used to think that it succeeded 
best in the Cool house with some of the other cool-growing species, but 
have since found out that the Cattleya house provides the most suitable 
temperature all the year round. It is not, however, to the temperature 
alone that I attribute the failure in growing it well, but to insufficient rest. 
To really succeed with this species it must be grown suspended, and 
during the winter it must have an absolute rest. It will then need scarcely 
any water. Never mind about it shrivelling a little ; it will soon get 
plump again when spring arrives and water is applied. I have seen 
