344 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
descended from the above-named species, and consequently are at once 
beautiful and useful as decorative flowers, and of extremely simple and easy 
culture. I allude to such lovely hybrids as C. x Arthurianum (C. insigne 
x Fairrieanum), C. xX Crossianum (C. insigne xX venustum), C. xX 
Lathamianum (C. Spicerianum x villosum), C. x Leeanum (C. insigne X 
Spicerianum), C. X cenanthum (C. xX Harrisianum xX insigne Maulei), C. 
X Sallieri (C. villosum xX insigne), C. x vexillarium (C. barbatum x 
Fairrieanum), which are only a few among many too numerous to mention. 
Pleione birmanica, P. lagenaria, P. maculata, and P. praecox 
(Wallichiana) having now finished blooming, will start to grow again 
straight away. The keeping of these plants dry at the roots during winter, 
with an idea of resting them, is harmful. They should at once receive 
what attention is deemed necessary regarding re- potting or basketing, and 
then be placed in the Cool house well up to the light, the compost being 
kept just moist only. The roots are then enabled to make headway slowly 
but surely, without again having to be disturbed. I believe Pleiones are 
really best if given new material—which need only be sphagnum moss and 
peat—annually ; they may, however, be left in the old compost for a season 
without anything in the least serious happening. When they are done up, 
one has to set the little crocus-like pseudobulbs half buried in the compost ; 
otherwise the new roots are incapable of at once taking a firm grip, which 
is very essential to their future welfare. 
Oncidium Jonesianum generally blooms at this season, and is a very 
desirable species when well grown and bloomed. Block culture seems to 
suit it best, and a Warm house provides the most suitable position. The 
greatest error in growing this beautiful species occurs in the watering. It 
is very much like Cattleya citrina in this respect, a little water about its 
roots being sufficient to meet its natural requirements, and by this treatment 
both are kept free from spot and other fatal diseases which too much water 
promotes. 
Among other Oncidiums in bloom this month is often seen the pretty 
little bee-like species, O. dasytyle. It isa winter-blooming species, growing 
best in small pans or baskets and suspended from the roof of the Cool 
house. It requirements as regards rest are quite similar to other Oncidiums 
of this class, as, for instance, O. crispum, Forbesii, tigrinum, varicosum, 
and some others, which, after flowering, are inactive for the remaining part 
of the winter, and should receive but little water. Then there are the 
lovely little species, O. curtum, O. Gardneri, and O. pretextum, which are 
unfortunately not so common in cultivation. These do not generally 
bloom until the spring months, and therefore are more’ or less growing 
throughout the winter, and should on that account be ee intermediate 
. pa ates and a little more water at the root. 
