JULY, 1909-] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 199 
both for damping and syringing, green fly is about the only pest that will 
attack them, and this can easily be got rid of by fumigating lightly. Thrip 
will not live where plenty of water is used. 
L2&LIA PURPURATA & L. TENEBROSA will both have finished flowering, 
and any plants that require potting should be done as soon as they 
commence to root. These make fine specimen plants, and will flower well 
when left undisturbed for several seasons. When potting specimens good 
lasting material should be used, so that a top-dressing will keep them 
going for several seasons. Osmunda fibre and oak leaves will easily last 
three seasons if properly watered. In repotting, great care must be taken 
not to break the roots, as L. purpurata is very impatient of being 
disturbed. Ample room should be allowed in repotting, and the leads 
should be turned inwards, not facing straight over the rim of the pot. 
Keep the rhizome just below the rim of the pot, so that plenty of water can 
be given during the growing season. Spread the roots out evenly in the 
pots, and work lumpy material in between the roots, and finish the top off 
neatly just below the rim of the pot, not in a cone shape, if a good specimen 
is wanted. Watering a cone of compost is like pouring water on a duck’s 
back, for the water flows off with about as much effect. Keep the plants 
well shaded for a time after potting. A mat thrown over the glass under the 
blinds will make a capital shading. For a potting compost use Osmunda 
fibre and good oak leaves, with plenty of crocks mixed in, and pot firmly, 
A few moss heads can be worked in on top if preferred, but we have 
given up its use. One cannot tell when the compost requires water. 
OncipiuMs.—The winter-flowering section will be making up their 
bulbs, and should be given plenty of water, also plenty of sunshine. Just 
enough shade to keep them from scalding will dry them out quickly, and 
ripen the bulbs. They grow better when they are well ripened, and are 
not much trouble to get through the winter. When grown soft they will 
often spot, and the bulbs rot away. As they are very free flowering, every 
encouragement should be given them to make up good bulbs, and they give 
- good returns for labour spent on them. Give plenty of air, and watch for 
slugs, as they are very fond of the roots and young growths also. They can 
easily be trapped with lettuce leaves. We find in not using moss for 
topping them that we do not get bothered with slugs much. Osmunda 
fibre seems to be objectionable to slugs. 
OpontoGLossuMs should be kept as cool as possible. On very hot days 
a good circulation of air, and sprinkling of flour and water on the glass will 
keep them in good condition. Even in very hot weather care must be 
taken not tocreate a draught, which can easily be done. A place where 
one feels likely to get a stiff neck is not a place for growing Orchids in, or 
any other plants, tender or not. 
