DeceMBER, 1909.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 363 
pots so that no mistakes occur in watering. Any Oncidium macranthum 
_ that are making spikes should be kept well supplied with water, and the 
spikes can be trained along the roof or round stakes. They will make 
enormous spikes if left to themselves, so should have their points pinched 
out when they have grown to a reasonable length. Pieces of cotton-wool 
should be placed round the base of the spike to prevent slugs getting to the 
tender part. The wool must be renewed whenever it becomes wet or it 
will not keep the slugs off. Cymbidium Tracyanum and giganteum will be 
pushing up their spikes, and these must also be carefully watched or slugs 
will soon do a lot of damage to them. The plants should have an ample 
supply of water until the flowers are developed, when they can be kept 
slightly drier, but not allowed to become dust-dry at any time. Liquid 
- Manure water will assist plants which are pot-bound. The Lowianum 
section will be in full growth and should be given liberal treatment. If 
the syringe is used freely it will keep the leaves free from red spider. 
MILTonias.—M. vexillaria will now be making strong growths, and any 
that require repotting should be attended to when the new growth is about 
half made, just before they commence to push new roots. A mixture of 
Osmunda fibre and leaves in equal proportions, with plenty of crushed 
crocks to keep it porous, will suit them as a potting compost. The tops of 
the pots can be neatly finished off with moss. These Miltonias are very 
subject to attacks from thrip, and must be very carefully watched while the 
young growths are pushing, as the thrip will attack the young leaves before 
they are up far enough to examine them properly, and the damage done 
will be an eyesore for the whole of the season. A light syringing with 
insecticide during their growing season will help to keep them clean, but 
the chief thing is to watch the fires. The atmosphere should not be allowed 
to become fiery at any time, especially while the plants are growing. Keep 
the plants well up to the glass, or they will make weak growths. Give them 
a little air on every favourable occasion, and syringe on bright days. The 
young leaves will often push up with the edges sticking together, the thumb- 
nail should be carefully run down the leaf between the edges to release them. 
If they are left to themselves they will often come deformed and spoil the 
look of an otherwise healthy plant. 
PoTTING MATERIALS should be prepared for the busy season. Osmunda 
fibre can be chopped up and stored away ready for use when the busy season 
comes round. All dust should be taken out. Crocks can be crushed and 
stored away, and loam can be picked and have the fine matter taken out. 
This should be stored away in an open shed where it will not get dust dry, 
as it is very bad to get into condition if it is allowed to become very dry. It 
it is turned over occasionally it will keep in good condition. Cow manure 
for Calanthes, &c., can also be got in to dry gradually for use when wanted. 
