JANUARY, 1903,] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 29 
L&LIA ANCEPS and its many varieties are now giving a grand display 
of their beautiful flowers, which are very valuable at this time of year. 
The albinos are rather later in developing their flowers this season, one 
reason for this being the lateness in completing growth, owing to the 
sunless summer. Plants now in flower should be given a temperature 
of 60°, and kept on the dry side. When out of flower give them a long 
cool rest, affording just sufficient water to keep their pseudobulbs firm. 
The same remark applies to L. Gouldiana, L. autumnalis, and L. albida. 
CALANTHES.—The deciduous Calanthes were also a long time in 
developing their spikes, but by this escaped the fogs which were prevalent 
here in December, and are giving us a nice show at the present time. 
Keep them dry until they are ready for potting later on, when instructions 
will be given on this process. 
INsEcT Pests.—The more one has to do with Orchids, it is the more 
readily seen that the fewer of these pests that are about the better it is for the 
health and good culture of our favourites. That there are many of these 
destructive insects is only too true, yet with the many useful preparations 
now on sale, it is now a much easier matter to cope with them than 
formerly. We know, from the experiences of those who have suffered 
by the attacks of such pests as are peculiar to and imported with certain 
species, the importance of exterminating them before much harm has been 
done. A short practical experience with Orchids brings one to know that 
certain insects infest certain species, and, knowing this, every newly imported 
consignment ought to be thoroughly examined, and all infected bulbs cut 
off and burned, to prevent trouble in the future. They should also be 
cleansed in warm soapy water, to rid them of dirt and any dormant eggs. 
which may be concealed. 
9 
CockRoAcHES.—One of the greatest enemies to Orchid plants in the 
West Indies is said to be the American cockroach, Blatta americana, and 
numerous have been the traps devised and poisons compounded to keep 
these ubiquitous enemies in check. Mr. J. H. Hart remarks (Bull. Trinidad 
Bot. Gard., Oct., 1902) that in Trinidad the pitchers of various species of 
Nepenthes have proved very effective traps, as the insects are attracted by 
the liquid which they contain, and falling in are drowned, and ultimately 
digested. So useful have the Nepenthes been found for this purpose, that 
it has been ‘‘deemed advisable to largely increase the number of these 
plants among Orchids, as the damage done by the cockroach has been 
largely decreased by their aid.”” The climate of Trinidad has proved 
suitable for these plants, which are grown in hanging baskets in a similar 
manner to Orchids. 
