206 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JuLy, 1903 
be selected for this operation, and in bright weather it should be left till 
late in the evening, when the sun has lost its power to harm. For a day or 
so afterwards the houses should be shaded earlier, so that sunlight can do 
no harm, this being the means of preventing injury to the foliage or blooms, 
which is often attributed to the fumigation itself. 
In the matter of sponging Orchids, nothing is needed other than clean 
rain water, excepting when there is an extra infested plant, and then a little 
lemon oil may be added, which is very effective in removing red spider, etc., 
from the foliage. It is not advisable to sponge any plant when there are 
young and succulent leaves or growths that are likely to be injured, but if 
the operation is absolutely necessary, it should be done with the utmost 
care, to prevent any breaking or disfigurement of the leaves or growths. 
It will be advantageous to takea glance through each department to note 
the progress made during the last six months, and pay attention to anything 
that should have the grower’s careful consideration and attention during 
the summer months. We will start with the Cool house, and here we find 
that the majority of the Odontoglossums have done flowering for this 
‘season—which, by the way, has been exceptionally good—and should now 
ibe given a short rest prior to starting into growth again, by keeping them 
rather drier at the root. If not treated in this manner new growths will 
appear almost immediately the plants have bloomed, and thus cause a 
-double exhaustion of the bulbs, and this will tell on the following bulb, 
which will not perhaps be up to the usual size and strength; whereas, by 
giving the plant a rest, it will break stronger and produce more satisfactory 
results. 
Ada aurantiaca has also flowered, but is still developing its growths, and 
therefore should still be watered freely. Oncidium macranthum and others 
-of this section are always more or less in a state of activity, and may be 
given water accordingly. ©. crispum, Marshallianum, and allied species, 
‘should have less applied direct so soon as the spikes are cut, for the same 
Teasons as those given with reference to Odontoglossums. . varicosum is 
now starting freely, after having enjoyed a good rest, and in their case more 
‘water will soon be needed. 
Masdevallias have made excellent progress, both in foliage and flower, 
the latter seldom attaining such richness of colouring as they have 
this season. Those of the caudata and Harryana sections have now 
‘passed out of bloom, but this will make no difference to the quantity of 
water required, as root action and leaf development are still in a vigorous 
‘condition. If any of the small growing kinds are in material which has 
become Sour or decayed they would be benefited if this be renovated, 
though it is not advisable to pot at this season, excepting when necessary 
-from the above cause. 
