236 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [AUGUST, 1903. 
‘waterings with liquid cow-manure will be conducive to the formation of 
‘stout bulbs and strong flower spikes. Previous to using the manure, strain 
iit through a sack, so as to remove all particles of solid matter, which, if not 
‘separated from the liquid, would, after a few applications, stop up the pores 
-of the compost. Do not apply it too strong at first; about one gallon to 
‘three of water will be sufficient for the first few waterings, and afterwards 
increase it to one anda half of each. As the young roots appear on the 
‘surface, place a thin layer of good fibrous loam lightly over them, into which 
‘they will readily push their way, and grow fast, sending up good strong 
-spikes in due season. 
Now that plants of Miltonia vexillaria have commenced to grow, they 
may be re-potted, but before commencing this operation the grower should 
‘make quite sure that they are perfectly free from insects, by well washing 
the growths in soft insecticide, and afterwards cleansing them in clear 
‘soft water. The pots may be drained with bracken root, using a compost 
‘of two parts leaf mould to one each of fibrous peat and chopped 
‘sphagnum, and afterwards surface over with cleanly chopped sphagnum 
moss. After re-potting, water the plants very sparingly, using a 
fine rose watering can for the purpose, and giving just enough to entice the 
sphagnum to grow. As the roots lengthen and lay hold of the sides of the 
‘pot, a more liberal supply may be given. The temperature of the Cool 
ihouse, where they get plenty of fresh air, will be the most suitable place for 
them, until the nights commence to get chilly, when they should be removed 
to their former growing quarters in the intermediate house. 
Lycaste Skinneri is now in full growth. If grown in the Cool house it 
‘Should not be left there too late in the autumn, but removed to the Inter- 
mediate house. Root disturbance is most harmful to the success of this 
species, and need only take place at long intervals, if potted well and 
watered carefully. The present month is a good one for doing up any of 
the various species of the Cool house which have not yet been done. 
‘Odontoglossum Rossii and O. Cervantesii are two pretty species which pay 
‘to grow well, so that they bloom profusely; otherwise, with individual 
flowers here and there only, they are too little to make a show. Both 
‘species dislike much disturbance at the root; and, on this account, they 
should not be re-potted annually... When, however, repotting is necessary, 
at should not be done later than the present month, and the greatest possible 
‘care should be taken not to disturb or break the roots more than is necessary. 
If the stages are near the roof glass, they grow well there in small pots, 
-otherwise they should be suspended in pans. What little compost is 
required about their roots should be mostly all fibrous peat, which does not 
‘decay so quickly as moss. They delight in a cool, airy atmosphere, and 
require but little water at the roots at any time of the year. 
