230 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [AuGuUST, 1908. 
character which is such a common character among secondary hybrids. 
Some of these reversions should certainly be self-fertilised, to test 
the question whether albinism returns in the seedlings. The Mendelian 
prediction is that on an average seven of such seedlings should be albinos 
to nine coloured forms. R. A. ROLFE. 
SEEDLING ORCHIDS. 
WHEREVER the raising of Orchids from seed is practised there are always 
some that need potting in the early spring and throughout the summer. 
The neglect of seedlings in the early stage often means two or three extra 
years before flowers are produced. In the first instance they should be 
placed several in a small receptacle, but later, when the first leaf is made, it 
is best to pot them singly, although some growers object to this method, 
because of the additional space; but the plants do not require disturbing 
again for some months, and when this becomes a necessity it merely 
consists of giving a larger pot without any injury to the roots, which must 
accrue if two or three are arranged together. Any that require more root- 
room ought now to be repotted without further delay, then they have an 
opportunity to re-establish themselves before the winter. The compost is 
made up of polypodium fibre, peat, and sphagnum in equal parts, which 
ought to be cut up rather finer than is necessary for older plants. A 
sprinkling of silver sand and crushed crocks is also essential. When repott- 
_ ing Cypripediums a little fibry loam may be substituted for the polypodium. 
The syringe should be used freely between the pots, and also overhead when 
outside conditions are favourable, to induce quick and healthy growth. A 
keen look-out must be kept for insect foes, particularly thrips. When this 
pest is present it is advisable to spray the seedlings just prior to starting the 
fumigating lamps ; but a better way is to vaporise the division at fortnightly . 
intervals, especially at this season, when thrips are so numerous on plants 
out in the open ground.—T. Anstiss in Journal of Horticulture. 
SOPHRONITIS GRANDIFLORA. 
THIS bright little Orchid has commenced to grow, and any repotting or 
surfacing may be taken in hand. It should not be disturbed more than 
necessary, unless a specimen has become leafless in the centre, when a 
thorough overhauling is necessary. They enjoy pans rather than pots, 
being more or less surface rooting plants, and if the former are chosen, they 
can be suspended either in the cool or intermediate houses. From the 
subject noted above several pretty hybrids have originated, and these 
should be cultivated in a temperature varying from asdbe. to Scie F., and 
carefully watched for new roots to appear, when fresh compost can be given 
as required.—T. ANSTIss in Journal of Horticulture. 
