NOVEMBER, 1908.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 331 
should be kept fairly dry, or the flowers soon spot, which spoils their 
appearance. Keep them up near the glass when they are in bud, then the 
flowers will be stronger and of a better colour, as well as lasting much 
longer. Plants that have finished their growth will not need much water 
for some time. They should not be allowed to shrivel, but be given a rest, 
and during the resting season the plants should be frequently looked over, 
as scale nearly always makes its appearance as soon as the plants are kept a 
little drier. They should be carefully sponged with soft soap and warm 
water, or insecticide if preferred, although insecticides as a rule are very 
objectionable to the user, especially when used in a close warm house, often 
causing sickness when used for any length of time. We find it much the 
better plan. to spray the day before we are ready to sponge them, and 
then sponge with soap and water. The scale certainly comes off more 
easily. Any plants that are sickly should be placed in a corner of the stove, 
where they will soon pick up again. The plants should be carefully top- 
dressed periodically. It all takes time, of course, but still the plants will 
improve more quickly, and one*has the satisfaction of seeing them 
growing instead of hanging about. If the temperature is kept at 65° the 
houses will generally need damping twice daily, and air put on for a short 
time each day will keep the house from becoming stagnant. 
Onciprums, as they pass out of flower, should be kept drier until they 
commence to make new growths. A temperature of 55° to 60° will suit 
nearly all the varieties. These, like Cattleyas, are subject to scale, and 
should be sponged occasionally to keep the leaves clean. 
DENDROBIUMS will practically all be resting now, and care must be 
taken not to let the bulbs shrivel, or small flowers will be the result. Keep 
them as near the glass as possible with safety, and 55° should be the lowest 
temperature for them. D.aureum, D. X Curtisii, and a few of the early 
ones will be showing their buds, and should be taken into a slightly moister 
atmosphere to assist them to develop properly. Do not try to force them, 
or the buds will fall off. 
SOPHRONITIS GRANDIFLORA Will soon be in full flower, and this brilliant 
little Orchid is well worth a place in every collection, as its colour brightens 
up a group when striking colours are scarce. They should not be allowed to 
get dry, or shaded by other plants while they are growing. Generally they do 
best suspended from the roof of the Cool house in summer and the Cattleya 
house in winter. A pretty companion for it is Odontoglossum Rossii. The 
two are very pretty for table decoration, and both last a long time in flower. 
O. Rossii needs much the same treatment as the Sophronitis. 
Many of the smaller flowered Orchids are well worth growing, and where 
several Orchid or plant houses are available they are = troublesome 
subjects to grow. Many are botanical curiosities, but still they are very 
