THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 



the present time it is frequently imported, and may be purchased at a very cheap rate. 

 This plant requires similar management to Laelias of the anceps type on being freshly 

 imported, but when root action commences it should be potted in Sphagnum Moss, 

 mixing a moderate quantity of small crock's and silver sand with it. Place the plants in 

 the coolest part of the house, and shade them from all sunshine until properly established. 

 Coelogyne cristata is a beautiful winter-flowering plant, but it is seldom imported, because it 

 is so readily increased by division that established plants are easily obtained. Imported plants 

 should on their arrival be placed upon a thin layer of Sphagnum Moss, and sprinkled overhead 

 occasionally with tepid soft water, using a fine syringe for the purpose. When the pseudo-bulbs 

 have regained their plump condition the plants may be placed in well-drained pans, using rough 

 turfy loam and peat for them to root in. Such Cypripediums as C. insigne, C. Spicerianum, 



C. Charlesworthi, C. pur- 

 puratum, C. villosum, C. cau- 

 datum, and C. Boxalli which 

 require the temperature of 

 this house should be treated 

 as recommended for C. bar- 

 bat-urn, etc. 



Plants for Cool 

 HOUSE. — Such Odontoglos- 

 sums as O. crispum, O. Pesca- 

 torei, O. Halli, O. luteo- 

 purpureum, O. cirrhosum, 

 O. triumphans, O. Harry- 

 anum, O. Rossi majus, O. 

 Andersonianum, etc., should 

 when newly imported be 

 placed in the smallest possible 

 space, using nothing but clean 

 pieces of crocks to fix them 

 with, and these crock's should 

 be watered sparingly at first 

 with the spout of the watering 

 pot, only sufficient being 

 afforded to replace that which 

 may be lost by evaporation. 

 Place the plants upon the stage 

 and keep them well shaded from all sunshine.' Under such treatment they will rapidly 

 plump up, and roots form quickly in large numbers. At this stage they should be 

 potted in a compost consisting of equal parts of peat and chopped Sphagnum Moss, mixing 

 it well together, and adding a moderate quantity of small crocks to keep the soil porous. 

 Until well rooted, great care must be taken not to overwater them: Then, as the roots 

 and growth gain strength, water may be more frequently and liberally given. Lycaste 

 Skinneri requires identical treatment; also such Oncidiums as O. concolor, O. Marshallianum, 

 O. macranthum, O. crispum, O. varicosum, O. Forbesi, O. curtum, O. olivaceum, 

 Lawrenceanum , etc. The brilliant Sophronitis grandiflora and Epidendrum vitellinum majus 

 should be placed in small pans suspended well up to the roof glass. Those who are 

 interested in Orchid cultivation know well how prone newly-imported plants are to flower, 

 but it is very detrimental to allow them to do so before they are properly established. 

 Vigorous growth is the thing to obtain, and over-flowering the plants at any time is 

 undoubtedly an evil. 



LMLIO-CA TTLEY A. 



