October, 1913-] 



THE ORCHID WORLD. 



17 



greenhouses of the ordinary type. Supposing, 

 for instance, only half the number of blooms 

 appeared, the plant would still be quite a 

 picture in itself, and attract considerably more 

 attention than the general occupants of the 

 greenhouse. 



The compost, or potting material, needs 

 some consideration. Many a Cypripedium 

 has been grown in ordinary earth, just such 

 as is used for geraniums, but the results, 

 though perhaps satisfactory to the young 

 amateur, are not what they might be if a 

 more suitable, and shall we say professional, 



must be carefully shaded from the strong 

 sunlight, and occasional spraying of the 

 foliage with rain-water will prove beneficial. 



Almost all Orchids of the Cattleya and 

 Laslia section make their bulbs during the 

 summer season. This is undoubtedly the 

 most satisfactory method of culture to 

 encourage, for as the bulbs are only made 

 during one portion of the year the grower 

 should so arrange matters that growth takes 

 place during the most favourable atmospheric 

 conditions. On the completion of the new 

 bulb only sufficient water will be required 



Cypripedium insigne, 

 mixture is employed. Loam forms the basis 

 of the mixture, and care should be taken that 

 this is fibrous and light ; any material that is 

 likely to become a sodden mass impervious to 

 water must be refused. Some sphagnum 

 moss, a few oak leaves, and peat or osmunda 

 fibre should also be added, the whole being 

 well mixed before using. This compost 

 should be used very similarly to ordinary 

 material for geraniums, etc., and be pressed 

 down firmly, leaving a space at the top of 

 one-half to an inch for the watering of the 

 plant. During bright weather, say from 

 March to September inclusive, the plants 



a Well-grown plant. 

 to prevent the plant from shrivelling. The 

 chief point for the amateur to consider is 

 the best means for ripening the bulb so that 

 it may withstand the varying changes of the 

 winter climate, and produce at its proper 

 season flowers of long lasting qualities. 



When the collection is considerable, many 

 cultivators arrange their various plants in 

 sections, according to the condition of growth. 

 In this way every plant can receive proper 

 attention, and those that have finished their 

 season's growth can have the treatment 

 necessary to ensure proper ripening. But 

 with amateurs who may possibly have but one 



