March, 1914] 



taking care that no water gets on the surface 

 from above or the seeds will be washed awa\ . 



If the seed is fertile germination will take 

 place fairly quickly, the first sign being the 

 tiny green globules forming on the decaying 

 canvas. When this stage is reached rcmo\ e 

 the pane of glass and give a trifle more water. 

 The little seedlings will now commence to 

 grow at a great pace, but they should be left 

 undisturbed until they produce a tiny leaf. 



When ready they should be gently remo\ ed 

 by means of a pointed stick, and pricked out 

 about half a dozen in a pan, in moss to which 

 a little osmunda, finely chopped, has been 

 added. From this stage onwards their culture 

 will consist of frequent repanning and supplies 

 of water to keep their soil in an even state of 

 moisture, whilst for their second shift they 

 can be potted up in thimble pots. Under 

 careful and healthy growing the cultivator 

 should see the first fruits of his labours by the 

 seedlings producing their first bloom when 

 about five years old. — C. Alwyn Harrison. 



CYMBIDIUMS. 



THIS genus of Orchids is a large one, 

 and comprises many species and 

 hybrids of great beauty, several of 

 which are pre-eminently suited for an 

 amateur's collection on account of their easy 

 culture and floriferousness. 



The long spikes of good-sized and attrac- 

 tively coloured flowers are excellent for all 

 manner of decorative work, whilst if allowed 

 to remain on the phint they will keep fresh 

 for eight or ten weeks. Hence their freedom 

 in blooming and low cost make Cymbidiums 

 very suitable subjects for a w;irni, mixed 

 greenhouse, hor a grxjd and varied dozen I 

 would recommend the following : — Doris, 

 cburneo-Lowianum, Gottianum, insigne, Lowi- 

 anum, Lowgrinum, Pauwelsii, Pluto, Schlegelii, 

 Tracyanum, Wiganianuin, and Winnianum. 



These Orchids are not very exacting in 

 their cultural requirements. A light anrl airv 

 position in an}- house where a iriiniiuuni 

 winter temperature of degs. Fahr. is 

 maintained will suit them admirably. Being 



135 



strong and vigorous rooting Orchids an 

 abundance of water is needed during their 

 period of active growth, which is usually Iroiii 

 nine to ten months duration. 



When the plants have iillcd the jxits with 

 strong <nid fleshy roots it ma\' be an advan- 

 tage to give an application of weak cow 

 manure water twice a week, but this must be 

 discontinued as soon as the flower-buds are 

 about to open. From April until the dull 

 days of winter, considerable benefit will 

 be afi^orded these Orchids from overhead 

 syringing of the foliage, it being well to 

 perform this three times a day m summer, 

 which will act as a check towards the 

 development of red spider. 



Shading is needed from about the middle 

 of February until October, and must be used 

 whenever the sun is shining with sufficient 

 force to scorch the foliage. 



Specimen plants of Cymbidiums do not like 

 root disturbance, and so repotting must only 

 be practised when necessary, which is usually 

 once in every three years. Young plants and 

 seedlings will, of course, need attention much 

 more frequently. To allow for future growth, 

 on potting a plant, remove all back bulbs but 

 three or four, cut away any dead roots, and 

 place well to one side of a pot one size 

 larger than that previously occupied. Pot 

 firmly, but not burying the plant in soil ; the 

 base of the bulbs should be on a level with the 

 pot's rim. For compost use a mixture of 

 loam, osmunda fibre and sphagnum moss. 

 Mix these well together and moisten them 

 thoroughly. After repotting care must be 

 taken to give only enough water to prevent 

 the plant from shrivelling, until a good hold 

 has been taken of the new compost. 



I find these Orchids usually need a good 

 supply of water from May to September, 

 unless any are then at rest, but during the 

 winter a thorough watering once or twice a 

 week is often all that is necessary ; but, of 

 course, in regard to watering much depends 

 upon the weather and season. Cymbidiums 

 delight in a light, nirv and buoyant 

 atmosphere, and an\tlimg a|)pr(jaching an 

 arid and stuffy condition must be guarded 

 against. — C. AltVYn Harrison. 



THE ORCHID WORld). 



