hole in such a manner as to allow good free drainage, and fill the 
pot with potshreds to about two inches. All orchids should be 
potted very firmly. Use a sharp-pointed hardwood potting stick 
and work the compost towards the center, packing it in as hard as 
possible. When finished off, compost should be about three-quarters 
of an inch from the top of the pot, then neatly trim with the shears 
all protruding pieces of fiber. This is recommended proportionately 
for all pots. 
Care should always be taken not to overpot, for if the 
compost remains wet in the center it causes the osmunda fiber to 
decay, and the roots rot. All newly potted plants should be kept 
on the dry side until root action begins. Syringing is most beneficial 
at this time. 
CATTLEYA 
(Intermediate) 
The best potting material for Cattleyas is osmunda fiber. 
With these and their allied genera, it is almost impossible to force 
the compost into the pot too firmly. Place the back bulb close to 
the side of the pot, so as to allow the leading growths plenty of 
room. Always plan to have a pot large enough to take two years’ 
growth. This can easily be estimated from previous growths. After 
potting the plant should be staked. Galvanized wire is recom- 
mended, for if bamboo or other wood is used, it will generally rot 
before time for repotting; and this necessitates restaking, Cattleyas 
love the light and should have as much as possible, short of direct 
rays of the midday sun. 
The adult plants of the Cattleya genera should not be 
watered until the compost in the pot has become quite dry; this 
cannot be easily ascertained by feeling the top surface. The best 
practice is to lift the plant, and if it is light give it a thorough 
soaking, then do not water it again until it is well dried out. Always 
remember that the easiest way to kill plants of the Cattleya family 
is to overwater them. On bright, sunny days syringing with a fine 
mist spray is beneficial. Hybrids are usually of much easier culture 
than many of the species and the flowers are superior. 
CYPRIPEDIUM 
(Intermediate) 
Cypripediums should be kept moist at all seasons, with 
the exception of the newly repotted plants, which should be kept 
somewhat on the dry side. They should not be dried out between 
waterings to the extent of the Cattleya genus. They require a moist 
atmosphere, and should be shaded from the direct rays of the sun 
at all times. Extremely weak applications of liquid cow manure 
are beneficial during September and October. 
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