The Garden Under Glass

THE BEST FLOWERING PLANTS 85 plants must be shaded from bright sunshine ; and as they grow they must be spread out so as to be free from over-crowding. Not until the growths show a sign of bulbing should manure-water be given, and then it may be applied with frequency. By this time also the roots will be seen all over the surface and this suggests the need for topdressing, which may be done with soil similar to that in which they were potted. By the middle of August the plants will have made their growths and the flower spikes will begin to appear. At about the same time the leaves will commence to yellow preparatory to dying off. This is a sign for less water, so that by the time the colour is seen in the flower all watering will have been stopped. The plants may then be put more closely together, or even, if necessity demand it, be put on a shelf. After the flowers are cut the pots and bulbs may be set on their side beneath the staging until the time arrives for restarting them. Cypripedium Insigne This is known as a terrestrial orchid, growing in its native habitat on the ground, as distinet from epiphytal orchids, which grow on trees. Any good orchid establishment will supply the reader with some of these cypripediums, insigne being the most common and least expensive. There is a wide range of choice in colour and form, and although they are not so showy as cattleyas, they flower freely and are very attrac-tive.. If they are kept in good growth they can be inereased by division so that a good stock can soon be obtained. The soil should for the most part be iibrous peat and loam, with chopped sphagnum moss, some charcoal and some cow manure. With this mixture it is scarcely