The Garden Under Glass

86 THE GARDEN UNDER GLASS possible to pot too firmly. Cypripediums do not need repotting every year. Once in two years will be quite sufficient, or better still, do half each year. It is very easy to jumble the roots up together, which should, of course, be avoided, the soil being shaken and worked in between the roots and made firm with a blunt stick. When well established, feeding with liquid manure is advised but not to such an extent as in the case of calanthes. If large plants are required they may be potted on until they reach the xo-inch size, in which they should pro vide a multitude of biooms. These will need to be staked out with the tips of bamboo canes or with lengths of stiff wire. A temperature of 55° to 6o° will suit them throughout the year, and they will bear syringing except when in flower. After flowering, which will last quite a long while, the plants will benefit from a rest. This may be given by cutting off all withered biooms, giving less water and putting the plants in a slightly cooler temperature. They are plants which when well established will withstand a considerable amount of hardship. Other kinds which might figure in a modest collection are : Barbatum, Charlesworthii, Callosum, Spicerianum, all of which are easy to grow. Cattleya Labiata This is a very showy orchid when in flower, but by no means beautiful in growth. Like most other orchids, they are propagated by division, any piece bearing buds and roots growing if given proper attention. With this dass of orchid no loam is needed in the potting soil, the bulk of the compost being fibrous peat freed from dust, and sphagnum moss. Peat suitable for orchids can