28 THE FLORIST. 



Odontoglossums were in beautiful condition and quite a mass of flower, 

 a very convincing fact that many of the Orchids will succeed in a 

 cooler house than is generally devoted to their culture. 



In the principal Orchid houses I found everything in splendid order, 

 and vast quantities of very recent importation. I noted some few 

 of the most striking specimens of well-known kinds, such as Dendro- 

 bium Dalhousieanum, D. aggregatum majus, D. albo-sanguineum, 

 D. Devonianum, D. onosmum, D. Pierardi latifolium, &c. ; also 

 quantities of Cattleya in all their varieties, rare and valuable. In 

 the East Indian department are magnificent plants of Aerides, Vandas, 

 Phaloenopsis, Angnecum, Saccolabium, &c. The Pitcher-house was 

 not less interesting, and the plants were in excellent condition. 

 Among the Pitcher-plants we observed an interesting collection of 

 Lycopodiums in great variety ; these, I was informed, were mostly 

 new kinds, the introduction of the Rev. Mr. Ellis. 



Among stove plants I found an endless assortment, the " foliaged 

 plants" particularly fine. Some new plants were pointed out to me ; 

 among these I particularly observed a new Dracaena, from New 

 Zealand, with golden -laced foliage : this plant I believe to be a great 

 acquisition. 1 also noted many new Marantas, and a second variety 

 of Sonerila margaritacea ; this variety had stronger marked leaves, and 

 I ascertained was a more luxuriant grower — it is named splendens. 

 Palms are extensively cultivated in this establishment ; a lofty struc- 

 ture contains some of the most valuable varieties to be met with. For 

 effective display these plants are invaluable, and have a grand appear- 

 ance in lofty conservatories or houses specially devoted to them. 



In the Aquarium I observed many interesting plants; a few things 

 in flower are associated with the occupants of this department, among 

 them some interesting species of Bilbergia, &c. In the hard-wooded 

 departments everything evinces the same high order of cultivation, 

 spirit of improvement, and novelty ; the Camellias were in great variety, 

 healthy, and fine m every respect. I noted many new plants in 

 every department of this establishment, which will come before the 

 public in due course. 



The propagating houses I viewed with much interest. These have 

 been extended, and every improvement adopted which experience has 

 proved to be necessary. 



R. G. F. 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. 



Auriculas. — The old foliage will now continue gradually to deca}', 

 and should be removed as quickly as possible, when once the leaves 

 turn yellow ; care must be taken not to injure the plants whilst so 

 doing. At this season the Auricula has nothing very interesting in its 

 appearance, being almost devoid of foliage. Water sparingly, and do 

 not excite the plants to cause growth before February, at which time 

 water may be given freely. 



Azaleas. — These, when in flower, are beautiful at any season, but 



