1885.J 



AND HORTICULTURIST. 



5 



only on decaying bark. If the tree grows so 

 rapidly as to throw off the decaying bark lichens 

 will not trouble them much; hence manure or 

 rich soil is a great help to keep down this nuisance. 



Where the lichen has gained a foothold, such 

 washes as suggested will be effective, and without 

 injury to the tree. Indeed the trees will be bene- 

 fitted by the apphcation. — Ed. G. M.] 



The Victoria Lily at New Orleans.— Dr. 

 Richardson says : "The statement in the last Gar- 

 dener's Monthly that Victoria regia was suc- 

 cessfully grown last season in my garden pond, 

 without artificial heat, is strictly true; but the flow- 



ers were twice as large as mentioned, the largest 

 having measured twelve inches in diameter. The 

 plant was transferred from the stove early in 

 June. The largest leaves were nearly six feet in 

 diameter. I may add, that no agitation of the 

 water was employed except that produced every 

 day or two by the current from the hydrant. I 

 am convinced, however, that the plant would have 

 done better if the water had been kept at one even 

 temperature by stirring it frequently from the bot- 

 tom where it was always several degrees cooler 

 than at the surface. I am indebted to Mr. Sturte- 

 vant, of Bordentown, New Jersey, for the seed." 



Greenhouse and House Gardening^ 



COMMUNICATIONS. 



VANDA CCERULEA. 



BY J. MURCHIE. 



This fine plant has been in flower with me since 

 the last week in September until now (Nov. 12th), 

 and as I see some of your correspondents are in- 

 terested in Orchids, I send you a few notes on its 

 culture. The plant is very beautiful of itself. It 

 is evergreen, with graceful pendant dark green 

 leaves, lighter beneath, and from eight to ten 

 inches long. The flowers are large, four inches 

 across ; pale blue in the sepals and petals ; the lip 

 small and much deeper in color. The flower stem 

 is either erect or slightly pendant, and bears gene- 

 rally from eight to twelve flowers. This plant, 

 like many others, is best cultivated in baskets, 

 especially by those just beginning the cultivation 

 of Orchids. It makes a splendid pot plant, but in 

 this case requires more care and is much more 

 liable to injury from over-watering. In filling the 

 baskets the material recommended for nearly all 

 other Orchids is used — Sphagnum moss, broken 

 charcoal or crocks, with a few pieces of turfy 

 peat, if obtainable, added. When grown in pots 

 care is necessary to have the drainage perfect. 

 The same material should be used in potting, but 

 should not be packed nearly so firm in the pots 

 as in the baskets, so that water will pass right 

 through, no matter how much is given. It should 

 be kept moist at all times of the year, but requires 



much less water in the winter season ; only enough 

 to prevent anything like shriveling should be 

 given from November to March. When it begins 

 to grow water should be increased. In June, July 

 and August it should have a good syringe every 

 day, or even twice a day. Success in growing 

 Orchids depends more on moisture and tempera- 

 ture than on the material in which they are grow- 

 mg. Sudden changes of temperature have more 

 to do with failure in their cultivation than any- 

 thing else, and therefore should be carefully 

 avoided. V. coerulea will winter well in a night 

 temperature of 50° to 55°. This is the season of 

 rest, and when water is given it should only be 

 applied to the roots. When unduly excited by 

 moisture and heat, it will grow all winter. This 

 should be avoided, if possible, especially where 

 the plants are grown as mine are, with a mixed 

 collection of other plants. The flower stem makes 

 its appearance after growth is completed. When 

 the flowers begin to fade is the time to begin the 

 resting season, by withholding water. It produces 

 its flowers very freely, and amply repays good 

 care. It is a native of Northern India. 



Sharon, Pa. 



BEGONIA METALLICA. 



BY MANSFIELD MILTON. 



The large bronze colored leaves of this com- 

 paratively new Begonia are quite distinct from any 

 other variety. The habit of the plant is robust. 



