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THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA. 



part of aiding it to fruition, and a small part at that. 

 How often are we thrown into deepest thought and 

 even confusion as to what to do with an obstinate 

 problem in plant culture, while the conditions which 

 are under control of nature, its sunshine, moisture, and 

 soil food, is ready to do the part it always does. Good 

 results through a certain care and practice is applied 

 with e.xtreme vigilance in order not to fall short of the 

 same good results, but to do as well, or better. This 

 keen and constant observance of the plantsman, 

 whether florist, nurseryman or gardener, is conducive 

 of the great advance of the three named professions. 



Through affiliation and godd-fellowship, we have 

 learned that the more we help our brother craftsman, 

 the greater good reflects upon us and our gain is 

 therefore commensurate. The gardener is under a 

 greater maze of problems than any other of the named 

 professions, viz. : that he is often asked to produce the 

 best results with plants out of their required element, 

 and he tries it. The chameleon is able to change color 

 and conform to that of any plant upon which it may 

 lodge, but when "Sandy" puts it upon his checkered 

 kilt, the poor thing bursts in its efifort to turn its col- 

 ors, and so with the gardener who is up against the 

 problem of trying to grow show plants under condi- 

 tions which baffie his intellect, and he is almost ready 

 to burst with confusion as to what is best to do. The 

 layman wonders why the gardener (who is supposed 

 to know plant life and its needs) cannot make everv 

 plant do well under any condition. The fundamental 

 law of nature and its claims will assert itself always 

 and we must conform to it. If there should be some 

 wonderful results achieved by our fellow gardeners 

 over this land, I feel sure that it will be voiced through 

 the mediums which are sure to reach the eyes or ears 

 of their craftsmen. One cannot imagine for what 

 other purpose affiliation could stand, than for the 

 emulation of our profession. It is within the scope 

 and ability of the gardener to promote horticulture in 

 a greater degree than any other branch. His associa- 

 tion with his employer gives him an opportunity to 

 inculcate greater taste and more lavish expenditure on 

 their estates. This co-operation depends often on the 

 integrity of the efficient gardener, whose untiring 

 energy and interest is centered in conforming to the 

 wishes of those he serves. May the National Asso- 

 ciation of Gardeners adopt the principle of infusing 

 higher ideals into its members and to secure the affilia- 

 tion of all gardeners who hold responsible positions 

 throughout this great land. It is well worth the efifort 

 of every gardener to aspire and to make himself in- 

 dispensable in the service he renders. The American 

 estates have already'received the high praise they de- 

 serve, and the gardener who is influential is promoting 

 amelioration in his profession, and the extension of 

 horticulture is sure to be brought into the lime- 

 light and the knowledge of the craft. 



It should be possible within a short time, that the 

 National Association of Gardeners- should have knowl- 

 edge of every capable gardener, so that our many and 

 beautiful estates should not be in the hands of men in- 

 capable for the task, but s^ich as are fully equipped to 

 conduct the work properly and to enhance and beautifv 

 to the entire satisfaction of their employer. This ulti- 

 mately will lead to educating the rising generation, 

 which will devote time and means to beautifying their 

 homes. The gardeners have a part in this work, and 



I wish them Godspeed in this laudalile profession. 



DENDROBIUM WARDIANUM GIGANTEUM. 



Bv Thos. F. Eastwood, Auburn, N. Y. 



This is a fine Orchid in every way ; its flowering sea- 

 son extends from December to April, when choice flowers 

 are none too plentiful. The blooms are lasting, the cost 

 of imported plants is reasonably low, and one wonders 

 that it is not more generally grown. It comes from As- 

 sam, Burmah and Indo-China. The flowers are large, 

 white, each segment tipped with amethyst-purple an-d 

 the broad lip similarly colored, but with a broad, yellow, 

 maroon-blotched base. 



The photo of the specimen shown was taken the third 

 year after iniportation, the first year it carried forty 



International Flower Show, April 5-12, 1913, Grand 

 Central Palace, New York City. 



DENDROBIUM WARDIANUM GIGANTEUM. 



flowers, the second eighty-two, and the third one hun- 

 dred and seventy-four. 



This Dendrobium is one of the least difficult to grow. 

 As is only natural, suitable atmospheric conditions is the 

 chief factor in the successful growing of all epiphytes, 

 directly after flowering growth commences. Aim to ob- 

 tain good growths by giving light shade, humidity and a 

 temperature of 65 degrees, rising to 80 or even 90 on 

 bright days. 



When growth is finished, remove to cooler quarters, 

 with a minimum temperature of 50 degrees, give plenty' 

 of air and only sufficient water to keep the growths from 

 shriveling, until the flower nodes begin to swell, when 

 a slightly warmer teinperature and a few light spray- 

 ings will help to develop the blooms. 



Whether grown in wood baskets or pots, avoid using 

 too large a receptacle, use orchid peat or fetn root as a 

 compost, pot firmly and keep the plants in a light posi- 

 tion alwavs. 



