Sao ORCHIDS. 
Odontoglossums being in many respects among the most 
desirable of Orchids, we have included here the majority 
of the kinds known. Many of the species—such, for 
instance, as O. crispum—are exceedingly varied in floral 
characters, and whilst some of the best-marked forms are 
considered by certain authors to be distinct enough to rank 
as species, others class them as varieties only. In this 
matter it is proposed here to follow, as near as is convenient, 
the nomenclature of Professor Reichenbach. 
Culture-——As in the early days of Orchid-culture in 
this country it was considered necessary to treat all exotic 
Orchids as stove plants, it is not surprising that Odonto- 
glossums failed for some time to become established in 
our collections. All this, however, has been long since 
changed, and now all, or very nearly all, known Odonto- 
glossums are placed along with ‘cool Orchids.” Some of 
our leading Orchid-growers have put many of the species to 
the test of open-air culture, and the plants have withstood, 
uninjured, several degrees of frost. Although it is not in- 
tended to advocate the open-air culture of exotic Orchids, it 
is necessary that readers should distinctly understand that 
the genus Odontoglossum is purely alpine, no single species 
having hitherto been found low down the mountains, or in 
hot regions. The plants will not exist long in a healthy 
condition if kept in hot, close houses: this should be suffi- 
cient to recommend them to all amateur horticulturists. 
They enjoy a cool, moist atmosphere all the year round, 
and, unlike the majority of Orchids, do not, except in a 
few isolated instances, require a dry season ; indeed, 
many of them grow freely during the winter months, and 
these must never be allowed to get dry. For their culti- 
vation, we prefer a house running from north to south. In 
bright weather shading is essential, especially during the 
summer; but in winter, during very severe weather, no 
