32 THE ORCHID-GROWER'S MANUAL. 



most certain to get fine flowers. Of Cattleyas we have only 

 one which is not worth growing, and that is G. Forbesii, yet 

 that is better than many other Orchids in cultivation ; 

 therefore let many begin to raise hybrids, not only with the 

 view of obtaining finer flowers than we already possess, 

 though that would be a real acquisition, but for the addi- 

 tional purpose of raising sorts that might succeed in cooler 

 houses ; Odontoglossum grande and many others, for in- 

 stance, do better in a cool house than in a warm one ; Cypri- 

 pedium insigne will also thrive well in a greenhouse ; if, 

 therefore, we could cross this with some of the other kinds, 

 such as G. grandiflorum, C. kirsutissimum, C. Lowii, or G. 

 barbatum superbum, something good might be the result. 

 There is also our hardy Cypripedium spectabile, which might 

 be induced to play an important part in the operation. 

 Phajus grandifolius and Wallichii are likewise two noble 

 plants for winter decoration which do well in a warm green- 

 house. Might not these be crossed with albus, which is 

 white, and something new be realised, provided they could 

 be had in flower at the same time ? Moreover Lycaste will do 

 in a cool house, as, for instance, L. Skinneri, which is one of 

 the finest. Many splendid varieties of this are now culti- 

 vated; I saw eight varieties of it the other day. This 

 plant is reported in the " Gardeners' Chronicle " to have 

 been in a room in flower for seven weeks a fact which shows 

 what might be done with these fine plants in a cool house. 

 I have, myself, had this Lycaste all the winter in a green- 

 house, where it flowered in great abundance, as many as 

 from thirty to fifty blossoms being open at one time. I 

 exhibited one plant of it at Regent's Park spring show last 

 year, with as many blossoms on it as I have just mentioned, 

 on which occasion a medal was awarded for its magnificent 

 flowers and colour. We must be particular, however, in 

 keeping the flowers dry when in a cool house, or else they 

 are apt to become spotted. 



