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number of Odontoglossums of the choicest species, hybrids and 

 varieties ; other large firms variously enumerate their collections 

 at 20 to 60,000 plants, and these estimates are in some cases 

 under the mark. The capital thus sunk in Orchids is enormous, 

 and considering the salesmen, collectors, growers, and various 

 other persons the trade in these plants gives employment to, we 

 begin to perceive that it is one of the most important departments 

 of commercial horticulture of the present time. Yet, when 

 Miller had only a Cypripedium and Bletia to test his skill, and 

 Linnaeus estimated that further explorations might increase the 

 number of known Orchids to about 100, who could have imagined 

 to what an extent Orchid culture would develop ? 



In the foregoing hurried review of the advance made, many 

 noted names have been necessarily omitted, and still more must 

 now be passed, for to mention names alone would occupy far 

 mpre space than can be spared in this small treatise. Glancing 

 around we, however, find that, as it ever has been, there are 

 some who, from their greater enthusiasm or greater wealth, have 

 formed collections of leading importance. Amongst these, a 

 prominent place must be given to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., 

 M.P., President of the Royal Horticultural Society, who, at 

 Burford Lodge, Dorking, has formed a most beautiful and valu- 

 able store of plants. During a number of years every effort has 

 been made to secure the choicest and most handsome Orchids in 

 cultivation, and no expense has been spared to render it the chief 

 collection in the country. Under the practical care of the late 

 Mr. Spyers, the plants became famed throughout Europe, and 

 many an invaluable hint in culture has been gained from that 

 careful orchidist. At Downside, Leatherhead, W. Lee, Esq., has 

 gradually increased his collection, until in extent it is probably 

 unequalled. The plants, too, are in grand health, magnificent 

 houses having been erected for them in recent years, of which 

 the span roof Cattleya house, 100 feet long, is especially remark- 

 able, though others devoted to Odontoglossums are of equal 

 length. Baron Schroder, at The Dell, Egham, has a famous 

 collection, under the charge of Mr. Ballantine, including many 

 rare and valuable hybrids. Mr. R. Warner, at Broomfield, 

 Chelmsford, has of late years devoted his attention more par- 

 ticularly to the " cool house " Orchids, such as O. Alexandras, 

 after proving his powers as an orchidist with Vandas, Cattleyas, 

 and Cypripediums. F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C., Oldfield. Bickley, 

 has for many years taken a prominent interest in Orchids, and 

 has in his five or six houses a choice assortment of the most 

 effective species and varieties, particular favourites being the 

 Cattleyas, Lselias and Phalaenopses. Of the last named, few such 

 fine collections can be seen, and all, under Mr. Reims' careful 

 superintendence, are as healthy as could be wished. At Sydenham, 



