spikes of bloom, each flower measuring five inches across. At the time of our 
visit there were many fine plants of this species in bloom, and amongst the 
different varieties was a fine plant of O. vewillarium Cobbianum, O. veaillarium 
albwm, and many other rich-coloured forms, the blooms of which produce a very 
charming effect intermixed with other fine Orchids in which the collection abounds; 
and Mr. Vincent, the gardener, displays excellent taste in contrasting and diver- 
sifying the various colours of his Orchids after having grown them. . 
Odontoglossum vexillarium roseum is a magnificent evergreen variety, resembling 
the typical plant in its small, narrowly oblong, compressed pseudobulbs, which are 
light green in colour; the leaves are elliptic, lanceolate, acuminate, some ten inches 
in length, and upwards of an inch in breadth. The spike is erect, produced from 
the side of the bulb; frequently two, and sometimes three spikes are produced 
together from the same bulb, each bearing from five to seven flowers of large size. 
The flowers are of good subtance, and the colour clear rose. It blooms during the 
months of June and July, and they last in perfection fully four weeks if preserved 
from damp, non-observance of which is the cause of many fine Orchid blooms 
becoming spotted, thus causing premature decay. 
We have frequently pointed out the fact that this species of Odontoglossum 
requires somewhat different treatment from the majority of the other kinds. It is 
free in growth, but requires to be constantly watched in order to prevent the 
thrips gaining a lodgment in the sheathing portion of the leaves, or these insects 
speedily cause the leaves to become spotted and turn black, which by no means 
improves the appearance of the plants. This species will amply repay any extra 
care bestowed upon it, as the stronger the growths the greater amount of blossoms, 
and when the plants are vigorous, they not only produce flowers of larger size 
and deeper colour, but they remain in perfection a greater length of time. Mr. 
Vincent grows them in a temperature slightly lower than is given to the Cattleyas ; 
we grow them on one side of the house in which our Cattleyas and other flowering 
Orchids are arranged. The Odontoglossums are placed on one side by themselves, 
so that as much water as they require can be readily given. These plants should 
be kept moist at the roots at all seasons, as they require little or no rest, and 
should never be allowed to get dry; but, as a matter of course, very much less 
water is necessary during the dull months of winter. This species requires to be 
shaded from the strongest sun in summer; but it should be fairly exposed to the 
light, and therefore succeeds best when grown near the glass. Pot cultivation 
suits it well, if the pots are well drained, and the potting material should be 
good fibrous peat and sphagnum moss. Care must be taken to maintain the soil 
in perfect order, as we find the plants rapidly melt away if any stagnant material 
is left about them. The re-potting should be done immediately after the flowering 
season, which will be just as they begin to make new growth, bearing in mind to 
keep the bulbs well above the soil, 
