Odontoglossum Alexandre Outramii is a splendid variety, compact in growth, 
and handsome when in flower. The bulbs are about three inches in height, with 
leaves ten or twelve inches in length, and of a lively green; the scape proceeds 
from the base of the bulb, growing from eighteen inches to two feet long, and 
having some twelve or thirteen flowers. As the plant gains strength, more 
flowers will be developed; in fact, the raceme may become paniculate. The sepals 
are white, flushed with rose colour, and the petals are also white, with two 
or three clusters of chestnut-brown spots and blotches, these forming a charming 
contrast with the lighter-coloured forms of O. Alexandre. It blooms during the 
months of January and February, and continues in perfection for some weeks. 
The forms of Odontoglossum Alexandre vary considerably in their time of flowering, 
which arises from the difference in the time of finishing their growth. So much, indeed, 
do they vary, that we have known, in collections where the species is largely grown, 
some examples in flower throughout the entire season. This renders them 
very valuable, for an Alexandre flower is always acceptable, and to either sex; 
the flowers also withstand the London air as well, or better than many Orchids, 
and it is quite wonderful that a plant whose home is at some 7,000 to 8,000 
feet elevation should thrive so well in such a crowded and dense atmosphere. 
The Odontoglossums require care at the time when their scapes begin to 
become visible, to protect them from the small snails, Helix alliaria and H. purus, 
two species which get imported into the houses in the sphagnum moss, and which 
are always in search of food. The young and delicate spikes appear to have a 
peculiar temptation for them; they must therefore be searched for by day, and also 
in the evening by lamp-light; at this latter time they may be caught prowling 
about seeking what they may devour. A chapter treating upon these, as well as 
the insect pests which infest Orchids and Orchid houses, will be found in the pages 
of the Orchid Growers’ Manual, to which we beg to call our readers’ attention. 
These plants must he kept in a clean and healthy state to be enjoyed; and as 
many of the insect pests injurious to Orchids are imported with them and introduced 
to our houses unwittingly—as in the case of our native snails—all plants should 
be well searched before admission is given them to the Orchid house, for these 
insects soon increase and multiply in the warm atmosphere. 
The Odontoglossum now under consideration requires the same treatment as the 
typical plant; it should be grown in a cool house, and potted in peat fibre and 
living sphagnum moss. The moss should be clean, and well picked, and as the 
soil decays it must be removed. Do not wait for any particular potting season, 
but when the soil shows signs of being spent, it should be at once removed— 
«delays are dangerous.” 
