probably the case with others of the so-called new varieties, it has originated by 
intercrossing with some allied species, which may have been growing near to it, and 
has been flowering at the same time. We hope shortly to give “an fTfastnatiah of the 
original or typical form of O. Alexandre. 
The best material in which to grow the Odontoglots is fibrous peat; they must 
have good drainage because they want plenty of water during the growing season 
in fact the material should always be kept moist. The plants must never be over- 
potted, but just sufficient root room must be permitted them to secure healthy 
progression ; over-potting, indeed, often becomes dangerous. We find that live 
sphagnum moss placed on the top of the peat is a great help in their cultivation, as 
it holds water, and there is always some degree of moisture arising from it; moreover, 
when it is kept in a healthy growing state it has a very neat and pleasing 
appearance. 
OpontoGLossuMs AT TRENTHAM.—The régime adopted at Trentham for growing 
Cool Orchids, such as Odontoglots, is to’ give them water most profusely, the cold 
rain-water which falls from the roof being used summer and winter, and to allow 
fresh air to circulate freely amongst them at all times, night and day, except in 
very severe weather. The natural water at Trentham, as does any other water 
containing lime, will, after a time, kill the Sphagnum used for potting purposes, and 
this is most inimical to the plants, which never thrive so well as when the Sphagnum 
keeps fresh and in a growing state. In respect to the Sphagnum Moss used for Orchid 
growing, it does not appear to be generally known that amongst the different 
species the best for potting Odontoglots and similar plants is a dense-growing 
compact kind, whose very compactness gives it a sponge-like consistency, and enables 
it to suck up and retain water freely. This is what the Odontoglots like—T. M. 
OpontToGLossuM Roxrzitu.—A fine example of this showy Orchid has reached us 
from D. Todd, Esq., Eastwood Park, near Glasgow. The spike was a particularly fine 
one, bearing well-developed flowers, of which the sepals and petals were white, the 
lower part of the latter being of a dark magenta, and the lip white, coloured with lines 
of crimson on the disk. Mr. Todd grows these plants remarkably well, and deserves 
great credit for his felicitous treatment of them, as few persons are so suecessful in 
their cultivation. There is a very good collection of Orchids forming at this place, 
Mr. Todd being an admirer of good kinds. At the Glasgow exhibitions his fine- 
collection forms one of the greatest attractions of the show.—B. 8S. W. 
