There is no question that Mr. Hardy has some of the most admirably grown 
Cattleyas in this country, and that his gardener, Mr. Hill, attends well to all their 
requirements, being aided by the fine well-proportioned Orchid-houses at Pickering 
Lodge, which are of good size, so as to admit abundance of light, and are also so 
constructed that the specimens can be placed near the glass, which is a most necessary 
point towards insuring success in cultivation. The plants thus get plenty of room for 
their development, and have but little shade to keep the burning sun from them. 
They are grown in rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, and they are very carefully 
attended to as to watering, which is most essential, both during the growing season, 
when they require a fair supply, and also in their period of rest, when smaller 
quantities suffice. 
We find that if Cattleyas get their proper treatment, as briefly sketched above, 
they produce more abundantly their large and bDrilliantly-coloured flowers, which, for 
magnificence, cannot be surpassed. Owing to the large importations that are con- 
tinually arrivmg in Europe, the various Cattleyas can now be bought at a 
moderate cost, and are thus brought within the reach of every grower. 
ARRANGEMENT IN ORCHID-HOUSES.—Orchids as well as other plants should be 
nicely arranged; indeed, with these it is most essential, for they require all that 
can be done to give them a good appearance, some of them being rather unsightly 
when not in bloom, as flowers are required to set off the foliage. The plants 
themselves are more valuable when well grown and furnished with good foliage, 
which will be the case when they are well looked after and kept clean. In 
arranging Orchids it should be a constant endeavour to get variety of colour, 80 
that a cheerful and pleasing picture may be maintained. The necessary attention 
must be given at the proper time. When anything requires to be done it must 
not be put off, for delays are dangerous; one is apt to forget, and so an evil 
commences which sometimes cannot be remedied. The whole house of plants may 
not require extra attention at one time, but those must be looked after that do 
require it; for example, when the whole of the plants in a house are dirty It 
will take a long time to cleanse each one separately, and some may become 
spoiled before they can be attended to.—B. 8S. W 
