34 
him, as I have stated many times, that we use no manure, as could easily be 
proved by analysing the compost. An artificial mountain climate, good and 
sweet potting materials, rain-water invariably used for watering, and constant 
attention; such are our secrets as regards the culture of Odontoglossums and 
Masdevallias. It is plain to me that if this same treatment were adopted in 
England — that is to say, that if to Orchids from the high Cordilleras were given 
such a climate as that to which they are by nature accustomed — success in 
cultivating Odontoglossums and Masdevallias would be as complete as with us. 
I have said that the method of cultivating them with excessive heat, insufficient 
ventilation, light and moisture, and on stages covered with coke, which intercept 
the circulation of the air, is prejudicial to plants; I repeat, that I believe these 
to be important matters. If the Gardeners’ Chronicle would give me space, I would 
willingly contribute to it notes on our plan of cultivating Odontoglossum, Masde- 
vallia, Vanda, Cattleya, and other species. 
I could show, perhaps, in these articles that the difference in the climate 
of England and Belgium is of little importance as regards plant-growing under 
glass, and that it is always possible to artificially modify these climates, so as to 
equalise them one with another. Far be it from me to think to thrust my plans 
on English growers. It is even very probable that in England one might grow 
Odontoglossums otherwise than is done in Belgium; but as I consider certain 
Orchids less well treated in England than here, I must say that the system of 
cultivation is badly arranged, that it is wanting in certain points, and that these 
defects should be supplied. I claim that our climate goes for nothing in the end, 
the proof of which is, that, as Mr. Watson himself says, there are many places 
in Belgium, even among our own neighbours, where cultivation is far from 
“ 
perfect. These persons have not yet found the “ something ” wanting. As to 
blooming, it follows necessarily that this must be fine where the vegetation is 
good and the pseudobulbs large and firm. Our visitors are always surprised at the 
size and thickness of the flower-stems of our Odontoglossums, and at the profuse 
blooming of most of our Orchids. Further, as I could explain in my articles, 
preparation for the blooming is given great importance in our system of cultivation. 
Before concluding this rather long note, allow me to reciprocate Mr. Watson’s 
compliments as paid to our establishment by saying, that on my last visit to 
England two months ago, I was struck with the cultural achievements in the 
Royal Gardens, Kew; and let me offer my hearty congratulations to the Director 
and Curators, as well as the managers of the collections of Baron Scuréprr, 
Mr. Measures, and Sir Trevor Lawrence — the only large amateurs’ collections 
I had time to visit — who will receive them as coming from a cosmopolitan 
observer, who can appreciate fine plants wherever found, and is convinced that 
the word “ nationality ” has no importance in horticulture; that there are skilled 
and unskilled men everywhere, that birth-place goes for little in a man’s character, 
and should influence (passzoner) no one. Lucien Linpen, Brussels, Nov. 14, 1893. 
