and petals port-wine colour, and the interior part, as well as the lip and column 
amethyst-purple, the transverse bars being nearly obliterated. All the varieties, 
when well grown, are very charming. Se 
Phalaenopsis Lueddemanmana has been utilised by the hybridist on at least 
one occasion, as it was the pollen-parent of the strikingly handsome form known 
as Phalaenopsis X ohn Seden, the seed-bearer being P. amabilis Biume (not 
of Linpt.), often known in gardens as P. grandiflora Lixo. It is highly probable 
that other forms may soon appear in whose parentage this species has parti- 
cipated, as so decided a success is sure to be followed by other experiments. 
R. A. Ro.re. 
PRACTICAL NOTES. 
Orchid baskets should be made of wood collected during the winter, because 
it is necessary that the wood should be well matured. Young wood is subject 
to mould and to the attacks of insects. 
The wood selected should be rather hard, and not too thin, so as not be 
too quickly penetrated and decayed by the moisture. We generally select maple, 
elm or oak. Pieces of vine-stock serve also to give the baskets a rustic aspect, 
as is much sought after by amateurs. But care should be taken to clean them 
from insects which may lodge there. 
For plain baskets without ornament, pitch-pine is the wood most to be 
recommended. We previously steep them in linseed oil, after which they are 
not so easily permeated by moisture, and consequently last much longer. 
As the bars are much more easily cleaned, we prefer this kind of basket to 
the others, although they are less elegant. Cleanliness is the principal object in 
this matter. There is moreover an essential interest in not being obliged to 
change them too often, which can scarcely be done without more or less injury 
to the roots. 
It is advisable to attach the young stems or shoots of Orchids to a 
support. This precaution is especially useful for the long shoots of Cattleyas, 
Laelias, etc., when near the side of the plant, and liable to be broken, for 
the bulbs or shoots of those species which possess a climbing rhizome, 
as Oncidium imsculptum, O. zebrinum, etc., various species of Zygopetalum, 
Catasetum, Cycnoches, etc., and lastly for plants recently imported and not 
yet well-rooted. 
For tying the growths or bulbs to their support, raffia is preferable to all 
other material. Anything which is liable to injure the tender parts of the plant 
should be carefully avoided. The raffia should first be wound round the 
(To be continued on p. 18.) 
