FEBRUARY, 1922] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 59> 
ORCHIDS AT TUNBRIDGE WELLS. 
By H. A. FARMER. 
T has been my pleasure to spend a few hours at Messrs. Armstrong & 
Brown’s establishment at Tunbridge Wells, where there is always 
something to interest the lover of these fascinating aristocrats of the Orchid 
family, especially the seedlings bearing their first flowers. Although I was 
informed that some hundreds of blooms had been cut and sent away, some 
probably to cheer up the weary invalid, some to adorn the tables and apart- 
ments of more fortunate folk, my expectations were more than realised, 
sufficient evidence remaining to give an idea of the wealth of bloom existing. 
in the early part of the year. 
A rapid glance showed the marked increase in the various genera 
specialized in. One outstanding feature which impressed me much was the 
extraordinary quantity of Odontoglossums and Odontiodas in full spike, in’ 
all their varied forms and colouring, and when one realizes the number of 
plants in flower, one doubts the calendar—Is it mid-winter or the spring ? 
I well remember some years back, we obtained most of the Odontoglossums 
during the spring months, but with the advent of the Odontiodas, a 
contiuous display is assured. This bridging over is, to say the least, a 
wonderful achievement, and all our thanks are due to the hybridists for: 
their success. 
Entering the large Odontoglossum house, one is confronted with a 
glorious display of hybrids, carrying long spikes of bloom. A distinct form: 
of Oda. Bradshawize had a deep cerise edge to the sepals and petals. 
Other Odontiodas varied in shades of orange, to the very deep-coloured: 
forms of Qda. Charlesworthii. Another beauty is Oda. Cupid, dainty 
rose-pink. Very showy too is Oda. Devossiana with long graceful spikes. 
bearing many bright starry flowers. Various Odontoglossum crispums with 
spotless sepals and petals stands out in relief to the rich colouring of the 
above, others varying in spots and blotches right away down, or up, if you. 
like, until the white is obliterated. 
Odontocidium Edwardatum is developing a huge spike, now six feet 
long, and still extending. Of course, the parents are jointly responsible for 
the length of this spike, but when trained carefully it makes a pretty and. 
distinct feature. There are many other interesting plants, but names are 
impossible, otherwise these remarks would merge into a catalogue. What 
there is in store for the future one can conjure up by passing through the 
seedling houses. One special point noted was the increase in breadth, 
depth, substance and colouring of each successive generation bearing its 
first flower. 
The scene on entering the large Cattleya house is most enchanting. A 
