306 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [OctopErR, 1923. 
to be discovered, and well represented by numerous plants in flower at the 
time these notes were made. In other houses there are many specimens of 
the fine old Orchids, such, for example, as Stanhopeas, which have not as 
yet been taken seriously in hand by the hybridist, Trichopilias, many 
Sobralia species and hybrids, various forms of Phaius, and a representative 
selection of the more showy Maxillarias. 
Passing through another house, the visitor meets with countless 
botanical species, many of which are fast becoming rare, for no importations 
are now received. Some are immense plants growing in wide pans, while 
others are in small pots and baskets suspended from the roof. To those 
who are fond of this class of plant there are endless attractions, for the 
more the minute flowers are examined so much the more is their wonderful 
construction admired. 
Large as this establisment is, there is still need for more houses to 
accommodate the many new seedlings. With customers in all parts of the 
world, it is necessary to cultivate for them a very wide range of plants, in 
order that only those likely to prosper in the various climates may be sent 
out. An important point always remembered by this firm is that a plant 
should possess a strong constitution, for no matter how fine the flower may 
be, the new owner will not long be satisfied with his purchase if he fails to 
cultivate it successfully. With the extensive experiments that are 
continually been carried on, there are oftentimes some very promising 
results, yet the plants themselves remain difficult subjects to cultivate. 
Further work is being carried on with these, as it is hoped that future 
crossings with stronger growing kinds may ultimately yield a robust 
constitution as well as an attractive flower. 
Anyone desirous of seeing a model place will feel well rewarded, for the 
construction of the houses, the methods of shading, the extensive sheds for 
packing plants and preparing them for exhibition, as well as the large boiler 
houses and heating apparatus are all arranged on modern methods, while 
electric current for lighting the whole place is produced on the premises. 
In January last the business was turned into a private limited company, 
when several members of the staff became shareholders. Mr. H. H. Smith, 
who has been connected with the firm for nearly thirty years, and managet 
since Ig0I, continues, as managing director, to uphold the high position 
that the firm has attained by its progressive policy. The Continental 
branch in Brussels is still maintained, notwithstanding the adverse circum- 
stances brought about by the rates of foreign exchanges, which prevent 
clients from securing many of the choice Orchids produced in England. 
But with the world’s trade generally in a more ‘prosperous condition, 
Messrs. Charlesworth are confident that there will be a ‘bigger boom in 
Orchids than was ever experienced before. 
