January, 1914.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 29 
THE AMATEUR’S COLLECTION. 
By C. ALWYN HARRISON. 
HE last few years has led to an increasing interest being taken by 
amateurs in the cultivation of Orchids, and many are now beginning 
to form collections and adapting existing houses for their requirements. I 
am convinced that many are deterred from attempting Orchid-growing 
under mistaken ideas that. these plants need great heat and specially 
constructed houses; but endless pleasure and interest can be got from a 
mixed assortment housed in the ordinary greenhouse. 
Where it is intended to utilise a structure already in existence, little 
alterations are necessary, beyond erecting a staging about six inches above 
the one provided, placing slates to retain humidity on the lower one, and 
to have, if possible, the bottom ventilators situated on a level with the hot 
water pipes. Obviously Orchids cannot be grown in a house not provided 
with brick sides nor heated by the hot water pipe system. 
The earth under the staging should be left in a natural condition. I 
am not in favour of a concrete path, and wires should be run along the 
roof of the house, from which many plants can be suspended. In arranging 
the plants leave plenty of space between each, so as to allow of a free 
circulation of air to pass around each, and stand the plants on inverted pots 
or saucers, according to their height. 
As regards the selection of plants, care should be taken only to procure 
species and hybrids which are free in flowering and of easy culture, and to 
attach the utmost importance to procuring such in the best of health and 
vigour. Unhealthy or weakly plants, although cheaper, will never be 
found satisfactory, and the grower possessing such may well give up the 
culture of Orchids in disgust. 
For commencing a collection I would advise the following to be pro- 
cured: Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, Cypripediums, Dendrobiums, Epidendrum 
vitelinum, Lelias, Lzliocattleyas, Odontiodas, with Ccelogyne cristata, 
Lycaste Skinneri, Oncidiums, Renanthera Imschootiana, and Vanda 
coerulea. For the varieties of each the intending cultivator would do well 
to visit a nursery and personally select plants in flower, as a better opinion 
of each can be formed than by mere description. 
Having secured a selection of strong healthy plants, care must be taken 
to give them necessary cultural requirements, which will ensure their 
increasing in size and vigour year by year, and affording a wealth of bloom 
as the season for each one arrives. During this month the following 
average temperatures should be maintained :-— 
Day, 55° to 60° Fahr. Night, 50° to 55° Fahr. 
