DECEMBER, 1914.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 373 
cultivated in tropical gardens, it forms enormous masses on large trees, 
producing as many as fifty flower-spikes at one time. It was first flowered 
in this country in 1851. The Kew plant was one of the largest that could be 
found in the neighbourhood of Penang. It was originally intended for the 
Chicago Exposition, but, meeting with an accident during the voyage to 
England, it was decided not to send it any further. 
THE AMATEUR’S COLLECTION. 
By C. ALWYN HARRISON. 
E are now right in the midst of winter, and much care and thought is 
needed with the methods of culture. Damping and syringing 
should be performed on much the same lines as advocated last month, and 
air should be admitted whenever the outside conditions are at all favour- 
able. Top ventilation is seldom possible at this season, as it often causes 
the temperature to fall unduly, a thing to be specially avoided. But the 
bottom ventilators can generally be used, for these, being situated on a level 
with the hot water pipes, enable the air to be warmed before it reaches the 
plants. For this and the next month 55° to 60° Fahr. by day and 50° to 
55° by night are usually regarded as the maximum and minimum degrees 
of warmth, and should be adhered to as closely as possible. 
Continue cleaning any plants, and at this dull season it is a good plan 
to begin at one end and go right through the house, cleaning rhizomes, 
sponging leaves and tying up any bulbs which are inclined to grow out of 
place. Any Orchids which are in bud are worthy of additional care, and if 
possible should be suspended near the roof glass, where they will get more 
light, and consequently develop to a fuller extent. But they must not be 
hung too near the roof ventilators, for a considerable amount of chilly night 
air is often found to percolate through, even if these are kept closed, and 
this until warmed is injurious to any young growth. 
Any plants at rest, particularly Cattleyas of the Bowringiana and labiata 
section, together with Odontoglossum grande, should be kept only just 
damp enough to prevent the bulbs from shrivelling. Many Cypripediums, 
Particularly of the insigne section, and such Oncidiums as Forbesii, 
tigrinum, and a few others are now in flower, and should receive a fair 
amount of water. Dendrobiums finishing their growth should be kept now 
almost dry, but any in the Vinery or cooler house showing signs of 
flowering, should be gradually introduced to the warmer house, and water 
Evergreen Dendrobiums, such as 
given in increasin uantity. : 
ry , also D. fimbriatum 
£ hrysotoxum, densiflorum, and thyrsiflorum, 
oculatum, must not: be removed to the Cool house, but are best rested 
at the coolest end of the Warm house and very sparingly watcred. 
