286 THE ORCHID REVIEW. »|DecEMBER, 1916. 
happy condition of the plants indicates that the treatment suits them, for 
they make strong growths and give good flower spikes. 
When Mr. Burton desires a holiday he obtains the services of a local 
gardener, who looks in before breakfast and again in the evening, carrying 
out the usual routine according to instructions given. 
Although Mr. Burton’s plants have only been at their new quarters a 
few months, they show signs of beating his efforts when at Blackburn. 
Successes with Cattleyas and hybrids of this section is now assured. At the 
time of my visit he had several showy hybrids out, including a very fine 
Cattleya Venus. In propagation by division he has been most successful, 
and has many duplicates of his good varieties. 
His love of plant life and keenness of observation have no doubt served 
him well, and that he gets considerable pleasure from his hobby goes 
without saying. At the time of my visit he had quite a fine display, 
including a blaze of Oncidium tigrinum, Forbesii, O. macranthum covered 
with flowers on a spike of seven yards length, and many Odontoglossums. 
There are many amateurs in the North, with collections perhaps not as 
large as Mr. Burton’s, but equally keen, and it is a real pleasure to visit 
them. 
Asked to give a few few points, gathered from his experience, that 
might assist beginners, Mr. Burton mentioned the following :— 
Get an idea of the temperature required in the house, and maintain this 
as regularly as possible, studying also the question of ventilation and 
atmospheric moisture. 
Consult one of the trade firms as to which section is likely to suit the 
house, and if ignorant of the different species, allow them to make the 
selection. Plants of nice subjects can be purchased at 2s. 6d., 3s. 6d., 55- 
each. Avoid buying exhausted rubbish, no matter what the price. 
If possible visit an Orchid Nursery, for growers are always willing to 
give information, and one gets the same treatment when spending shillings 
as when later buying more expensive plants. A visit to the Shows is 
instructive, but do nét come away disheartened, but remember that the 
plants shown are the selected plants of thousands. 
Treat the plants as plants, not as delicate subjects that you are afraid to 
water or disturb, and in the case of the cool section watch closely the 
summer months, shading and ventilating freely and keeping the house as 
cool as possible. 
Potting is best done in the autumn or spring, the period when most 
species show signs of root action. As a rule plants will stand for two 
years after potting. Potting materials can be obtained from the growers, 
who are willing to show one how to pot a plant. It needs only a single 
illustration. 
