10 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JANUARY, T1915- 
his information will be reliable. I cannot help thinking that the connec- 
tion with D. taurinum must be remote, for the colour, and I think the lip, 
as well as the bulbs, are distinct from the D. taurinum for which I received 
an Award of Merit. It is also far more difficult to grow, for while taurinum 
nearly always flowers within a reasonable time after being imported, D. 
Tofftii had been in my houses for years before we could get it to flower. 
This may not prove very much, but I think the facts set out are sufficient 
to show that the two Dendrobiums are distinct species. I cannot offer any 
opinion as to whether the plant exhibited is identical with the one described 
by Mr. Bailey, though it seems to be known in Queensland as D. Tofftii. 
The bulbs are not nearly so long as described, though it may well be that 
under favourable circumstances they might attain the same length.” 
We thank Sir Jeremiah Colman for the opportunity of figuring this 
interesting Orchid, which shows what may be expected when his own plant 
attains its full development. The inflorescence shows about 24 flowers, 
and is represented under three-fourths natural size. We hope for further 
information to clear up the doubtful point. R.A.R. 
= 
HE dull winter months afford little opportunity for the amateur to 
enjoy and cultivate the outdoor garden to any great extent, but where 
a greenhouse is possessed, and devoted to easily grown Orchids, there 
is never any lack of enjoyment, for by careful selection, flowers may be had 
in full beauty throughout the cold and chilly weather. 
Cypripediums are undoubtedly the Orchids far excellence far an 
amateur, for besides being free flowering, they are easily grown, and their 
handsome slipper-like flowers last many weeks in full beauty. At the 
present time, be careful only to give them sufficient water to keep the soil 
damp, and any which are in bud should be placed in a good light, and their 
scapes neatly tied to sticks. Be careful never to let any drip from the roof 
fall on to their blossoms, or they will speedily rot. Some of the earlier 
ones will now be passing out of bloom, and may be re-potted if they need 
it. Remove the plant carefully from the old pot, shake off the old soil, and 
wash the roots in tepid rain water. Then examine the plant, and cut away 
any dead roots, flower stems and decayed leaves, and sponge the remaining 
leaves. Filla fresh pot two-thirds full of clean broken crocks, and on these 
set the plant, filling up to within half an inch of the rim with soil. Pot 
firmly, and keep the base of the leafy growths just below the rim of the pot. 
From experience, I prefer for compost a good mixture of loam, broken 
crocks, mortar rubble and clean chopped sphagnum moss, using it in a 
THE AMATEUR’S COLLECTION. 
By C. ALWYN HARKISON. 
