THE ORCHID REVIEW. 293 
interest. It is an acknowledged fact that certain Orchids almost invariably 
deteriorate in our European hothouses, but the exact reason why is only 
vaguely understood. Of course we call them bad doers, or blame the 
artificial conditions under which we have to cultivate them, and in any case 
make experiments which as often as not hasten their demise, though 
occasionally the right treatment is hit upon by this means. Messrs. 
Hébert and Truffaut and Dr. Smee have been attacking the question by 
means of chemical analysis, and have told us that Orchids in this 
degenerated condition are deficient in certain elements; which is largely 
due to the exhaustion caused by the production of flowers, without any 
means being taken to compensate the plants for the loss, and they suggest 
that in order to counteract this degeneration, Orchids should receive a 
mixture of suitable manures, containing the wanting elements—a course of 
procedure which at all events seems rational. 
Some of our leading growers, however, deprecate the use of manure, 
at all events for epiphytic Orchids. Mr. Burberry, I notice, at page 262, 
while expressing the wish that Dr. Smee’s labours may be crowned with 
the success which they deserve, exclaims “‘ But I am mistrustful. I receive 
the news with gloomy forebodings, for does it not suggest on attempt at 
manurial aid? If we would keep our plants at their best, let me here 
advise growers to shun manure as they would poison; give it a wide berth 
until Mr. Chemist, who is able to tell us the component parts, also 
demonstrates to us in a practical and successful manner how to re-charge 
the plants with any particular element they may chance to lack. Beware! 
do not use it any form until you know perfectly well what you are doing.” 
This is all very well in the abstract, and no one would select his most 
valuable plants for experimenting upon. But if Mr. Chemist will only tell 
us what ought to be there but is not, Mr. Cultivator might institute a few 
experiments with a view of finding out how to get it there, of course 
selecting some common plants on which to commence operations. On 
looking up the paper to which Mr. Burberry alludes, ‘‘ Orchids abroad and 
at home,” I observe that Mr. Rolfe remarks :—‘‘I believe that some Orchids 
which under cultivation gradually dwindle away are literally starved to 
death. The necessary amount of food is either absent or is supplied in a 
form which they cannot assimilate, either of which must be fatal in the 
end” (supra, p. 107). And this seems to be the root of the matter. It isa 
question not of manure but of food-supply, and it is possible to carry 
homeopathic principles too far. I note with satisfaction that certain 
experiments are being made, and hope the results will be duly recorded. 
ARGUS. 
