308 ‘THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
achieved better results, that extended over a considerably long period of 
time. % 
‘But are these two species even now so universally well grown as to 
lead ‘one to say there is nothing more to be learnt? It would certainly 
seem to me there is yet something that cultivators may learn ; but the ors 
of the matter is, what is that particular treatment which is so essential to 
the continued well-being and constant improvement of these plants? I 
venture to say that most growers can remember good collections that ‘have 
come under their observation, or fine housefuls of which they have had 
charge, but when dispersed what has become of them? or ifa collection 
has remained intact, do the original plants still exist ? Whether it is the 
houses in which the plants grow (and these vary enough in many gardens), 
or the special kind of treatment afforded the plants, there would still be the 
lack of a certain method of treatment whereby uniformly good growth and 
vigour can be assured. a 
‘It is certainly worth while inviting an expression of opinion from some 
of the leading Orchid-cultivators of the country which might throw light on 
this matter, especially as to the aspect of houses, whether span-roof, lean- 
to, or half-span, the kind of staging, or bed on which to place the plants, 
dealing also with moisture, shading, syringing, and all other essential 
points. The subject of earth versus stone or tile-floors: of open rain-water 
and water-tanks. In the interest of the thousands of: plants of Odonto- 
glossums now passing into the hands of many who have not as yet hat 
much expérience with these lovely plants, ‘some such expression would, I 
venture to say, be most acceptable, and likewise be of assistance to the 
older practitioners, enabling them to decide if the term degeneration is the 
correct one to apply, or whether it be not natural decay that is brought 
about by unnatural treatment.” ord! PaaGe ks 
These are pertinent questions, and a more recent. discussion suggests 
the query whether we really understand what we are pleased to term“ the 
requirements” of the plant. Mr. W. H. Young, of Clare Lawn, East 
Sheen, the other day remarked :-—“ In comparison with the number of 
growers of this popular species, those who attain satisfactory success are 
exceedingly few. A- mistake frequently made by cultivators is that of 
treating the plants rather as if they were aquatics than plants which grow 
naturally on trees more or less bare. Complaints have been frequent this 
season that Odontoglossums have shrivelled greatly, owing to the unusually 
hot weather, and in attempting to remedy this, many growers have given 
the plants too much water and shade, which, I believe, has more often than 
not defeated the end in view. An excess of moisture in the pseudobulbs 15° 
decidedly disadvantageous to the plants, but a little shrivelling is more 
blessing in disguise than an injury. Now that cooler conditions’ prevail, 
