THE ORCHID REVIEW. 357 
ODONTOGLOSSUM CERVANTESII. 
(See FRONTISPIECE). 
THE frontispiece to the present volume represents a good specimen of 
the charming little Odontoglossum Cervantesii, from the collection of 
W. Rickards, Esq., The Priory, Usk, Monmouthshire. The 
photograph was accompanied by the following interesting note :—‘ I 
enclose a photograph of Odontoglossum Cervantesii which may interest 
you, as it is not a species that always grows and flowers so freely as this. 
My Odontoglossums have done wonderfully well this year, in spite of 
the unfavourable weather from May to October; a fact which I attribute 
very largely to the use of the food supply (to avoid the word “ manure,” 
which in my opinion is not a suitable term) recommended by Mr. Norman 
Cookson in your May number (pp. 144, 176). Odontoglossums have always 
done well with me, but I think never so well as this year. I have, for 
instance, one plant of O. crispum bearing a six-branched spike carrying 
37 buds, and another having four spikes on top of the bulb (7, 3, 2, and 
I flower buds) in addition to the normal spike of ro buds at the side of 
the bulb. Both these plants have been four years in my possession, and 
carry leaves on all the four last bulbs.” 
Evidence seems to be accumulating in favour of the method of feeding 
above alluded to, and so simple and apparently effective a method ought to 
Prove of great use to Orchid growers. Certain it is that Orchids can be 
starved just as easily as many other plants, and we have sometimes 
Seen them in this condition, yet there is a strong prejudice in the minds 
of many people against the use of what is termed “‘ manure” in any form. 
What is wanted is a knowledge of the kind of food required, and how 
to supply it, and it can hardly be doubted that the above is a step in 
the right direction. It would be interesting to hear the results of any other 
experiments, The photograph here re-produced represents a very effective 
little specimen, and it is when well grown that the decorative value of 
these plants is best apparent. 
A CURIOUS SEEDLING. 
Ona seed-pod of Cypripedium X Lathamianum fertilised by C. X 
uryandrum in my collection is growing a small seedling, which has already 
four roots. The seed pod is quite green, and the young plant grows from 
the very base of the seed pod. I fancy this seldom occurs? 
Florence. ; 
[This is certainly curious, and unless it is a stray seedling which has 
accidentally lodged there, or a growth from an adventitious bud, it would 
H. J. Ross. 
