January, 1913-] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 19 
THE AMATEUR’S COLLECTION. 
By C. A-twyn Harrison, F.R.H.S. 
UNDER the above heading it is my intention to describe, month by month, 
the various cultural details which should be performed by an amateur who 
possesses a small heated house, which it is purposed to devote to the 
fascinating hobby of Orchid growing. The misleading and erroneous idea 
that Orchids cannot be cultivated except in specially constructed and 
elaborate houses is gradually losing ground, and it is a well-proved fact that 
certain Orchids can be grown successfully in almost any shaped house, 
which may be situated in any locality, and that their culture is attended 
with far less trouble than that required by many so-called greenhouse 
plants. 
When once the decision to begin Orchid culture is made, the amateur 
will, doubtless, ask himself the question: ‘‘ Is my house suitable, or what 
would it cost to erect one?” Taking the latter part first, a suitable house 
in which to begin Orchid growing could be erected for £15. Brick sides 
are not imperative, but heating by fire heat and the hot-water pipe system 
is essential. 
Few modifications are necessary in existing houses, always providing 
the heating arrangements are correct. The main point to be observed is to 
have zinc trays made to cover the staging. Fill these with moss, and the 
atmosphere will never feel dry or stuffy. These trays should be as wide as 
the staging, but do not have them more than two feet in length, otherwise 
they lose their shape, and will not lie flat. Two shelves (in a span-roofed 
house) should be made and suspended about one foot below the eaves. If 
possible have the bottom ventilators on a level with the pipes, so that the 
air may be warmed before it comes into contact with the plants. From 
the above remarks it will be seen that the requirements of an amateur’s 
smal] Orchid house are simple and few. 
A suitable house being available, the question next arises as to what 
species and hybrids should be grown. Here I would administer a word of 
caution to beginners. Do not attempt to cultivate an endless variety of 
species and genera, a far greater measure of success will be obtained by 
cultivating only a few genera and species which require identical treat- 
ment. I would advise the many species and hybrids of Odontoglossum, 
the cool section of Oncidium, Cymbidiums, and cool species and hybrid 
Cypripediums. In arranging the plants leave room for a free circulation of 
air around each plant, and stand it either on an inverted pot or Orchid pan, 
according to its size or height. 
OpDonToGLossuMs.— Throughout this month the various representatives 
of this genus will be in various stages of growth. A few O. crispum, hybrids, 
