Se 
Marcu, 1913-] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 75 
Many hybrids of doubtful or unrecorded parentage are submitted to us 
for determination, and one can only deal with them as if they were natural 
hybrids, without the advantage of knowing that they must have come from 
a limited number of species that happen to grow together. It is rapidly 
becoming impossible to state the origin of these complex plants by 
examination of their characters, and we. can only urge once more the 
importance of keeping accurate records. 
—__—+>0<-— — 
GROWING SPHAGNUM MOSS. 
Av Orchid growers are aware of the value of live sphagnum moss for its 
great assistance in promoting the healthy growth and development of the 
plants, for without doubt, this moss, when it. is alive and in healthy ~ 
condition, is the ingredient in the potting compost, from which an Orchid 
derives much nourishment. I was much interested when looking over the 
collection of Orchids formed by T. Daws, Esq., J.P., of Ewhurst, Sussex, 
to note the way in which the sphagnum grows on the benches and on the 
pots of his Orchids. He attributes this chiefly to his being able to 
replenish it when required from a living bed of sphagnum. Mr. Daws 
hunted the many woods in this district for sphagnum moss several years 
ago without result, when at length he came to a large pool of water by the 
side of a wood, in the centre of which a very small quantity was growing. 
The place seemed ideal for its cultivation, so, with the help of one of his 
men, a ditch was dug to let out the surplus water, and when this had 
lowered itself, a large bed of decomposed debris, like a large island, was 
revealed, with clumps of willow and birch growing in it. Asa result of the 
draining the sphagnum increased from the original .small amount, which 
was only enough to fill a hat, at such a rate that now an area of some 
twenty yards long by seven yards wide is completely covered with thick 
short growing moss. He has thus, at some short distance from his house, a 
constant supply of nice compact growing heads of living sphagnum. It is 
obvious that sphagnum moss which can be procured so fresh must possess 
far better qualities than that sent out for sale after having been kept in 
sacks for at least several weeks, and is especially useful for top dressing. 
Where Orchid growers have a shallow depression which will hold water, it 
is quite easy to grow one’s own sphagnum. It does not require running 
water, but likes to have it standing at an even height, if possible a few 
inches below the level of some willow clumps, around which it will grow in 
the greatest profusion. It seems to like shade, direct sunshine on it during 
the summer months turning it yellow, but providing water is kept round it not 
much harm will be done. The planting of a new bed in the first instance 
is by no means difficult, and if a genial autumn follows an astonishing 
amount of growth is quickly made. C. ALWyNn HarRIson. 
