118 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [APRIL, 1913. 
well-grown plants of Bradshawiz, Charlesworthii, grata, Lutetia, and 
Vuylstekez. 
- Oncidium tigrinum, with a spike of forty-seven blooms, is a very 
conspicuous object, whilst Miltonia cuneata is carrying five flower spikes, 
and a healthy pod of Miltonia spectabilis crossed with Oncidium is 
approaching ripeness. Two pods of Oncidium maculatum crossed with 
Odontoglossum Vuylstekez are swelling well. Several other Oncidiums, 
with Epidendrums and Calanthes, are in bloom, whilst a large collection of 
‘Cattleyas and their hybrids are growing well, and emitting plenty of roots. 
-One plant calls for special mention ; it is Cattleya citrina, with seven perfect 
leads. Should they all flower the plant will prove a splendid attraction. 
From the above short notes it will be seen that a very varied collection 
is possessed, and Mr. Daws must be congratulated on the remarkable 
health and vigour of all the Orchids. C. ALwyn HARRISON. 
THE AMATEUR’S COLLECTION. 
By C. ALwyn Harrison, F.R.H.S. 
Now that the sun is gaining in power, and that warmer weather is 
experienced, more shading and an increased amount of ventilation will be 
needed. The blind should be lowered as soon as the rays of the sun fall 
directly on the roof glass, and it should be left down until all fear of the 
plants being scorched is removed. Personally, for the purpose of shading, 
T prefer a blind made of scrim or tiffany to one of wood laths, as a more 
even shade is afforded by the use of the former. 
Air can now usually be admitted through the top as well as the bottom 
ventilators, and from now to the close of autumn the house should always 
have a free current of air passing through, and on warm nights a little 
ventilation may now be safely given. The following is a sure test as to 
whether the atmosphere of the house is sufficiently ventilated for the well- 
being of the inmates. On entering, does it feel conducive to a lengthy 
stay or is it such that one feels stifled? If the latter, then it is at once 
apparent that there is too little ventilation. 
The following figures may serve as a rough guide to the temperatures 
required this month : 
By day, 55°-65° Fahr. 
At night, 50°-60° Fahr. 
Providing that an average of 55° Fahr. can be maintained at night without 
perforce closing the house unduly early in the afternoon to retain the heat, 
a fire is no longer necessary. 
Plants will require watering more or less as advised last month, but 
much has to be left to the good judgment of the grower, for climatic 
conditions vary in different parts of the country, and moreover Orchid 
