242 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [AUGUST, 1913- 
THE AMATEUR’S COLLECTION. 
By C. ALwyn Harrison, F.R.H.S. 
THIS.month every care must be given to keeping the temperature as near 
to 65° Fahr. as possible, and this can only be achieved by judicious 
damping, ventilating, and by lowering the blinds often as early as 9.30 
a.m., and keeping them down until well after five in the afternoon. Look 
over all the plants daily, and to all that need it give a thorough soaking. 
Personally I prefer giving water at this time of the year in the evening, 
being content to rely on damping in the morning to afford the necessary 
moisture. : 
This is essentially the growing season, and not much is in flower in the 
Cool house, which, perhaps, is fortunate, as Odontoglossums, especially if 
in bloom during this month, never possess the long lasting qualities which 
are such a pleasing feature with the winter and early spring blooming 
species and hybrids. 
Should the permanent shading of flour and water, which was applied 
to the roof glass in May, be showing any signs of wearing off, it will be 
found advisable to apply another coating, and all danger of plants being 
scorched by the sun will be removed. This liquid shading is indispensable 
to a Cool Orchid house, for whilst preventing the sun from entering the 
house it does not exclude any light, whereas excessive use of the roller 
blind tends to create too gloomy surroundings, and causes the plants to 
become weak and spindly. Watch carefully for all manner of insect pests, 
thrips and slugs being the most troublesome at this season. 
Odontoglossum grande is now becoming well advanced in completing its 
new growths, and a little shade from eleven till three o’clock will probably 
be needed. A brown scale often attacks this species on the underside o 
the leaves. This must be looked for at frequent intervals. It comes away 
readily if gently scraped with a sharp knife, and should be immediately burnt. 
Although at present somewhat prohibitive in price, some of the earlier- 
raised Odontiodas afford a magnificent display in a Cool house, and when 
one realises that it is only a few years since the first one made its 
appearance, it is astounding the number of primary and secondary hybrids 
which are now in cultivation. Fora selection of the best and cheapest I 
would recommend O. Bohnhofiz, Bradshawiz, Cooksoniz, ignea, loochrist- 
iensis, rosefeldiensis, Thwaitesiz, and Vuylstekez. These require very 
similar cultivation to the Odontoglossum hybrids, with,’ perhaps, a trifle 
warmer temperature in the winter. Keep them slightly drier at the roots 
for a few weeks after flowering, but it should be remembered that these, 
and, in fact, all hybrid Orchids, do not need and do not take advantage of 
such a period of rest as is enjoyed by the species. 
