FEBRUARY, I912.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 35 
the side lobes are much prolonged and form channels to carry the slender 
caudicles of the pollinia; a large disc with two cartilaginous arms in 
Disperis; while in the male flower of Catasetum it has developed two 
sensitive antennz, to announce the arrival of an instinct, and cause the 
expulsion of the pollinia at the right moment—a female organ assumiug a 
special function in a male flower. Could specialisation much further go ? 
The rostellum is a good example of a_ successful, because useful, 
adaptation, but it is only one of a series. Take away the adaptations from 
an epiphytic Orchid, and there is nothing left. And species are adaptation. 
Prana rr otic 
CULTURE OF CATTLEYA WARSCEWICZIIL. 
REFERRING to the question of the successful treatment of this lovely species 
{vol. xix. pp. 271, 325), I should like to relate my successful experience. 
Having under my charge a good many of the shy-flowering type, I tried 
every known method, without being able to produce flowers, so determined 
to try a perfectly new and different treatment. To prevent the plants from 
being watered or sprayed by other hands, I selected some of the strongest 
and most vigorous plants, which are said to be the shyest-flowering type, 
and put them into my seedling house. The plants had not flowered before, 
even in their home, and were at rest. The seedling house is shaded by 
tiffany blinds as long as the sun is shining, from early morning until the sun 
goes down. The temperature ranges between 73° F.at night to 78° F. by 
day, and considerably more with sun heat. In this house, of course, very 
little ventilation is given, and the air is completely charged with moisture. 
I kept the plants on the dry side, spraying the leaves, bulbs and surface of 
the compost very lightly three to five times a day, according to the weather. 
I carried on this treatment until the new growths were four inches long, and 
then began to water the compost, affording more water as the growths 
developed. After this treatment the result was marvellous, and each new 
bulb produced two to five flowers. I have repeated this method with equal 
success, with new importations as well. As a rule, it will not be necessary 
to grow the plants so shady. In my opinion, the most important thing is to 
keep the plants dry until the new growth is about four inches long, but 
prevent shrivelling by spraying frequently. It is a canon in horticulture 
that vigorous growing plants are not so free in producing flowers and fruits 
as starved ones, and working on this starving principle is the reason of my 
success. 
Importers and collectors say that the shy-flowering type grows under 
trees, near or on the ground, mostly in a shady position, and most growers 
believe this to be the cause of failure. They therefore grow them in full 
sun, and I am sure in most cases without producing flowers. I have seen 
