356 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [ DECEMBER, 1912- 
hellemense. The other record was O. crispum Rossendale x O. 
Wilckeanum Alexandre, which would yield a form of O. mirum, and 
there is a certain resemblance to O. luteopurpurem in the shape and 
markings of the lip. As already mentioned, there was originally a little 
uncertainty, but the additional materials have thrown a new light on the 
matter. O. crispum Rossendale received an Award of Merit from the 
R.H.S. in March, 1904, and was described as a white form tinged with 
purple, and having large red-brown blotches on the lower halves of the 
segments (O.R., xii. p. 115). It appears to be one parent of both the above 
hybrids. O. Wilckeanum Alexandre received a First-class Certificate at 
Manchester in the January previous (l.c., p. 54)- 
THE AMATEUR’S COLLECTION. 
By C. ALwyn HArRISON, F.R.H.S. 
Coot House. 
THE main points to be observed in the culture of the inmates of this house 
are to maintain an even temperature and a moist atmosphere. Beyond 
paying strict attention to these points, there is little to be done in the 
Orchid house from now until the beginning of February. The leaves of all 
plants should be frequently washed with clear tepid rain water, and the 
pots occasionally scrubbed, but these matters are only of secondary 
importance, and do not come under the daily routine of Orchid house work. 
If possible, admit fresh air every day, even if the ventilators can only be 
opened for a short time. The thermometer should never descend below 
45° Fahr., unless exceptionally cold weather prevails. Should it fall below 
the prescribed degree, no water must be given to any plant until the correct 
degree of warmth is again reached. 
Keep a sharp look-out for slugs, which are active during the autumn 
months, for many: hybrid Odontoglossums will be in spike. It is doubtful 
whether the hybridist has produced anything more useful and beautiful 
than the winter-flowering Odontoglossum hybrids. Many of these can now 
be procured at reasonable prices, and their value for decorative purposes at 
a time when bloom is scarce can hardly be over-estimated. I should 
strongly advise amateurs to purchase hybrids in which Odontoglossum 
Harryanum is in some way concerned as a parent. This isa very vigorous- 
growing Orchid, and imparts a strong constitution to all its progeny. Some 
of the best hybrids in which this Orchid is either a primary or secondary 
parent are O. amabile, Charlesworthii, Crawshayanum, Leo, Othello, 
Rolfez, spectabile, and Wattianum. 
CATTLEYA House. 
There is likewise little to be done during the present and subsequent 
months in this house, beyond the daily details of watering and heating, 
