PTT BoC ieee To Wey 
VoL. XV.] AUGUST, 1907. [No. 176. 
ORCHIDS AT CHESSINGTON, STREATHAM. 
Four years ago, under the title ‘“‘A Hybridist’s Collection,’ we gave an 
account of the collection of R. G. Thwaites, Esq., of Streatham (O.R. xi. 
Pp- 257-260). Since that time remarkable progress has been made, par- 
ticularly among the Odontoglossums, which have now stepped into the front 
rank. They are present in every stage, from the tiniest globules right up to 
those showing spikes, of which latter we saw at least a dozen. There are 
seven thousand seedlings potted off already, with large quantities in various 
stages of germination, not yet pricked off, and many capsules following on 
—a series containing numerous very interesting and promising crosses. 
They are now raised here with almost the same ease and certainty as 
Cattleyas, which is saying a great deal. It is unnecessary to add that 
everything is in the healthiest possible condition ; such remarkable success 
alone affords sufficient evidence. 
A good many people still ask how it is done, for the great progress 
made during recent years has stimulated many Orchidists to try their hand 
at the work, and some, alas! have only failure to report. Odontoglossums 
are clearly the coming group, and in view of the general interest in the 
question we will try to explain a little of the way in which it is done, for 
after seeing the results obtained in several collections, and noting carefully 
the general treatment adopted, we think the secret of success can be 
explained. And the secret is not profound. It consists briefly in knowing 
what to do, and doing it. It is largely the result of unremitting care and 
attention—the knack of getting the conditions right and keeping them 
tight all the time, and one can only imagine the amount of enthusiasm and 
"perseverance which has brought about the condition of things seen here to- 
day. As previously indicated, the hybridist is a lady, Mrs. Thwaites herself, 
and Mr. J. M. Black, who has charge of the collection, has proved himself 
an expert in the art of raising seedlings. But to proceed. 
The houses are modern structures, built on up-to-date principles, with 
ample facilities for heating, shading, ventilation, and for securing a genial 
humid atmosphere, which we think is a matter of the highest importance. 
225 
