296 THE ORCHID REVIEW. - 
CULTURE OF ONCIDIUM CRISPUM AND ITs 
ALLIES. 
It has always been a matter for regret that the beautiful Oncidium crispun 
and its allies from the Organ Mountains have proved so intractable under 
cultivation, being imported in thousands to display their splendid info. 
rescences for one or a few times, and then dwindle away. What is the 
cause of this? It is not so in their native homes. Is there, then, some 
particular condition which we cannot imitate in our houses, or do we persist 
in treating them wrongly, or in other words unnaturally ? Almost certainly ’ 
it is the latter, as a few growers have succeeded in keeping them healthy 
and floriferous for long periods. We think of them as Brazilian Orchids, 
and accordingly place them in heat, oblivious of the fact that they grow at 
5,000 feet elevation, in a cooler climate than the Cattleyas and Lelias 
popularly supposed to come from the same region. In fact, they grow ina 
temperate climate, and are almost as impatient of being stewed in a hot 
close atmosphere as Odontoglossums. They succeed best under cool treat- 
ment with plenty of air, and may be grown on blocks or in well-drained 
shallow pans, with a moderate supply of fibrous peat and moss, as they do 
not like their roots too much covered. Give them as much light as possible, 
shading from strong sun, and never allow them to become dry. During the 
growing season liberal Supplies of water are necessary. By these meats 
goed growths may be ensured, and the rest follows naturally. One other 
hint. Do not let the spikes remain on the plants too long. It is useful 
remember that O, crispum, Forbesii, Marshallianum, dasytyle, and indeed 
most of the Organ Mountain Oncidiums grow under practically the sam 
conditions, 
CATASETUM MACULATUM a 
The female flowers of another species of Catasetum have appearels 
making nineteen of which both sexes are now known. About a year a | 
plant of Catasetum maculatum, bearing a raceme of male flowefs; . | 
_ presented to Kew by Messrs. F. Sander and Co., of St. Albans, and it | 
has produced a raceme of female ones, five in number. They af “> | 
green, with a few blackish Spots, in which respect they bear some ese 
blance to the males, but in structure they agree with the females ° as 
Species, having a stout column, without pollen or antenne. Their ocr 
rence is a matter of great interest, as the males have been known” 
wards of seventy years. 
Catasetum maculatum, Kunth, Syn. Pl, i., p. 331: 
