THE ORCHID REVIEW. 345 
The genus Oncidium is a very large one, and it would be extremely 
interesting to see a complete collection of them under cultivation. Perhaps 
there are some few among them only worth growing from the standpoint of 
the botanist, but, if so, I have not yet seen them, though many cannot be 
classed among showy Orchids. At the same time they are of such a 
graceful and attractive character, when closely viewed, that the more one is 
acquainted with them the more enamoured one becomes. Since the advent 
of the varions crazes, commencing with hybrid Cypripediums and closely 
followed by those of Dendrobium, then Lelias and Cattleyas, not to speak 
of the special craze for ‘“‘ albinos” and densely “ spotted” forms, I fear 
the cultivation of these pretty old Oncidiums has fallen somewhat in the 
background. O. Harrisonianum, divaricatum, sphegiferum, and pulvinatum 
are pretty, old-fashioned species, which used to be grown into large 
specimens, in baskets containing mostly peat pressed in firmly, and 
suspended in intermediate temperature. 
Cattleya Bowringiana is most useful for this month, and deserves to 
be grown in quantity. When vigorous, it produces immense trusses of 
flowers, having from ten to twenty blooms on each spike, and when so 
grown is a wonderfully telling species. It has now been known for about 
fourteen years, 1884 seeing the first importation. It has proved to be 
most amenable to culture, small plants at that date having now developed 
into very large specimens. It is best re-potted when growth takes place 
in early spring, and, if pots are used, should always be elevated high above 
the rim, the new growth always having a tendency to grow lower each 
year, and if one is not watchful, the new growth may go down among 
the crocks. I really should advise basket cultivation, using but few, if 
_any, crocks, the growths then, if they do go downwards, again make their 
appearance through the sides or the bottom. Plants so allowed to ramble 
look rustic and interesting enough, but when it is deemed necessary to re- 
basket them, they are awkward customers to again make shapeable. They 
will last a long while, however. without being disturbed. Any plants of 
Cattleya Lawrenceana not having yet completed their new pseudobulbs, 
should be encouraged to do so quickly, by giving them the warmth of the 
East Indian department. 
Plants of Odontoglossum citrosmum have mostly, by this time, com- 
pleted their new pseudobulbs, and when so, should receive a good rest 
throughout the winter, in order to make them bloom the better. Any 
other intermediate growing Odontoglot, as for instance, O. grande—now 
nearly over for the season,—O. Reichenheimii, O. Insleayi, O. hastilabium, 
and O. Londesboroughianum, should likewise be rested, receiving just 
sufficient water to maintain plumpness. 
Miltonia vexillaria is a species continually engaged in active growth. 
