i12 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [APRIL, 1909. 
contrary, the spot does not increase, and if a plant affected with it is 
removed to a drier atmosphere, the spot already developed is checked. . . . 
“‘Clearly bacteria play a considerable part in the development of the 
disease and the formation of the gum, but unsuitable cultural conditions 
are also largely responsible for its prevalence in the first place. This Orchid, 
in its native habitat, Guatemala, exists at a high elevation, in cool, shady 
places. Cultivation in too moist and, possibly, too heated an atmosphere 
produces conditions which are inimical to the health of the plant.” 
The materials investigated were from the collection of Mr. Norman C. 
_ Cookson, who also communicated the observations upon the effect produced 
by a change in cultural conditions. 
Mr. JAMES DoucLas, V.M.H.—An interesting biography of this veteran 
horticulturist appears in the Journal of Horticulture for March 4th, and 
among other things it points out that Orchid growing is included among 
his many activities. ‘‘ Many of his older friends can also recollect his 
specimen Orchids. The one he appears to have. been proudest of was a 
magnificent plant of Miltonia vexillaria with 360 flowers. This was figured 
in some of the gardening papers, the Fournal of Horticulture among them. 
It was purchased in a thumb pot, so that Mr. Douglas deserved all the 
credit due to him as the cultivator. In several successive seasons he annexed 
the £20 prize for a selection of sixteen Orchids ; and won several prizes for 
Orchids at the opening of the Royal Aquarium. Yet his only houses were 
one for Cattleyas, 30ft. long, and another for cool Orchids, 15ft. in length. 
It is known to very few indeed that through the instrumentality of Mr. 
Douglas, who was then on the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, 
the foundation of the Orchid Committee in March, 1889, was due. It had 
been brought to his notice that great dissatisfaction prevailed at the manner 
in which certificates were awarded to Orchids by the Floral Committee, 
who had hitherto adjudged them. It was said, with good reason, that many 
men upon that body were voting against Orchids the precise merit or value 
of which they were not in a position to judge. Mr. Douglas urged the 
importance of a change, and suggested an Orchid Committee ; and the 
other members of the Council concurring, the new body was duly instituted. 
Mr. Douglas became one of its first members. He continued upon this 
Committee until Richard Dean’s death caused a gap in the ranks of 
the Floral Committee, and as it was thought advisable to add a 
florist of long experience, an invitation was extended to our veteran, who 
accepted. As he is also a member of the Scientific Committee, he has sat 
on every committee except that of the Narcissus and Tulip, which perhaps 
constitutes a record.’ Lelia X Briseis and Leliocattleya x Apollonia are 
also included among plants submitted and certificated in his name. 
