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THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



[January, i 9 c 4 ,. 



May each of our readers contribute something to the cause of progress. 

 In conclusion, we wish each and all " A Happy New Year," and increased 

 prosperity to their collections. 



Modern Progress in Horticulture.— In a paper bearing the 

 above title, read before the Horticultural Club by Mr. F. W. Burbidge, 

 M.A., V.M.H., and published in the last issue of the Journal of the Royal 

 Horticultural Society, we find the following reference to Orchids (p. T37) : — 

 " Amongst the most potent factors of change and progress in nursery 

 management, so far as imported Orchids, bulbs, &c, are concerned, have 

 been the public or auction sales held in London, Liverpool, Manchester, 

 Birmingham, and other large towns. The expenses and risks of collecting 

 abroad and the lowering of prices consequent on competition both at home 

 and on the Continent, as combined with the effects of auction sales, have 

 revolutionised the nursery trade formerly done in these exotics and other 



"The price of all nursery stock is lowered sooner or later by auction 

 sales ; but in the case of trees and shrubs, hardy plants, and Dutch flower- 

 roots the effects are not so apparent, as the widespread public demand is 

 so enormous. In the case of Orchids, however, for which the demand is 

 comparatively limited, the effects were more immediately seen. As a con- 

 sequence Orchid collecting has been left in the hands of those who import 

 expressly for sales by auction, and one result has been that those who can 

 pay for glass houses and fuel, and afford the necessary attention and labour, 

 may grow Orchids if they care to do so. An enormous influx of new and 

 beautiful home-raised seedlings and hybrid Orchids is another result that 

 has been encouraged by auction sales. In other words, new Orchids are 

 now being raised by the thousand under glass roofs beneath an English sky. 

 In this way the nurseryman can protect himself and his creations." 



Decorations with Orchids.— At the visit of the Italian monarchs 

 Orchids only were used to decorate the Royal table at the Guildhall 

 luncheon. Between three and lour thousand of the dainty and costly 

 blooms were arranged in gold stands specially designed for the occasion, 

 representing the Italian colours of green, white and red. The other twenty- 

 six tables were embellished with carnations, white lilac, roses, lilies, and 

 chrysanthemums — in all about 9,000 blooms — or a grand total of between 

 12,000 and 13,000 Orchids and less important flowers. — Journal of 

 Horticulture. 



