Ji:l\, 1915.] 



IHK ORCHID WORI.I). 



Ashtead Park, Surrey, the residence of Panda Ralli, Esq. 



ASHTEAD PARK, SURREY. 



W'HILE strolling round this extensive 

 and exquisite estate, where graceful 

 fallow deer graze beneath the 

 veteran oaks and chestnuts, it is difficult to 

 believe that only 17 miles separate it from 

 the most important city of the world. When 

 Mr. Pantia Ralli came into possession of 

 Ashtead Park, some 25 years ago, the gardens 

 contained a few stray Orchids, and this is all 

 that can be said regarding the origin of this 

 now famous assemblage of species and 

 hybrids. Although in the early days no 

 special interest was taken in this section of the 

 gardens, the last ten years have shown 

 an immense change, for now many of 

 the principal glass-houses are stocked 

 with a varied assortment of choice and 

 beautiful Orchids, while smaller houses are 

 devoted to the interesting work of raising 

 seedlings. 



Besides being an enthusiastic lover of 

 Orchids, Mr. Ralli takes a personal interest in 

 his plants, while his widespread knowledge of 

 the subject enables him to follow this 

 fascinating hobby with the keenest pleasure. 

 As a member of the Royal Horticultural 



Society's Orchid Committee he is a regular 

 attendant, where his excellent taste and sound 

 judgment are of considerable value in the 

 important and exacting duties which this 

 Committee now has to perform. 



The Cattleyas were formerly cultivated in a 

 large and high span-roofed house, a method 

 which did not give satisfaction. At the present 

 time excellent results are procured by placing 

 the plants in smaller houses, where they can be 

 kept well up to the light and warmth of the sun. 

 The varieties of C. labiata include several 

 albinos as well as other distinct forms, the 

 best being La Vierge, Bradshawiae and Mrs. 

 E. Ashworth, while C. Trianae is represented 

 by the varieties Empress of India, Goliath, 

 The Premier and Mrs. de B. Crawshay. 

 Cattleya Mossise embraces many distinct 

 forms, of which the pure white Wageneri and 

 Hardy's variety of Reineckiana have recently 

 been in ffower. A large plant of C. Mossias 

 Arnoldiana is quite a picture with g large 

 flowers, while C. Gaskelliana alba is also 

 worthy of mention on account of its vigorous 

 constitution. C. Lueddemanniana Stanleyi is 

 represented by 5 strong plants, and C. 

 O'Brieniana alba as well as richly coloured 

 varieties of C. aurea are also to be seen. 



