March, 1914.J 



THE ORCHID WORLD. 



133 



These are invariably found on C. Loddigesh, 

 being its chief characteristic, and this species 

 has been used in the majority of cases, 

 although, unfortunatel)-, it has been recorded 

 as C. Harrisoniana. Thus we see how 

 extremely difficult it is to ascertain the correct 

 parentage of many hybrids that were raised 

 years ago, before the distinction between 

 these two species was fully recognised, and 

 before the practice of recording the features 

 of the flowers by means of paintings was as 

 general as it is to-day. 



C. Minucia (Loddigesii x Warscewiczii) 

 and C. Ashtoniana (Harrisoniana x Warsce- 

 wiczii) have both been recorded, and although 

 the names are equally represented in collec- 

 tions there is little doubt that the former 

 name and parentage is correct, at least, on the 

 assumption that a careful hybridist would 

 select the superior and better developed 

 labellum as borne by C. Loddigesii. 



In 1902 Cattleya Mrs. Pitt was described 

 as a hybrid between aurea and Harrisoniana, 

 and in 1904 Cattleya Sapho was recorded as 

 a hybrid between aurea and Loddigesii. 

 Here, again, we have two very similar hybrids, 

 and no doubt many of the finest results 

 produced by the use of C. Loddigesii are 

 known by the name Cattleya Airs. Pitt. 



In many instances where Cattleya aurea is 

 quoted as a parent it is never certain whether 

 the plant from Colombia or the one from 

 Costa Rica has been used. The former is 

 usually spoken of as aurea, the latter as 

 Dovviann, and although in many respects they 

 are similar anyone who has had the handling 

 of an importation of each will never again 

 experience any difficulty in distinguishing the 

 one from the other. 



One of the latest successes obtained by the 

 use of the above species is Cattleya Drapsiana 

 (C. aurea x C. Mrs. Pitt), and the illustra- 

 tion in this issue depicts McBean's variety, 

 a beautiful form, which obtained an 

 Award of Merit when exhibited at the 

 Royal Horticultural Societ)', November 4th, 

 1013. 



The ambition of the hybridist is to obtain 

 flowers with thick texture, firm upstanding 

 petals, and of good lasting qualities. In 



Cattleya Drapsiana the influence of C. Loddi- 

 gesii, which from the evidence in the flower 

 we may conclude was used in the making of 

 the parent called C. Mrs. Pitt, has imparted 

 the much desired good qualities. These are 

 seen in the broad, well-developed labellum 

 with its openly displayed shoulders, the bright 

 golden-yellow area on the side portions, and 

 also in the firm, fleshy petals. 



ORCHIDS FOR AMATEURS. 



NO matter how small the collection there 

 are always a few Odontoglossums 

 that were not in the right state of 

 growth w hen the autumn potting was in hand. 

 These must now be attended to without 

 further delay, for sufficient time must be 

 allowed them to take a firm hold of the new 

 compost before the warm weather arrives. 

 Every opportunity should be taken to 

 encourage the growth, and for that reason it 

 is necessary to have everything fully prepared 

 before the season of rapid growth arrives. 

 These remarks apply more especially to large 

 plants that are expected to carry many- 

 flowered spikes. With small plants and 

 young seedlings the potting season may be 

 said to extend throughout the whole year, for 

 they are seldom at rest and rarely suffer from 

 the strain due to carrying a premature spike 

 of bloom. 



Careful attention is necessary to select 

 plants that are ready for potting. Taking 

 them generally, the best time is when the new 

 growth is a few inches in height, or when new 

 roots are in an active state of growth. It is a 

 mistake to disturb plants that are resting, or, 

 in other words, are not in active growth. 

 These should be [)laced together in a position 

 where they can be readily seen, and given 

 individual attention as soon as required. All 

 newly potted plants require to be carefully 

 shaded for a few weeks, until they are fairly 

 well established. An occasional light spraying 

 will greatly assist them, but care must always 

 be exercised when so doing to prevent a 

 quantity of water remaining in the new 

 growths, for should a cold night occur severe 



