148 



THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[April, 1914. 



Obituary.- -W'e much re<^Tet to record the 

 death of Mr. j. J. Holden, of Albert Road, 

 Southport, who possessed a \ery extensive 

 collection of valuable Orchids. He had been 

 in ill-health for some tmie, and no doubt the 

 death of his eldest son on January 30th 

 hastened the end. The interment took place 

 March 26th, and the large number of floral 

 tributes evidenced the high esteem in which 

 he was held. 



^ U U 



Dendrobium Wardianum. — A remark- 

 able case of longevity is instanced by the 

 following letter from ^Ir. J. T. Bennett-Poe, 

 Y.M.H. : — " One Orchid which I am proud of 

 having kept for more than twenty-five years, 

 is a good form of Dendrobium Wardianum 

 giganteum, with very bright rose-purple tips 

 to the sepals and petals. It is a ' survival of 

 the fittest,' for it is the only one which has 

 remained since those long ago days, all the 

 others having gone on for but a few years, 

 and then disappeared. I know this Dendrobe 

 has the reputation of not living long under 

 cultivation, so this plant is remarkable." How 

 seldom are we able to cultivate this species 

 successful!}' ; notwithstanding every care in 

 the selection of sturdy imported plants, and 

 the closest attention to their subsequent 

 treatment, misfortune invariably follows our 

 attempts. In regard to this species when in 

 its native country no one can term it of 

 delicate constitution, for its bulbs appear to 

 rival in size and vigour the majorit\' of other 

 members of its genus. .Surcl\-, then, the 

 treatment accorded it must be at fault. Until 

 recent times the hot-house has invariably 

 been chosen for its accommodation, but 

 better and more lasting results have been 

 obtained when a medium temperature has 

 been utilised, often very similar to that of a 

 cool Cattleya house. Yet, despite all our 

 knowledge — small as it is — we have not yet 

 mastered the requirements of this beautiful 

 species. Shall we ever be able to do so 

 remains at present unproved. Many will say 

 that so long as importations of the plant 

 continue to arrive what does it matter, a large 

 supply of bloom is readily obtainable from 

 newly imported plants, and its value during 



the first flowering season ampl\- balances the 

 cost of purchasing the stock. Still, Orchidists 

 are a persevering community, and are not 

 likely to remain satisfied until perfection in 

 cultivation is secured. True it is that much 

 praise is due to those who flower their plants 

 successfully, but greater reward is due to the 

 diligent workers who reap success in the 

 continued yearly production of health)- and 

 vigorous bulbs. 



U U 



" COMAIERCIAL OrCHID GROWING." — 

 Under this title, Mr. Alwyn Harrison has 

 written a treatise on the cultivation of 

 Orchids suitable for the cut-flower trade, 

 amateurs and market-growers. Considering 

 the comparatively high prices which can be 

 obtained from the sale of Orchid flowers, 

 there is undoubtedly a good prospect for 

 those about to commence their cultivation. 

 The author very correctly remarks that there 

 is no class of plant which is more difficult to 

 restore to its normal state of health than an 

 Orchid, when once it has been allowed to 

 become diseased, or subjected to wrong 

 culture, and hence can be seen the foll\- of 

 buying weakl\- plants, merely on account of 

 them being cheap. Of the i s chapters 

 comprising this book, 1 1 are devoted to the 

 cultivation of suitable kinds for growing m 

 large quantities, while the remainder are 

 devoted to adapting existing houses, a 

 monthly calendar, and the art of packing, the 

 latter being contributed by Mr. Walter Gott. 

 This work should pro\'e of value to many, 

 and more especially to the market-grower of 

 fruit and flowers who is anxious to acquire a 

 general knowledge of Orchids and the 

 essential principles of their cultivation. The 

 book, which is got up in a neat and 

 serviceable st)'le, is published by the 

 Lockwood Press, Mitre Court, Fleet .Street, 

 London, price 23. 2d., post free. 



IS 



Book Catalogue. — Messrs. W. and G. 

 Foyle, of 121, Charing Cross Road, London, 

 have issued a useful catalogue of Agricultural 

 science books, which includes several on the 

 subject of Orchids and their cultivation. 



