THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[May, 1914. 



advice, and the collection has since been 

 dispersed, mainly on account of the supposed 

 fact that Orchids were expensive and unable 

 to be grown successfully. 



I am situated in a valley where good moss 

 IS plentiful, and the best bracken roots, when 

 dried, serve me well ; these I use with a little 

 osmunda and oak leaves. Pieces of rough 

 red brick serve as drainage material, and are 

 better than potsherds as they hold more 

 moisture and the roots cling tightly to them. 

 I find the compost lasts longer and does not 

 become sour. A few pieces of charcoal, the 

 size of marbles, keeps the whole sweet and 

 open, and also allows a nice circulation of air 

 to the roots. 



Firm potting is beneficial, and a pot not 

 too large should be used. One must be 

 largely guided by circumstances, and what 

 will suit one kind may not be favourable to 

 another. I believe in experimenting, and 

 generally can tell by the nature of the root if 

 the plant requires a heavy or a light compost. 

 With Odontoglossum grande I find a little 

 loam very beneficial. — A. G. Veal, Upper 

 Varkstoiie, Dorset. 



USEFUL DENDROBIUMS. 



THERE seems to be strong evidence 

 that members of this beautiful genus 

 are gradually reclaiming the popu- 

 larity which they enjoyed some years ago, 

 and indeed it seems strange that their culture 

 has been neglected, for few Orchids flower 

 with such freedom, and are so easy to bring 

 to a high state of perfection. 



The essential points in their cultivation are 

 a warm moisture-laden atmosphere in their 

 vicinity, with abundance of sunlight during 

 their growing season ; a dry and cool rest in 

 a temperature of from 50-55 degrees Fahr. 

 from the time that growth ceases till 

 flowering ; judicious propagation, having 

 always healthy young stock ready to take the 

 place of worn-out plants. 



The genus has been greatly enriched by 

 the hybridist, and, being of stronger consti- 

 tution than the species, hybrids will generally 

 be preferred, but a few of the old species are 



of such sterling merit that their inclusion 111 a 

 select list is imperative. For an amateur no 

 class of Orchid is more satisfactory, for, 

 providing the correct cultural conditions are 

 given, grand results can be obtained from 

 cultivation either in an Orchid house, stove, 

 or early vinery. It is, perhaps, more for the 

 last-named structure that they are so 

 invaluable, as few other Orchids, or, in fact, 

 any plants, are usually successfully grown in 

 a vinery, but spring-flowering Dendrobiums 

 will be found most suitable. 



Ainsworthii, a very grand hybrid, bearing 

 large flowers, somewhat variable in colour, 

 the sepals and petals ranging from cream to 

 mauve, the lip white, but almost entirely 

 covered with a purple blotch. 



Chessingtonense, a handsome yellow 

 Dendrobe, of free flowering nature and a 

 good grower. Somewhat variable in tint, and 

 slightly lacking in size, although very 

 effective. Parents, aureum and Wiganiae. 



Nobile nobilius, the finest and most highly 

 coloured variety of nobile. Sepals and petals 

 of deep rich purple, lip almost covered with a 

 blackish-maroon blotch. 



Nobile virginale, a pure white form, very 

 distinct and chaste, has been raised true from 

 seed, and consequently can be relied upon as 

 being of better constitution than propagated 

 pieces. 



Rubens, a finely-shaped hybrid of good 

 constitution and remarkable floriferousness. 

 Sepals and petals pale rose which deepens to 

 rich purple at the apices. Lip creamy-yellow, 

 with a rose apex and a large blotch of 

 purplish-black on the disc. 



Thwaitesiae, a truly noble result, and one 

 of the finest hybrids yet raised, free-flowering 

 and robust in constitution. Sepals and petals 

 yellow, gradually turning to rich orange as 

 the flowers reach maturity, lip chrome with 

 dark maroon blotches. 



Wardianum, undoubtedly the most hand- 

 .some species, flowers large and of good 

 substance. Sepals and petals white, tipped 

 with mauve, lip orange, with two small 

 maroon blotches. Fortunately, very plentiful, 

 owing to large annual importations. — C. 

 Alwyn Harrison. 



