244 



THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[August, 1914. 



thrive best if exposed to the sun, except just 

 at mid-day, for although the sun in the Tropics 

 shines with great power, it must be remem- 

 bered that the plants receive considerable 

 shelter from the branches of the trees on 

 which they grow. 4. Those species found 

 growing on single trees, in elevated situiitions, 

 where they are subjected to a drier air and 

 the burning rays of a tropical sun. These, 

 therefore, require a lower temperature, less 

 humidity, and nearly a full exposure to the 

 rays of the sun. The plants of all four 

 classes enjoy light, a free air, and are 

 subjected annually, for three or four months, 

 to a low temperature and great drought ; and 

 it is worthy of remark that the time of 

 drought and the decrease of temperature 

 occur together. This may be considered their 

 season of rest." 



ORCHIDS OF GERMAN NEW 

 GUINEA. 



The first part of this important and 

 monumental work by Dr. Rudolf Schlechter 

 was published in 191 1, and part 14, which 

 brings the work to a conclusion, has recently 

 appeared. The whole work occupies some 

 1,145 pages. 



The richness of the New Guinea flora, 

 especially regarding Orchids, is extraordinary, 

 probably in no other part of the world is 

 there such a concentration of genera and 

 species. For example, the author states that 

 of the 700 known species of Bulbophyllum no 

 less than 329 are found in New Guinea. This 

 genus he divides into 42 sections. In the 

 genus Dendrobium, comprising some foo 

 species, 41 sections are made for the 256 

 species found in this island, while Tasnio- 

 phyllum with 63 species, and Phreatia with 

 75 are of considerable importance. 



The concluding part of the work is the 

 most interesting from the practical horticul- 

 turist's point of view. Section I. is devoted 

 to systematic observations, chapter II. is 

 mainly historical and enters largely into the 

 subject of plant-geography, chapter III. is 

 taken up with the distribution, etc., of Orchids, 

 chapter IV. is devoted to biology and 



morphology, while the hnal one contains the 

 system of classification. 



Some idea of the amount of labour involved 

 m a work of this kind may be had from the 

 index to the names of species, which occupies 

 no less than 37 pages! Each of the 14 parts 

 is priced at 6m. 50pf. 



CYMBIDIUMS. 



In almost every garden one or more 

 greenhouses are to be found, and although 

 they frequently contain decorative and 

 flowering plants it is seldom that a really 

 choice selection is to be seen. Many owners 

 of large, as well as small, greenhouses would 

 greatly appreciate the inclusion of a few 

 Orchids, yet they fear the treatment required 

 is more than circumstances permit. The 

 prevalent idea that Orchids require special 

 structures for their cultivation, or trained men 

 to attend to their wants, may be the cause of 

 many not taking up this interesting pastime. 

 Yet, strange to say, the care needed by not a 

 few of their greenhouse plants is more than 

 sufficient to bring to perfection many elegant 

 and beautiful Orchids. Amongst these, 

 Cymbidiums are undoubtedly the most 

 popular, the widespread attention now being 

 devoted to the genus is a proof that they 

 possess something which is more than 

 ordinary ; they have a charm that makes 

 them appeal greatly to the lover of easily 

 grown and attractive flowers ; their graceful 

 foliage is equal to any of that possessed by 

 decorative palms ; their flowers are as long- 

 lasting and beautiful as any other occupant 

 of a cool greenhouse ; whilst their aristocratic 

 nature is recognised by every lover of 

 Nature's productions. A compost of fibrous 

 loam, with the addition of some sphagnum 

 moss and a little osmunda or other fibre, will 

 readily meet their needs. In almost every 

 other respect their treatment is similar to an 

 ordinary greenhouse plant. Only those 

 amateurs w^ho have already taken up their 

 cultivation know the full value of these 

 accommodating and ever-living specimens of 

 the floral world. 



