274 



THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[September, igi2. 



a rather low span-roofed house with staging 

 on both sides. No shading either by means 

 of bhnds or whitewash on the glass was used, 

 but during the few hours in the middle of the 

 day, when the sun's rays were very fierce, 

 sheets of tissue paper were placed ovv=r those 

 plants most exposed. Frequent syrmging of 

 the floor, staging, and between the pots was 

 carried out on all suitable occisions. Each 

 afternoon the ventilators were closed for an 



hour or more in order to accumulate the heat 

 of the sun, but at all other times a free circu- 

 lation of the air was maintained. During the 

 winter time only sutBcient water was given to 

 prevent shrivelling of the bulbs. The excel- 

 lent cultural result obtained by Mr. Smith not 

 onl\' proves what really choice and magnifi- 

 cent plants Orchids are, but gives every 

 encouragement to others to follow in his 

 footsteps. 



Lalio-Cattleya Aphrodite, a specimen in the Westonbirt Collection. 



L/ELIO-CATTLEYA APHRODITE. 



L^LIO-CATTLEYA Aphrodite should 

 be represented in every collection, 

 * however small it may be. The two 

 parental species, Laslia purpurata and Cattleya 

 Mendelii, are known throughout the horti- 

 cultural world, and for beauty and usefulness 

 it would be difficult to find their equal. It 

 is, therefore, not surprising that L.-C. 

 Aphrodite should prove of such immense 

 assistance in the formation of floral displays 

 during the spring months. The noted Temple 

 Show held during the latter part of May 

 always contains many extensive Orchid 

 groups exhibited by the largest amateur and 

 trade growers of this country, and in many 

 prominent positions L.-C. Aphrodite is always 

 to be found. 



Hybrids possess nn amount of vigour far 



exceeding that contained in any species, and 

 on this account have very much taken their 

 position. With ordinary care they increase 

 rapidly in size, and make large specimens in 

 a comparatively short space of time. There 

 is the additional advantage that almost all the 

 back " eyes " will produce young growths, and 

 this is more than can be said respecting 

 imported species whose " ev es " either turn 

 black and rot during transit, or are eaten out 

 by insects in their native country. The pro- 

 pagation of hybrids is, therefore, more easily 

 effected, and as young propagated pieces 

 usually have one or more living roots attached 

 their establishment takes place at a rapid 

 pace. 



The specimen L.-C. Aphrodite illustrated 

 above was grown by Mr. H. G. Alexander, 



