April, 1913.] 
THE ORCHID WORLD. 
161 
and roots, so that when the box arrived in 
this country and was opened by Mr. Bolton, 
it contained only a quantity of rhizomes with 
numerous Pleione resembling corms attached. 
These plants were a great puzzle for some 
time, and more so when the new growths 
commenced to grow, for they gave one the 
impression that a Pleione was turning into a 
Cattleya. C. Bowringiana differs from most 
species of the ■ genus by having a thick base 
to its bulb, and it is largely owing to this 
that nearly every plant in the importation 
eventually succeeded in establishing itself. 
Cymbidiums are another feature, the batch 
of C. eburneum carrying about 60 flowers. 
C. insigne is grown in large quantities, and 
a remarkable fact is that all the imported 
bulbs have been burnt by fire, yet not 
sufficiently to prevent them growing. Mr. 
Bolton believes that the collectors purposely 
set fire to the jungle grass in order to kill 
the poisonous snakes and to facilitate the 
gathering of the plants. 
Dendrobiums include Bancroftianum, one 
of the prettiest species for decorative work, 
and Ashworthi?e, a very rare species allied to 
macrophyllum. The stock of D. Brymerianum 
is kept up by cultivating the young growths 
formed on the tops of the old bulbs. 
A large lean-to house contains a quantit}- 
of Lycaste Skinneri, nearly all of which are 
in flower. Miltonia spectabilis, Epidendrums, 
and various scarce species are in the best of 
health. Whichever house is entered there 
is the same multitude of plants to be seen, 
species and hybrids of every description. 
Mr. Bolton's immense collection of Orchids 
is not the only surprise awaiting the visitor 
to Wilderspool. The superb assemblage of 
oil paintings, an extensive collection of war 
medals, gold and silver coins, commemoration 
medals, numerous specimens of the metal- 
worker's gold and silver handicraft, and a 
vast collection of rare curios from all parts of 
the world, never fail to interest both the owner 
and admiring visitor. 
The cultivation of Orchids at Wilderspool 
differs from that usually adopted. No peat 
has been on the premises since 1897. The 
plants were then grown in sphagnum moss 
alone, but this was not very successful. About 
1902 the addition of leaves was thought of, 
and after various enquiries from the collectors 
as to the class of trees that Orchids were 
found growing upon, it was decided to use 
those from oak trees, as this kind was most 
likely to provide the necessary food for the 
plants. Experiments proved that a mixture 
of two-thirds moss and one-third leaves with 
some rough sand made a suitable compost. 
The only variation is with Cypripediums, and 
for these a quantity of red marl is included 
in the compost. This keeps the mixture open 
and sweet, and provides a certain amount of 
mineral matter, which the plants appear to 
like. 
The whole of the cultural treatment is 
managed by Mr. Cain, who has been at 
Wilderspool for the long period of 21 years 
Previous to this he was with Messrs, 
Charlesworth and Mr. E. G. Wrigley, the 
latter collection having been dispersed some 
23 years ago. With an able staff of assistants 
Mr. Cain keeps the whole of this immense 
stcck, roughly estimated at 100,000 plants, in 
perfect order, and when the chemical 
atmosphere of the neighbourhood is 
considered, his work is so much the more 
praiseworthy. During the quarter of a 
century that Mr. Cain has been connected 
with Orchid gro;A'ing he has seen many 
changes, but firmly believes that good species 
are still as valuable and make as much money 
as they did when he first commenced to take 
an interest in the plants. 
North of England Horticultural 
Society. — The following members have been 
elected to form the Orchid Committee : — 
A. R. Crossley (chairman), W. H. Hatcher 
(vice-chairman), F. W. Corney (secretary), 
A. J. Keeling, W. Shackleton, A. G. Ellwood, 
E. C. Puddle, J. Cypher, J. Cowan, J. T. 
Barker, G. Taylor, A. J. Hall, E. Rogers, 
J. Hartley, A. Harrison, F. Sander, J. Lupton, 
and W. Townsend. 
The Spring Show of the Society was held on 
March I2th and 13th, in the Central Baths, 
