^fa}-, 1913.] 
THE ORCIIll) WORLD. 
Cooksonias (C. Naezliana x On. macranthum). 
Odontoglossum triumphans " Hesperides " is 
of the broad petallcd type now rarely seen. 
O. crispum " R. Ashworth" is of special merit ; 
the large flower has all the segnnents 
handsomely blotched with reddish-purple. O. 
ardentissimum Robsona? is undoubtedly the 
finest form of this popular hybrid. The 
distinctive features are the decisive manner 
m which the bright violet-purple blotches are 
arranged and the clear white margm to all 
the segments. 
Odontoglossum aspersum, with a green tint 
on the petals, O. cordatum aureum, and Od. 
grande aureum are three rarities. Od. crispum 
" Perfection," as well as crispum xanthotes 
Warburtona? are other examples in this 
valuable collection. There are many 
Odontoglossum hybrids of more than 
ordinary merit, of which mention must be 
made of eximium " Excelsis," illustrissimum, 
and Cloth of Gold, the latter a very fine 
result obtained by crossing Wilckeanum with 
amabile. The large flower is of excellent 
shape, golden-yellow, and marked with 
purple-red. 
One of the gems in the collection is Od. 
Cervantesii decorum, a very large and distinct 
variety ; the pollen of it has been placed on 
a good form of nebulosum. A pretty variety 
of Od. Ruckerianum is of interest, for the 
reason that at one time it was in the B. S. 
Williams collection, long since dispersed. 
With such an old and extensive collection 
it is impossible to do more than mention but 
a few of its many specialities. Anyone who 
has spent a few years in the study of these 
plants knows full well how vast the subject 
is, and only a personal visit can give one a 
correct impression of the importance of the 
Ashlands collection. These short notes ma)-, 
however, give some proof of the choice 
specimens and the beautiful flowers which 
they produce. 
The whole collection is in a remarkable 
healthy condition, and when an exhibit was 
sent to the Temple Show, May, 1903, a Silver 
Lindley Medal for culture was awarded. At 
the present time this valuable and interesting" 
collection is in charge of Mr. Gilden, whose 
name will be remembered by Od. crispum 
Gildenii, and w^ho started the study of 
Orchids with Messrs. Charlcsworth and Co., 
subsequently being engaged by Mr. Hardy, 
of Tyntesfield, Mr. Cookson, of Wylam, and 
the Earl of Tankerville, at Chillingham. 
ORCHIDS FOR AMATEURS. 
I T has often been said that Odontoglossuins 
are difficult plants to grow, and if the 
house is kept hot and dry this statement 
is quite correct. Almost all the failures with 
the culture of Odontoglossums are due to the 
unsuitable atmosphere in which amateurs 
attempt to grow the plants. There is alwa\ s 
a certain amount of fear and trembling when 
an amateur commences Orchid growing. He 
has heard or read that great care and experi- 
ence are necessary to reap success, and, 
therefore, imagines that he must give 
unceasing attention to stoking the fire and 
allowing all the bright light possible to reach 
the plants. These erroneous ideas are 
entirely the cause of his failures. 
Odontoglossums require a cool, shady, and 
moist atmosphere, very similar to that which 
maidenhair ferns enjoy in an ordinary green- 
house. The temperature should not go below 
45 degrees at night time, and during the day 
anything from 50-60 degrees will be suitable. 
Of course, on hot sunny days the temperature 
will rise considerably, often to 70 or more 
degrees, but if plenty of moisture is in the 
atmosphere very little harm will accrue. 
Whenever the outside atmosphere is moist 
and not much below 50 degrees a free venti- 
lation may be given, but cold draughts and 
very dry air are extremely injurious. 
Amateurs should always remember that 
ventilation takes away a great deal of the 
atmospheric moisture, and, therefore, all 
staging, the paths, and underneath the hot- 
water pipes, should be kept constantly moist. 
Many ordinary greenhouse plants only 
require a moist soil, and never mind how dry 
the atmosphere may be, but such is not the 
case with Odontoglossums, for these require 
moisture m the air quite as much as in the 
compost. 
