July, 1913-] THK 
moist condition of the atmosphere. These 
bricks absorb considerable heat and moisture, 
which is given off directly any change in the 
atmosphere takes place. Should by any 
chance the fire go out on a cold night, it is 
found that the large amount of heat-holding 
material inside the house greatly assists in 
preventing a rapid fall in the temperature. 
The side staging is made of narrow strips 
of wood preserved by red oxide paint. About 
two feet below this construction galvanised 
T-irons are placed in such manner that porous 
tiles can be arranged either as a solid under- 
stage or else widely separated to allow of 
free air circulation. During winter time the 
former method is used in order to prevent the 
dry heat from the hot-water pipes affecting 
the plants, while in summer time the latter 
style allows plenty of cool, moist air to reach 
the plants. 
Although the sides of these houses are 
constructed with panes of glass, there is a 
second inner pane of ground glass, which not 
only affords shade to the plants but acts as 
an effectual means of keeping out the cold. 
The sash bars are arranged in such way that 
the lower or drip preventing portion is 
slightly shorter at its lower end in order to 
allow the condensed moisture to fall on to the 
brick wall beneath instead of trickling down 
the glass sides as is usually the case. Lath 
roller blinds are used for shading, and the 
corridor connecting the houses is utilised for 
potting and cleaning the plants. 
The Odontoglossum house has been quite 
an attraction during the last few months, 
many of the plants having carried strong 
flower spikes. Of these, one may mention 
Jasper, with 33 flowers, crispum Mrs. Peeters, 
a very pretty variety of Doris, and a hand- 
some form of eximium. A new and promising 
hybrid is Phocis, the result of crossing Phoebe 
with Solon. There is also a good variety of 
illustrissimum. 
Odontoglossum Williamsianum grows 
here with much vigour, and considering the 
long flower stalk and the great number of 
blooms it is strange that it does not more 
often take the place of grande. Species 
which are represented by specimens include 
WORLD. 237 
crispum Rossendale, easily distinguished from 
other varieties by its dark bronze foliage, 
crispum Oakdcne Surprise, and naevium with 
its fairy-like flowers. 
Lycaste Skmneri is represented by several 
specimens, Cymbidium Wiganianum by a 
distinct yellow form, and Masdevallia 
Harryana by the elegant Leyswood variety, 
now carrying 13 flowers, and one of the finest 
forms of the species. In this cool house are 
also grown several strong plants of Epiden- 
drum vitellmum and many specimens of 
Dendrobium infundibulum, for under cool 
treatment this latter species succeeds far 
better than when its cultivation is attempted 
along with the heat-lovmg kinds. 
No collection is now considered complete 
without a varied selection of Odontiodas. At 
Broadlands the pretty Adrastia (Bonhofias x 
crispum), wickhamensis with rose-violet 
flowers, and Vuylstekes may be noticed. A 
good plant of Odontioda rosefieldiensis 
(tnumphans x Noezliana) has very bright 
orange-scarlet flowers. 
Cattleyas are an equal favourite with Mr. 
Ashton, and, judging by the rapid headway 
which they have recently made, some very 
fine specimens will soon be produced. Almost 
all the species are represented, many fine 
varieties having lately been acquired. C. 
Mossias Wagneri and C. Mossiae Reineckiana 
are two well-known albinos. C. labiata Hon. 
James Lowther, and C. labiata alba from Mr. 
J. J. Holden's collection are choice varieties. 
C. Skinneri is represented by a pure white 
form and by the very dark one known as 
Temple's variety. 
Hybrids are well represented. The beau- 
tiful Cattleya Oberon (Fabia x Hardyana), of 
which we give an illustration, and Brasso- 
Cattleya Madame Jules Hye (Digbyana x 
Harrisoniana), both received Awards of Merit 
at the Orchid Conference held by the Royal 
Horticultural Society, November 5th, 1913, 
while many medals for groups have also been 
secured. C. Lord Rothschild delicata and C. 
Fabia Vigeriana have recently been pur- 
chased from the Muller-Abeken sale. A very 
pretty hybrid is to be seen in C. Alcimeda, 
produced by crossing Gaskelliana alba with 
ORCHID 
