THE ORCHID WORLD. 
[July. 1913- 
labiata Gilmouras, and also in C. Fabia alba. 
C. Suzanne Hye de Crom is another elegant 
flower. 
Laslio-Cattleyas include Marion, described 
in the Orchid World, Vol. II., page 218; 
Lady Miller, a fine specimen with 20 flowers 
of cinnabar-red colour ; Smilax, a charming 
hybrid derived from C. Enid x L.-C. Charles- 
worthii ; and Aureole, obtained by crossing 
luminosa with Iris. There are also many 
good plants of Canhamiana alba, Hippolyta, 
and Wellsiana. Other hybrids include 
Sophrocattlaslia Marathon and C. Mendehi x 
S.-C. Psyche. 
In another house are strong plants of the 
Swan Orchid, Cycnoches chlorochilon, Chysis 
aurea, and Mormodes pardinum, with light 
yellow flowers spotted with brownish red. 
Thunia Veitchiana (Bensonias x Marshalliana), 
various Oncidiums, and the scarce Ljelia 
harpophylla are also cultivated. 
Mr. Ashton obtains considerable pleasure 
from his collection, which promises to grow 
into one of no small importance. In the 
practical part he has an able worker in Mr. 
A. Young, whose method of culture appears 
eminently satisfactory. 
ORCHIDS FOR AMATEURS. 
THE warm and sunny days of summer 
are ideal for the cultivation of 
Cattleyas, Lshas, and the various 
hybrids which have been produced by 
crossing the many species of these two 
genera. Cattleya hybrids have been brought 
to a state of perfection hitherto thought 
impossible, and Laelio-Cattleyas contain 
varieties having shades of colour which were 
never dreamed of in the early days of 
hybridisation. Years ago the amateur often 
gave up the culture of certain classes of 
Orchids because he was unable to find plants 
suitable to the atmosphere of his greenhouse ; 
but in these days there is such a vast number 
to select from that no difficulty will be 
experienced in purchasing those both pleasing 
to himself and agreeable with the climatic 
conditions under which their cultivation is 
attempted. 
The youngest amateur is familiar with the 
prominent species, and before he has had 
many seasons of experience he can easily 
discriminate between the good and the bad 
varieties. Everyone has his own particular 
fanc)', and while one amateur will enjoy the 
sight of a certain variety, another grower ma)' 
criticise its weak points and refuse it a place 
in his collection. There are, however, many 
varieties of the various species which are 
acknowledged by one and all to be far ahead, 
in the way of distinctness and beauty, from 
others of their kind. Now if the amateur 
acquires a few of these notabilities, he not 
only has something which will interest his 
friends, but something that careful cultivation 
will well reward him for Iiis trouble and 
expenditure. There is always a good market 
for propagated plants of unquestionable 
merit. 
When purchasing plants of species the 
amateur would do well to obtain only those 
that are quite healthy and vigorous. Back 
bulbs and starved plants can only success- 
fully be grown by experienced cultivators, 
and even then considerable skill and patience 
are required before the flowers are produced 
in their finest form. Large, strong plants 
cost more to acquire, but they are the most 
satisfactory, and by far the cheapest in the 
end. 
With seedling and hybrid Orchids there 
is less to fear, for, taken on the whole, these 
are of a healthier nature and of stronger 
constitution. The amateur will experience 
no difficulty in cultivating small seedling and 
propagated plants so long as he gives them 
the requisite attention. All small plants of 
the Cattleya and Lselia section, whether 
seedlings or young plants produced from the 
back bulbs, require a moist and warm 
atmosphere. To attempt to grow them in a 
dry and airy house, which may be suitable for 
large plants, is almost sure to bring about 
poor results. The growth made under these 
conditions is hard and of a dwarf nature, and 
the plants take an unreasonable length of 
time in reaching the flowering stage. More- 
over, the owner soon tires of the trouble in 
attending to their wants, with the result that 
