BOOK REVIEWS. 



183 



in the present work in place of the well-known Phams grandifolius 

 Lour. , which is the only recognized name for the species in gardens. 



A defect is to be found in the naming of the species on the plates, 

 the names at the foot of the plate in nine cases differing from those given 

 on the page facing them, the differences being probably caused by the 

 adoption of fresh combinations after the plates had been prepared. The 

 references, how^ever, are so ample and complete that the discrepancies 

 are easily understood. 



" Orchids for Everyone." By 0. H. Curtis. La. 8vo. 234 pp. 

 (Dent, London, 1910.) 21s. net. 



This work, containing more than 150 coloured plates and nearly 

 50 black and w^hite illustrations, will please most amateurs who are 

 interested in the fascinating hobby of orchid cultivation. The text is 

 singularly free from inaccuracies, an-d proves that every care has been 

 taken to produce a work worthy of the high position which orchids now 

 occupy in the many gardens of this and other countries. 



The coloured illustrations are, on the whole, to be looked upon as an 

 advance in photography ; but we regret to say there are many which are 

 not only untrue to nature but greatly spoil the book from a publisher's 

 aspect. Until the art of colour photography is more fully advanced, 

 such attempts as these should never be published. 



An interesting chapter on the historical and practical part of hybridi- 

 zation and seed-raising, with a useful "Calendar of Eeminders," 

 should be of assistance to orchidists. Far too many pages are taken 

 up with long lists of names which can be found in several catalogues. 



"Orchids." By James O'Brien, V.M.H. 8vo., 114 pp. (Jack, 

 Edinburgh and London, 1910.) Is. 6d. net. 



This useful book contains much that is of practical value to all 

 amateur orchid growers. It is arranged in a series of chapters, each 

 one dealing with an important matter, and available for reference when 

 any question on the subject turns up in another portion of the book. 



With regard to the treatment of freshly-imported plants, it is prob- 

 able that more imported plants are killed through over- attention than 

 neglect. Mr. O'Brien recommends a treatment that appears at first 

 sight somewhat drastic, but the method has much to recommend it. 

 Chapters dealing with the treatment of resting orchids, the uses of 

 baskets and pots, and the methods of watering plants give much 

 information on these important subjects. 



The danger of applying manures cannot be impressed too much on 

 the mind of the grower. Unless the subject is thoroughly understood 

 and the practice carried out by experienced hands, failure will more 

 probably result than success. Mr. O'Brien's statement that no orchid 

 grower should undertake manurial experiments without first obtaining 

 his employer's concurrence is worthy of special note. 



In short articles on the methods of heating, the best kind of staging, 

 and the various means of preventing the sun's rays from scorching the 

 plants, advice is given in a manner which the amateur will appreciate. 



