428 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ May 23, 1891. 
covered with Deiidrobiums in flower, producing a charming effect. 
Id was much admired, and there was quite bii.-k competition to 
secure it. Many Orchids could be established on tree stems like 
this, the only disadvantage being the difficulty of removal ; but 
where Orchids are grown for the pleasure they afford and not for 
K ile this would not be a serious trouble. 
On all sides I hear that the demand for cut Orchid flowers this 
season is greater than has ever been known before, and it is evident 
an important trade is develooing. One of the florists’ windows in 
Govent Garden Maiket is almost filled with these flowers, and some 
of the large firms that make a specialty of Orchids find it difficult 
ti meet the demand, although scores of boxes are sent out every 
week. I heard of a gentleman recently who celebrated his birthday 
by a dinner party, when Lmlia purpurata was exclusively used for 
t’oe floral decorations, some hundreds of flowers being employed 
with superb effect. Most of the Cattleyas have a very rich 
anpcarance under artificial light, and in contrast with snow-white 
cloths. Odontoglossums vexillarium has a very soft and delicate 
effect, but unfortunately the flowers do not last well when cut, 
though one decorator assures me that completely immersing the 
flowers in water after cutting for some time before they are used 
renders them much more lasting—sufficient at least for the purpose. 
Speaking of 0. vexillarium reminds me that a friend states he 
finds this plant “ succeed under cool treatment, a minimum 
temperature of 40° being allowed during winter, with plenty of 
ventilation.” I cannot recommend beginners to try this as an 
experiment, but it is worth placing on record as showing how 
diverse are experiences in cultural matters, and I know the state¬ 
ment can be rebed upon as to that particular case. It is true his 
garden is in warm and sunny Kent, and there must be some 
favourable local circumstances apart from attention, as several 
plants thrive and flower there as I never see them elsewhere. My 
experience and observation point to “cleanliness ” being the great 
secret in growing O. vexillarium satisfactorily ; a few insects soon 
ruin the best plants ever grown. 
It is seldom that a plant receives double honours from one 
R.H.S. Committee. Yet this has taken place with Oncidium 
Larkinianum, of which a flower is represented in fig. 78. When 
originally exhibited it was adjudged an award of merit, and when 
shown on April 21st last this judgment was confirmed by awarding 
a first-class certificate to Mr. J. Larkin of Watford, whose plant 
had a strong inflorescence and large brightly coloured flowers. 
O. Larkinianum is one of the Marshallianum type, the lip very 
broad and rich yellow, the sepals and petals heavily spotted with 
deep reddish brown. It is one of the most effective Oncidiums.— 
Lewis Castle. 
Orchids at Aymestrey Court, Woolton. 
I HAD an opportunity one evening last week of viewing the 
collection of Orchids at Aymestrey Court, and I came away with a, 
consciousness that for the room at disposal for their cultivation it 
would be a difficult matter to see them excelled. The chief 
interest centred in the Odontoglossum vexillarium, which are in 
fine condition. The plants are arranged on a stage, and so profuse 
was the bloom that the small Ferns interspersed could scarcely be 
recognised. There are about seventy spikes on eighteen plants, 
averaging seven to eight flowers on a spike. A grand piece of 
O. vexillarium roseum in an 8-inch pot was carrying ninety-seven 
very fine flowers, and was especially noticeable. With this excep- 
tir n the remainder are grown in 5-inch pots, and several forms 
may be seen amongst them, one variety having gigantic flowers, 
whilst others varied considerably in colour. A little over three 
years ago these plants were in 3-inch pots. Comparing the growths 
of last season and those now flowering will convince one that the 
best treatment is provided. In another house were numerous plants 
of Odontoglossum Alexandras all in splendid condition, and showing 
abundance of fine healthy spikes. Other Orchids in flower were 
Odontoglossum citrosmum, with its varieties roseum and album, 
C. Roezli, &c. ; Cypripediums Argus, caudatum, Dayanum, super¬ 
bum, and Lowi; Dendrobiums Freemani and suavissiinum ; Epiden- 
drum vitellinum majus, with Oncidiums concolor and ampliatum 
niajus. Numerous Cattleya Mendelli were pushing, as also was 
Laelia purpurata. In one of the vineries Laelia anceps in baskets 
suspended from the roof (where the plants derive all the benefit of 
the sunshine) were in robust health. Fine healthy Phalaenopses 
are grown, and though I missed seeing them when in bloom, the 
remains of the old flower spikes was evidence of what they had 
been. Other plants are well grown here, and Captain Robinson 
cannot fail to appreciate the interest Mr. Osborne takes in the 
welfare of everything connected with the gardens.—R. P. R, 
Events of the Week. —The great horticultural event of the 
current week will be the Royal Horticultural Society’s Show, which 
opens to-day (Thursday), and closes to-morrow evening. The Show 
will be open to-day from 1 P.M. to 8 p.m., and on Friday from 10 A.M. 
to G.30 P.M. An important sale of Orchids will be held at Messrs. 
Protheroe & Morris’s rooms in Cheapside on Friday, Maj^ 20th. Beyond 
that there is little to note except the meetings of the Royal and Linnean 
Societies on Thursday, June 4th, the former at 4.30 P.M., and the latter 
at 8 P.M. 
- The Proposed Hall for Horticulture. —We have plea¬ 
sure in inserting the following notification to the Fellows of the Royal 
Horticultural Society, by Rev. W. Wilks, the Secretary:—“An 
opportunity offers for at once beginning the new hall and premises. If 
every Fellow of the Society would lend the Trustees an average of £7, 
the thing would be done, and England no longer be behind France and 
America in the possession of a horticultural hall. A friend has offered 
£.1000 on condition of the hall being promptly commenced. Will you 
not help to secure this ?” 
-1 The Brockham Rose Association. — The Hon. H. D. 
Ryder having been prevented by the death of a near relation from 
receiving the Brockham Rose Association this year at High Ashurst, 
the B.R.A. Committee have accepted the invitation of Sir Trevor 
Lawrence, Bart., M.P., to hold their Show at Burford Lodge cn 
Wednesday, 1st July, 1891. 
- Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, are making a 
specialty of Cactus, and have issued an illustrated list comprising some 
of the most distinct forms of these peculiar and interesting plants. The 
whole of the family was reviewed in this Journal several years ago, and 
the articles were subsequently published as a manual, of which free use 
has been made in America and elsewhere, but not always with 
acknowledgment. 
- Weather at Liverpool. —What a change has been ex¬ 
perienced in the weather since I wrote you last week. Fruit trees of 
every description in full bloom, and the country looking delightful, 
and now in many instances the chief portion of the Pear blossom has 
been literally swept away by the strong north easterly and north¬ 
westerly winds accompanied by showers of hail and sleet. In addition 
to this the temperature has fallen in a remarkable degree, and we 
have experienced sharp frosts on several nights. What damage has 
been done it is impossible to say as yet, but 1 am afraid some of the 
Pears must suffer considerably. The night temperatures have been, on 
the 13th May, 38°; 14th May, 42°; 15th May, 36° ; 16th May, 32°; 
17th May, 28° ; 18th May, 26°; 19th May, 26°.-^R. P. 
- Aquilegias are showy perennials, not nearly enough seen in 
gardens. Single plants dotted about do not represent the true beauty 
of the plant, they need to be seen in masses to obtain the right effect. 
By far the best plan is to sow the seeds thinly in a bed where the 
seedlings may be allowed to grow and flower. In the case of con¬ 
tinuous dry weather thoroughly soaking the soil with liquid manure 
will promote freedom in growth, followed by a profusion of flowers. 
Some prefer the pale blue and white type, while others choose darker 
sliades, and even striped flowers have their admirers.—M. 
- Royal Nationax Tulip Society.— I have received an im¬ 
portant communication from the Council of the Royal Manchester 
Botanical Society, in which they urge the Tulip Society to hold the 
Tulip Exhibition on Saturday, the 6th June, for many good reason?. 
On the other hand, several growers who voted for the 30th of May 
have written asking for the date to be altered if possible to the 
6th June. Considering the Arctic severity of the weather, which has 
been quite as bad in the south and west as in the north and east, and as 
an immediate decision was required by the Botanical Society, I have on 
behalf of the Tulip Society, and in its best interests, agreed to the 
suggestion. The Tulip Show will therefore be held on Saturday, the 
Gth June, in the Royal Botanical Gardens, Manchester.— Samuel 
Barlow, Stahehill House. 
