March 22, 1890. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
ORCHID NOT ES AND G LEANINGS. 
Orchid Growers’ Calendar. 
Deciduous Calanthes will now require re-potting, and 
the compost in which they thrive best generally, 
consists of good turfy loam, peat and sand, though some 
growers use well-decayed cow manure instead of the 
peat with equally good results. One bulb in a 48-sized 
pot, or three in a 32-sized pot, is a very convenient 
way of growing them, but it must be borne in mind 
the plants want a good position to secure good results. 
The heat of the East India house just suits them, 
provided they can have a shelf near the glass, or some 
other equally good position. The grandest stuff I have 
seen has been grown in Pine stoves, both in the north 
and south of England, and when grown in stoves 
devoted to Crotons, Anthuriums, and the like, they 
usually give better results than when grown in cooler- 
houses. Evergreen Calanthes, of which C. veratrifolia 
is, perhaps, the most popular, will be benefited by 
occasional weak doses of manure water when the spikes 
are growing freely. 
Any plants of Odontoglossum citrosmum which are 
showing flower spikes should now receive a thorough 
soaking, having been kept dry for so long a period ; the 
ball or basket will require immersing, without letting 
the water enter the young growth from which the 
flower spike is pushing. 
Lfelia anceps, L. albida, L. autumnalis, and L. 
Gouldiana are now in a fit condition for re-basketing, 
for I believe pans or baskets to be the best for them, as 
they are shallow rooting plants and prefer rambling 
over a raft, basket or pan, rather than having all their 
roots covered up in a deep pot. Good fibry peat which 
will not quickly decay should be used, as it will be 
necessary to supply the plants with water copiously 
later on in the season ; about one part of sphagnum to 
two parts of peat will be suitable. After being re¬ 
basketed, they will require but little water for a week 
or two. A light dewing over with the syringe daily will 
be of great benefit, to help them to plump up the old 
bulbs and make young roots. 
Cattleya Eldorado, if grown in a hothouse with C. 
superba, will now be on the move and may be re-potted 
if necessary, as well as any plants of the lovely Spatho- 
glottis Kimballiana which have not produced flower 
spikes. 
Dendrobiums in flower at this season are very much 
appreciated when transferred to cooler houses in which 
to bloom, associated with spring-flowering plants, but 
the grower has to think about the young growth at the 
base of the bulb, as well as the present effect of the 
plant in flower, and he should water the plants sparingly 
while they are flowering in cool quarters, and get them 
into their own quarters as soon as the flowers are 
over. Any plants which are not yet pushing flowers 
should be kept dry, so as to induce them to do so, but 
not allowed to shrivel. Such varieties as D. Findley- 
anum, D. pulchellum, D. Parishii, and D. Bensonias 
are all pretty, but not generally so well flowered as 
some others. 
The evergreen species, comprising well-known but 
remarkably showy varieties, are now pushing for flower, 
and will open well in a Cattleya or intermediate house, 
unless it is desirable to retard the plants by keeping 
them dry and cool. The most showy varieties are D. 
thyrsiflorum, D. densiflorum, D. Farmeri, D. suavis- 
simum, and D. chrysotoxum. 
Green-fly is now becoming troublesome on the 
spikes of Odontoglossums as well as on the flowers 
and young growths of Dendrobiums, and next to the 
system of steaming with the Thanatophore for efficacy 
is the frequent use of the sponge. Amongst the 
insecticides, we like Lemon Oil the best, as it kills the 
green-fly without injuring the young growth or flower. 
— TV. P. 
Cattleya amethystoglossa. 
This beautiful Cattleya, which has been for some time 
flowering in a high state of perfection in the Orchid 
Nurseries, St. Albans, still holds its own as one of the 
most noble and beautiful of its class. When well cul¬ 
tivated, the plant in itself is a splendid object to 
behold, the strong and bold flower growths coming 
away steadily until they have reached the height of 
■j ft. or 4 ft., leaving a well-finished stem, bright with 
its silvery sheaths and massive healthy roots. During 
the period of growth the plants require a good deluging 
of water from time to time, and this should be carefully 
applied until the stems have thoroughly matured their 
tissues, together with foliage and flower sheaths. 
After this a cooler treatment (55° to 60°) may be given 
the plants, watering sparingly once a week. Early in 
the month of February increase the temperature to 60° 
or 70° with heat and moisture. The flower spikes will 
then burst into beauty, the dotted amethyst sepals and 
petals being tipped with the same hue. After blooming 
growth recommences. A well-drained pan or pot, with 
good fibrous peat and sphagnum, are what they delight 
in. —A methystoglossa . 
Cattleya Trian/e fulgens. 
The sepals of this variety are rose, the petals a shade 
darker, large and recurved. The lip is also of great 
size, rather open, with a dark purple lamina. It was 
shown at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural 
Society, by H. B. Mildmay, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Cliffe), 
Shoreham Place, Sevenoaks, and received an Award of 
Merit. 
Cypripedium. Numa. 
The seed parent of this hybrid was Cypripedium 
Lawrenceanum fertilised with the pollen of C. Stonei, 
and the result has been a plant intermediate between 
and showing the influence of both parents. The upper 
sepal is roundish, acuminate, and white striped with 
brownish purple. The petals show the influence of C. 
Stonei distinctly in being spotted all over with black 
on a brownish yellow ground, and in being long, 
narrow, and drooping. The oblong leaves are light 
green reticulated or tessellated with a much darker hue. 
Two flowers were borne on the scape of a plant exhibited 
by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, at the Drill Hall 
on the 11th inst., when a First Class Certificate was 
awarded it. 
Cattleya chocoensis. 
A large healthy specimen of this rare Cattleya is now 
flowering in the Orchid houses of H. H. Martain, Esq., 
Stonleigh, Huddersfield. This splendid specimen is 
producing nine flower spikes with nineteen flowers. 
The sepals and petals are pure white, with a blotch of 
purple on the lip. It is a great beauty, although the 
flowers do not fully expand, as in Cattleya Trianse.— 
0. T. S. 
Odontoglossum Rossii aspersum. 
The distinctness of this form of 0. Rossii is at once 
apparent, and the only other form with which it may 
be confused is O. R. Humeanum. The latter, however, 
has white petals, with a few brown blotches at the 
base, and may therefore be set aside. That under 
notice has the sepals nearly covered with rich brown 
blotches, and marked transversely with narrow yellow 
streaks or bands. The petals are of a soft yellow, and 
blotched with brown on the basal one-third of their 
length. The lip expands of a creamy white, but soon 
changes to pure white, with a bright yellow, bilobed 
crest, striped on the inner faces with red. The column is 
pale purple, adding further to the wonderful mixture 
of colours to be found in this interesting, but at the 
same time, very ornamental variety. We noted a 
specimen of it bearing three flowers on a scape in the 
nursery of Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill. It 
was grown in a pot and suspended from the roof of a 
cool house. 
Cypripedium cardinale, Vanner's var. 
This is the product of Cypripedium Sedeni candidulum, 
itself a hybrid, and C. Schlimii. The upper sepal is 
blush, ani the ovate-oblong blunt petals are similar, 
with a broad patch of red hairs at the base. The lip is 
inflated and rounded as in all others of this class, 
pubescent, and deep red. It was exhibited by W. 
Vanner, Esq., Camden Wood, Chislehurst, at the Drill 
Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday, the 11th ult., when 
an Award of Merit was accorded it. 
Cypripedium Schomburgkianum. 
This is something after the style of C. caricinum. 
The linear-lanceolate leaves are of a deep shining green ; 
the scape is brown and pubescent ; the sepals are pale 
and pubescent externally, the lower one being ovate 
and the upper lanceolate. The narrow pendent petals 
are also pale and stained with rose ; the lip is yellow, 
spotted with green and brown on the sides of the 
opening of the pouch, while the infolded lobes are 
white. A Botanical Certificate was awarded to a 
specimen shown at the Drill Hall, Westminster, on the 
11th inst., by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans. 
Cattleya Trian/e marginata. 
The sepals and petals of this variety are of the usual 
light hue prevalent in most of the forms of the species. 
The main feature of distinction and attraction is 
centred in the lip, the lamina of which is a rich dark 
purple, while the beautifully crisped margin is white. 
A large white blotch, in the throat tinted with yellow, 
adds much to the beauty of the flower by contrast 
with the other bright colours. A specimen was shown 
at the Drill Hall on the 11th inst. by Messrs. J. Laiug 
& Sans, Forest Hill, when an Award of Merit was 
received for it. 
401 
SEASONABLE WORK IN THE 
GARDEN. 
Allamandas, Stepiianotis, &c. —Now that the young 
growths of these are proceeding rapidly, they should 
receive some attention in the matter of training, to 
prevent them from forming a labyrinthic mass, ob¬ 
structing the light from the subjects grown beneath 
them for the rest of the season. 
Tacsonias. —Many climbers, including the Tacsonias, 
are particularly liable to become infested rvith scale, 
and owing to the quantity of branches produced during 
summer, it then becomes almost impossible to deal with 
the enemy. Before further growth is made, a good 
plan would be to give the plants a good syringing with 
Nicotine Soap, so as to wet the whole of the bark 
thoroughly. 
Stove Temperature. —The night temperature 
should now be kept at 70°, unless tho weather prove 
very cold, when it may be allowed to drop to 65°. During 
the day a rise of 10° may be allowed. Close early in 
the afternoon, and no harm will result if the temperature 
rises to 85° or 90° by sun heat, provided all available 
surfaces are well damped down. 
Camellias. —Where pruning or cutting back is 
necessary to restrict the size of old plants or bring them 
as well as young ones into shape, this should be done as 
soon as the flowers fall, so that growth may proceed 
without check. It is well known that Camellias com¬ 
mence growing soon after the flowering period, and if 
allowed to start before cutting back is accomplished, it 
takes the plants a long time to regain lost ground. 
Re-potting Camellias. —The present is the best 
time to accomplish this operation where necessary, 
because growth is about to commence, and the roots 
soon become established in the fresh soil. Some 
growers still use a compost of loam and peat for 
Camellias ; but nothing can beat good, fibrous yellow 
loam for lasting properties and the production of a 
large amount of bloom. 
Cinerarias. —The main batch of Cinerarias, gener¬ 
ally consisting of large specimens, are now commencing 
to flower, and to favour the even development of the 
plant the stems should be tied out evenly. With 
dwarf plants this will hardly be necessary, provided 
the trusses of bloom are assisted to get clear of the 
foliage. Assist with liquid manure at every second 
watering. 
Chinese Primulas.— Plants, the flowers of which 
have been artificially fertilised with the view of 
obtaining seed, should be stood in a light, airy position 
near the glass, where they will have an abundance of 
light. 
Petunias. — - The single and striped kinds, now 
becoming more largely used for bedding purposes, as 
well as for the decoration of vases and window boxes 
out of doors, should be sown at once, if the operation 
has not been accomplished. Seeds of doubb kinds for 
indoor cultivation may also be sown, and cittings of 
old plants of choice varieties taken off and loited. 
Fuchsias. —Old plants, in many cases, are now 
commencing to push their buds ; they should therefore 
be re-potted without delay. Remove the greater part 
of the old soil, so that as much of the new compost as 
possible may be got into the clean pots. A light rich 
compost, with ample drainage, so that large quantities 
of water may be given during full growth, is most 
suited to the well-being of this class of plants. 
Early Vinery.— From 68° to 70° will still be high 
enough night temperature, increasing it to S0° early in 
the day. Ventilate gradually in the fore part of the 
day, and close before the sun loses power in the after¬ 
noon, damping down and syringing freely. Should red- 
spider get a footing, paint the hot-water pipes with 
sulphur at closing time. 
Strawberries. —During the ripening period the 
fruit will be much better flavoured if the temperature is 
somewhat lowered, and more ventilation given. 
Figs. —As the fruit in the early house commences to 
ripen, syringing should be discontinued, and a smaller 
amount of water at the roots given. This will lessen 
the tendency of the fruit to crack, and the fruits will 
be all the better flavoured for it. In order to keep 
down red-spider, syringing should be kept up, how¬ 
ever, until the state of the fruit requires a dry 
atmosphere. 
Cauliflower. —Plants newly put out from reserved 
frames should be sheltered by means of Spruce or other 
evergreen branches during the prevalence of cold east 
winds or driving winds and rain. 
Peaches and Apricots. —The lengthening days are 
now tolling upon trees trained against the open wall. 
It will therefore be wise to provide a means of pro¬ 
tection iu case of late spring frosts. Two or three folds 
of old herring netting would keep off a great deal of 
frost, yet require no removal during the day. 
