LIST OF ORCHIDE7E. 
223 
ON THE RANUNCULUS. 
Sir, — Being an ardent admirer, but rather unsuccessful culti¬ 
vator of that lovely flower the Ranunculus, allow me to tender 
my best thanks to Clericus for his hint respecting the preparation 
of beds for them in the last Number of the Journal. I have at 
once acted on the advice, and my beds are now ready. 
Here, however, I must beg to inquire, what is the difference 
supposed to exist in the employment of thoroughly decomposed 
or more recent manure ? this inquiry is made, not in a spirit ol 
controversy, but from a desire (like many others of your readers 
doubtless) to know which is best: Tyso and Lightbody both 
eminent growers, recommend the manure to be well rotted, 
while at Lockhart’s, a grower of equal extent and standing, I 
have seen it applied in quite a new state, both cowdung and the 
ordinary stable litter. The difference may not appear of much 
moment to an experienced cultivator, who is aware ot the pro¬ 
bable effects of either form, and is consequently able to encou¬ 
rage or counteract as the case may require, but to a tyro it is 
at the least somewhat puzzling. I imagine a loss of the nutritive 
properties of the manure must occur while arriving at a decom¬ 
posed state, before it is applied, which would be imparted to 
the soil if used fresh ; however I am not writing to express my 
own opinion, but to solicit that of others. 
LIST OF ORCHIDE7E. 
(Continued from page 200.) 
244. Odontoglossum constrictum. Plant pseudo-bulbous ; bulbs 3 in. long, 
flattish, and of a shining pale green ; leaves in pairs, 18 in. long and 1 in. 
broad; the flowers are produced on an upright spike. The plant requires 
pot cultivation in a mixture of turfy peat sphagnum and small potsherds, with 
a liberal watering during its growth. The temperature at that time should 
range from 60° to 70° or 75° ; when at rest from 50° to 60°. — Native of 
Guatemala. 
245. Odontoglossum membranaceum. Plant pseudo-bulbous ; bulbs 2 in. 
long, tapering to the summit; its leaves are produced singly, 4 in. long, of a 
lanceolate acute form. The flowers are produced on a short slender spike. 
It may either be grown in pots, or on small billets of wood covered with 
sphagnum ; if on the latter, a liberal supply ot water will be required while 
growing, with the same temperature as the other. -— Native of Guatemala . 
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