116 
GARDEN MECHANICS. 
splendid collection of Mr. Rucker. This species, like all other 
Cattleyas, is easily cultivated, provided it be not subjected 
during the growing season to too much heat and moisture, and 
over-watering during the period of torpidity. Indeed it requires 
very little water, even during its most vigorous growth, and 
always suffers if exposed to syringing.-— Pax. Mag. Bot. 
GARDEN MECHANICS. 
An ingenious friend has lately shown us an instrument for 
cleansing pots, which deserves notice, as being much handier 
than a common scrubbing-brush. It is simply a bundle of split 
canes, cut to about eight inches long, the outer portion being 
divided into small threads, and the middle left somewhat larger. 
It is bound tightly round with fine wire, and performs the work 
quickly and effectively. The advantage gained is, that the pot 
is scrubbed in every part of the interior at the same time, instead 
of only in one particular place. 
He has also fixed upon the lower cross-piece of the handle 
of the garden-roller a brush made of w r halebone, running the 
entire length, and so arranged as to sw^eep the cylinder in its 
revolutions, which completely removes the possibility of sticking 
and clogging, when drawn over wet walks or lawns. 
Gutta percha string is infinitely the neatest article we have yet 
seen for tying plants. It is soft, flexible, sufficiently strong, and 
withal so inconspicuous as to be scarcely visible. It is made of 
various sizes, at a price moderate enough to admit of general 
employment. We saw it in use in the garden of J. H. Schroder, 
Esq., Stratford, a short time since, and at a little distance it was 
not perceivable, though strained from a pot upwards to the 
flower-spike of an orchid, with bright yellow blossoms. 
We cannot refrain from this opportunity of reverting to the 
syringe of Mr. Biertumpfel, noticed in the last volume of the 
‘ Florist’s Journal.’ After several months’ constant use, we may 
with increasing confidence recommend it. By taking care to 
use clean water,—a precaution necessary with all instruments of 
the kind, it appears likely to last serviceable for the period of a 
natural life; and in effect is equal to any we ever used. 
