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Orchideae (Confused genus of very pretty)

A confused genus of very pretty, terrestrial, hardy or nearly hardy, Orchids, allied to Orchis, but (except in one species) without any spur, and the lip is usually very convex. Upwards of thirty species have been enumerated; they are natives of Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Sepals subequal, free, often concave, spreading; petals two, narrow-oblong, entire. The species generally thrive best in a sandy, chalky loam. O. apifera, and the other British species, are suitable for the rock-garden; the rest are best grown in a cold frame. All may be propagated by divisions of the tuberous roots; but most of the species increase very slowly, or scarcely at all, under cultivation. The species best known to gardens are those here described. O. apifera (bee-bearing).* Bee Orchis. fl. with greenish petals and rose-coloured sepals; lip as long as the sepals, with reflexed marginal lobes, the terminal one subulate, the rest hairy above; spike few-flowered. April. l. few, glaucous. Stem about 1ft. high. Europe (Britain). (Sy. En. B. 1467.) O. arachnites (cobwebby). This species differs principally from O. apifera in the sub-deltoid, ovate petals, in the lip being longer than the sepals, and in the straight or incurved appendage. Europe (Britain). (Sy. En. B. 1468.) O. aranifera (spider-bearing). Spider Orchis. fl. with green sepals and petals; lip dark brown, as long as the sepals, with roundish, hairy, reflexed, marginal lobes; spike few-flowered. April. Stem about 6in. high. Europe (Britain). (Sy. En. B. 1469.) O. bombilifera (bee-bearing). Humble-bee Orchis. fl., sepals green; petals recurved; lip deeply trilobed, the central lobe chocolate-brown, sub-globular, the lateral ones conical, and prolonged below; anther red, obtuse, bent backwards. l. small, oblong-lanceolate. Mentone, &c. (Fl. Ment. 72.) O. lutea (yellow).* fl. 3/4in. to 1in. in diameter; sepals oblong, obtuse, incurved, green; petals much smaller, yellow or yellow-green; lip nearly quadrate, golden-yellow, with a purple disk and a contracted base, convex, three-lobed towards the tip; scape 4in. to 7in. high, stout, many-flowered. l. spreading, linear-oblong, 1 1/2in. to 2 1/2in. long. South Europe. SYN. O. vespifera. (B. M. 5941.) O. muscifera (fly-bearing). Fly Orchis. fl. with green sepals and dark red linear petals; lip twice the length of the sepals, with four expanded lobes, somewhat downy, and having a pale blue spot in the middle; spike slender, about six-flowered. June. Europe (Britain). (Sy. En. B. 1471.) O. Speculum (looking-glass).* fl. greenish; lip quadrate-oblong, convex; the disk steel-blue, edged with gold, and the whole broadly margined with maroon-purple. l. linear-oblong. Stem 4in. to 12in. high, bearing several flowers. South Europe, 1818. (B. M. 5844; B. R. 370.) O. tenthredinifera (sawfly-bearing). fl. varying in colour; petals spreading; lip villous, oblong, obovate, the apex bilobed, appendiculate. April and May. Stems leafy. h. 9in. South Europe, 1815. (B. M. 1930; B. R. 205, 1093.) O. vespifera (wasp-bearing). A synonym of O. lutea.

OPLISMENUS (from hoplismenos, awned; referring to the awns). SYNS. Hekaterosachne, Orthopogon. ORD. Gramineae. A small genus (three or four species) of stove or greenhouse Grasses, allied to Panicum, broadly dispersed over the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the globe. Spikelets one-flowered, articulated with the pedicel; glumes four; panicles unilateral. Leaves narrowly or broadly lanceolate, flat. These somewhat large-leaved grasses are of easy culture; they grow freely in a mixture of loam, leaf mould, and sand, and make nice plants for table decoration, &c. They are propagated by division; or by seeds, which are freely produced. The two species mentioned below succeed either in the stove or greenhouse. O. hirtellus (slightly-hairy).* fl., sheath pilose; spikes distant; common axis pubescent; spikelets three to ten, pubescent; lowest awn smooth, bluntish, three to five times as long as its glume; third glume shortly awned, furnished with a palea. June and July. l. lanceolate, acuminate, undulate, puberulous, 1 1/2in. to 2 1/2in. long. West Indies, 1795. SYN. Orthopogon hirtellus.

O. loliaceus (Tares). fl., sheath glabrous, ciliate or pilose; spikes usually oblong; common axis nearly glabrous; spikelets fascicled; lowest awn three or four times as long as its glume; third glume shortly awned, furnished with a palea. July and August. l. oblong-lanceolate or lanceolate, acuminate, 2in. to 4in. long. Trinidad, 1820. SYN. Orthopogon loliaceus. OPUNTIA (the old Latin name used by Pliny, and said to be derived from the city of Opus). Indian Fig; Prickly Pear. ORD. Cacteae. A genus of greenhouse, or hardy succulent trees or shrubs, natives of the tropical and warm regions of America; some of the species have become widely naturalised in the Old World. About 150 species have been described, but many of these are not sufficiently distinct to merit specific rank. Flowers yellow, red, or purple, lateral; calyx tube not produced above the ovary; lobes numerous; petals numerous, connate at base, spreading; stamens many-seriate. Berry pear-shaped, tubercled. Leaves scale-like, deciduous. Stem terete at base, branched; branches articulated, flat, compressed, globose or sub-cylindrical, tubercled; tubercles tomentose, spiny, the young ones leafy.

The cultivation of Opuntias is very easy. All that is necessary for plants in pots is to secure thorough drainage, and give all the light possible. Formerly, broken brick rubbish was supposed to be essential to their well-being, but good loam alone will do quite well. Powdered bricks, mixed with the loam, however, suit the smaller-growing kinds, and insure rapid drainage. During winter, a smaller supply of water is required; indeed, when at rest, the plants should be kept almost dry. The hardy species are extremely interesting, and grow freely in sunny spots in the open air, provided some means be adopted to guard against superabundance of moisture. Some of them, in their native habitats, withstand much more cold than ever is experienced in Britain; but the dry air, or the covering of snow, protects them. An ordinary hand-light, placed over the plants, is shelter enough, provided the position in which they are placed is dry and efficiently drained. Opuntias may be propagated by means of the branches, or portions of them; these should, after being cut off, be laid on a dry shelf for a time, and then planted or laid on well-drained pots of loam and brick-dust; but very little water should be given until roots are emitted. Seeds, too, are readily raised; the appearance of the seedlings is shown in Fig. 749. The following extracts from the "Transactions of the Horticultural Society" are interesting as showing what may be done in a Surrey garden; they are from a paper "On the Treatment of the Cactus Opuntia, or Prickly Pear; under which it will perfectly mature its fruit in the open air of England," read on 3rd Sept., 1816, communicated by Mr. John Braddick, Thames Ditton: "Having heretofore observed that the plant, in its wild state, delighted in a dry soil amongst rocks near the skirts of the sunny sides of the forests [the writer is speaking of Virginia], I, in consequence, planted it in the compost described below, placed in a sheltered position open to the sun. The first plant that I turned out has lived in the open ground of this country for six or seven years, during which period it has endured one exceeding hard winter, and several trying springs; and in all, except the first two years, it has never failed to ripen its fruit and seeds, so that it may be now considered decidedly naturalised. It is now growing vigorously; and, although the present season has been decidedly unfavourable, yet I doubt not but it will produce a plentiful crop of flowers, and ripen its fruit fit for the table during the course of the next month. . . . The compost used by me for growing the Cactus Opuntia is the following: One half is carbonate of lime, for which lime rubbish from old buildings will answer; the remaining half consists of equal portions of London clay and peat earth, having the acid neutralised by barilla; these are intimately blended and sifted. One square yard of this compost I conceive to be sufficient for one plant, which must be placed in the middle of a small artificial hillock, raised eighteen inches above the surface of the ground, which ground should be rendered perfectly dry, if not naturally so, by under-draining. Neither the leaves, flowers, nor fruit should ever be suffered to touch the ground; but they should, as constantly as they are produced, be kept from the earth, by placing stones, pebbles, flints, or bricks under them, in imitation of artificial rockwork." All the species mentioned require greenhouse treatment, except where otherwise stated. Probably several others would succeed in the open, in addition to those marked hardy.

O. andicola (Andine). Plant much-branched; joints Cucumber-like, elongated, attenuated at apex, shining brownish-green in colour, at length woody; are olae somewhat crowded, setose; prickles three or four, sub-rigid, slender, and one or two long ones, white. Andes of Chili.

O. arborescens (arborescent).* fl. beautiful purple, 2 1/2in. to 3in. in diameter; stigmas eight. Summer. fr. about 1in. long. Stems about 5ft. high (said to attain a height of 20ft. or 30ft. at its southern limits); tubercles green, spiny, compressed-cristate, elevated, 3/4in. long; spines very variable in number and size. Mexico, &c.

O. Auberi (Auber's). Plant erect, large; joints glaucescent, thick, oblong-ovate, with repand margins; areolae remote; prickles mostly four, white, angular, one or two larger than the rest. Cuba. O. aurantiaca (orange). fl. orange-yellow. Joints linear or linear-lanceolate, divaricate, compressed at apex, terete at base, marked with dark green spots around the areolae; areolae large convex, white-tomentose; spines unequal, the three longer ones rigid, brown, divergent, the two or three shorter ones white. h. 3ft. Chili, 1824. (B. R. 1606.) O. basilaris (base-branching). fl. rose-purple, large. Summer. fr. sub-globose, deeply umbilicated. Stems low, branching only from the base: joints obovate, often retuse or fan-shaped; areolae very close, densely covered with short, brown bristles. California, Arizona, &c. O. Bigelovii (Bigelow's).* "Branches forming a dense head younger joints erect, adpressed, fragile, often shaken off by the wind, and covering the soil around, taking root everywhere, or sticking to the clothes of the passers-by, like burrs" (Engelmann). Joints 2in. to 6in. long, fresh light green, covered with the small, almost hemispherical tubercles, which are arranged mostly in thirteen spirals. h. 10ft. to 12ft. Colorado.

O. boliviana (Bolivian). stem articulated, sub-erect; joints 2in. to 2 1/2in. long, ovate-oblong, smooth, very pale green, becoming yellowish with age; tubercles round, young ones greyish-yellow; prickles 3in. to 4in. long, flexible, white, sub-pellucid. h. over 1ft. Bolivia. O. brachyarthra (short-jointed). fl. small; stigmas five. Plant ascendent; joints ovate or orbiculate, tumid, often sub-globose, tubercled; tubercles crowded; prickles in groups of from three to five.

O. braziliensis (Brazilian).* fl. bright lemon-yellow, 1in. to 1 1/2in. in diameter; petals imbricated, sub-patent, the outer ones short, thick, and fleshy, the inner ones from 1/2in. to 1in. long. May and June. fr. transparent-yellow, sub-globose, with dense fascicles of chestnut-coloured bristles. Branches horizontal or declining, spiny; ultimate joints obovate or obovate-oblong. h. 10ft. to 30ft. Brazil, 1816. (B. M. 3293.) O. candelabriformis (candelabrum-shaped). Plant sub-erect; joints obovate or elliptic, glaucous-green; areolae somewhat crowded; prickles four or five, white, and one very long one. Mexico.

O. cochinellifera (Cochineal-bearing). A synonym of Nopalea coccinellifera. O. corrugata (wrinkled). fl. reddish-yellow. August. Stem articulated; joints erect, cylindrical, green; areolae crowded; prickles pale tomentose, the upper ones very minute and setaceous, the lower ones six to eight, white, and elongated. h. 2ft. Chili, 1824.

O. crinifera (hair-bearing). Plant sub-erect; joints ovate or elongated, slender, greenish; areolae somewhat crowded, white, convex; lower prickles three or four, slender, slightly rigid, reddish; upper ones copious, white, long, silky. Brazil, 1846.

O. curassavica (Curassoa). fl. yellow. June. Plant suberect; joints fragile, cylindrico-ventricose, compressed, dark green, much divaricated; areolae crowded, white-tomentose, slightly woolly; prickles three to five, unequal, dark, eventually becoming white, acutely pungent. h. 6ft. Curassoa, 1690. There are several varieties of this species.

O. cylindrica (cylindrical).* fl. scarlet, 1in. in diameter, inconspicuous, several together just below the ends of the branches; petals short, erect. fr. pale yellowish-green, 2in. long, 1in. broad. l. deciduous, 1/2in. long, cylindrical, acute. Stems several, cylindrical, the main one 6ft. or more high, all thickly armed with pale or white, fine, but not long, spines. Peru, 1799. (B. M. 3301.) O. Davisii (Davis').* fl. of a remarkable bronzy-greenish colour, 2in. in diameter. Stems tuberculate-terete, 1/2in. in diameter; spines five or six in a tuft, about 1/2in. long. New Mexico, 1883. A small, shrubby species. (B. M. 6652.) O. decipiens (deceptive). Plant erect, branched, green; branches spreading, cylindrical, attenuated at base; tubercles few, somewhat spirally disposed; areolae small; central prickles yellow, tunicated, spreading-deflexed, the rest (three or four) smaller, somewhat radiating. Mexico. O. Dillenii (Dillenius'). fl. yellow. September. Plant erect; joints obovate-rotundate, undulated, glaucous; areolae clothed with yellow, eventually white, tomentum; prickles divaricate, yellowish, three to five small ones, and one strong longer one. h. 5ft. (B. R. 255, under name of Cactus Dillenii.) O. echinocarpa (spiny-fruited).* fl. pale greenish-yellow, about 1 1/2in. across. Summer. fr. depressed, deeply umbilicate, very spiny. A low, much-branched, spreading speces, with ovateclavate joints densely covered with numerous spines, which are loosely coated with a whitish, glistening sheath. Colorado, &c.

O. Engelmanni (Engelmann's).* fl. yellow, with a reddish centre. May and June. Plant large, erect, 4ft. to 6ft. high; joints obovate. Chihuahua, 1854. Hardy. O. Ficus-Indica.* Indian Fig. fl. yellow. May. fr. red within, bristly, ovate, edible. l. subulate, bristly in the axils, without spines. Stem erect, spreading; joints oval and obovate, 1ft. long. h. 2ft. Mexico, &c., 1731. Hardy. SYN. O. vulgaris.

O. floccosa (woolly). Stem club-shaped at base, thick, shining green, crested, tubercled; tubercles fleshy, prominent; areolae axillary, elongated, woolly. h. from 4in. to 5in. Bolivia.

O. fragilis (fragile). fl. small. fr. ovate, scarcely spiny. l. minute. Plant sub-decumbent; joints small, ovate, somewhat compressed, tumid or sub-globose, hardly tuberculate, shining green; tubercles somewhat crowded, large, white-tomentose; prickles robust. North America, 1814. O. frutescens (shrubby). fl. greenish, small. fr. scarlet, obovate, without tubercles. Plant shrubby, erect, with slightly erect branches; joints terete; spines almost solitary. Mexico, 1838.

O. glaucophylla (milky-green-leaved). Plant erect; joints obovate, somewhat undulated, glaucous; prickles one or two, subulate, less than 1in. long. Mexico.

O. grandis (large). A synonym of O. stenopetala.

O. Kleiniae (Mrs. Klein's). Plant erect, branched, greyish-green; branches erect, cylindrical, tuberculated; fascicles usually spirally disposed; areolae velvety; prickles, one white, large, spreading-deflexed, the rest reddish-white, innumerable. South Mexico.

O. leptocaulis (slender-stemmed). Plant erect, branched; branches cylindrical, erect, tuberculated; fascicles spirally disposed; areolae sub-tomentose; prickles about three, setaceous, greenish, patent-deflexed, the rest setose, crowded, reddish. North Mexico, 1845.

O. microdasys (small-thick).* Plant sub-erect, diffuse; joints obovate or lanceolate, green, thick at base; areolae regularly clustered. South Mexico, 1845.

O. missouriensis (Missouri).* fl. light yellow. May to July. fr. dry, prickly. l. minute; axils armed with a tuft of straw-coloured bristles and five to ten slender, radiating spines, which are 1in. to 2in. long. Plant prostrate; joints broadly obovate and flat, 2in. to 4in. long, tuberculate. North America, 1814. Hardy.

O. monacantha (one-spined). Plant erect; joints large, elliptic or ovate-oblong, much compressed, glabrous, green; areolae remote, with very short, greyish, bristly tomentum and a single, rigid, brown spine, yellow at apex. h. 1ft. Brazil, 1816. (B. R. 1726, under name of Cactus Opuntia Tuna.) O. multiflora (many-flowered).* fl. yellow. Summer. Plant erect; branches large, ovate or elliptical, flattened; spines clustered, numerous, unequal. O. nigricans (blackish). fl. pink. August. Plant erect; joints large, ovate or lanceolate, green; areolae remote, fulvous; prickles two or three, unequal, divergent, rigid, dark greenish. h. 3ft. South America, 1795. (B. M. 1557, under name of Cactus Tuna nigricans.) O. papyracantha (papery-spined). Plant with sub-globose joints and long, papyraceous spines. Argentine Republic, 1872.

O. Parmentieri (Parmentier's). l., leaflets dark red, slender. Joints cucumber-like, pale green; areolae spirally disposed, convex, with reddish-brown tomentum; lower spines two or three, white-stramineous. Paraguay.

O. Pes-corvi (crow-foot). fl., yellow, large; sepals and petals eight to twelve, cuneate; stigmas four. Summer. Stems diffuse, prostrate; joints 1in. to 3in. long, cylindrical, or somewhat flattened, spiny; spines by pairs, unequal, elongated. h. 1ft. to 2ft. South United States. O. phaeacantha (gay-spined). fl. yellow, numerous, around the summit of the joints; stigmas six. June. Stem erect; joints oblong; spines yellow or brown painted, strong, unequal. h. 3ft. Mexico, &c., 1811. (B. M. 2691, under name of Cactus poly anthos.) O. platyacantha (flat-spined). Plant with a low-branching stem, with spreading, cylindric, slightly tuberculated, shining brown branches; areolae large, immersed, armed with setae and spines of different forms and sizes. O. Paeppigii (Paeppig's). fl. pale yellow, 2in. in diameter, sessile or shortly-stalked, having an exceedingly short ovary, about 1/3in. long. l. incurved, cylindrical. Branches leafy; spines spreading, solitary, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long. Chili, 1884. A dwarf bush. (R. G. 1129.) O. pulverulenta (powdery). Plant erect, thick, cylindrical, pale greyish-blue, powdery, with oblong tubercles; areolae on the tops of the tubercles large, round, bristly, and with two prickles, one of which is very long and the other shorter. Tropical America.

O. Rafinesquii (Rafinesque's).* fl., often with a red centre, larger, and with more numerous petals (ten to twelve) than in O. vulgaris. June. l. spreading, some of the axils bearing a few small spines and a single strong one, 9in. to 12in. long. Plant with deep green joints. h. 1ft. North America, 1868. Hardy. O. Salmiana (Prince Salm-Dyck's).* fl. yellow, red. September. Plant erect, branched, of a greyish-green colour; branches cylindrical, without tubercles; areolae somewhat crowded, white-tomentose, the mature ones pulvinately globose. the lower ones with three or four minute, reddish prickles. h. 2ft. Brazil, 1850. (B. M. 4542; L. & P. F. G. i. 101.) O. Segethi (Segeth's). This species is similar in habit to O. Paeppigii, but has much longer flowers, the ovary being 3 1/2in. long, with a few thick, cylindric, spreading bracts, 1in. long; corolla pale pink, 1 1/2in. in diameter. Chili, 1884. (R. G. 1129.) O. stenopetala (narrow-petaled). fl. yellow, small; sepals and petals subulate, sub-erect. Plant prostrate; joints large; prickles one to three, deflexed. Mexico, &c., 1835. SYN. O. grandis.

O. sulphurea (sulphur-coloured). fl. yellow. July. Stem articulated; joints erect, subglobose, of a beautiful green colour; prickles pale-tomentose; upper ones bristly, dark purple, very minute, penicillately collected; lower ones six to twelve, elongated, acicular, white, purple at the apex; central ones very long. h. 2ft. Chili, 1827.

O. Tuna (Tuna).* fl. reddish-orange. July. fr. rich carmine, 2in. to 3in. long. Branches jointed, 4in. to 8in. or more long, oval or oblong, with distant bundles of yellow, unequal, spreading spines. Stem (of an old plant) sometimes 20ft. high. West Indies, &c., 1731.

O. tunicata (coated-spined). Plant sub-erect, much-branched; branches green, divergent, attenuated at base, tuberculate-areolar; areolae obtuse, oblong, white-tomentose; prickles four to six large ones, and two or three small ones, all white, membranous, sub-pellucid, tunicated. Mexico, 1840. O. Turpinii (Turpin's). Plant articulate, erect, low, with mammillariform tubercles, greyish-green; joints globose-ovate, crowded, young ones about 2in. in diameter; areolae round, white-tomentose; prickles biformed, varying from three to ten lines long. Chili, 1844.

O. vulgaris (common).* fl. pale sulphur-yellow. June. fr. nearly smooth, pulpy, edible. l. minute, ovate-subulate and appressed; axils bristly, rarely with a few small spines. Plant low, prostrate or spreading, with flat and broadly obovate joints. h.2ft. Mexico, &c., 1596. (B. M. 2393, under name of Cactus Opuntia.) O. vulgaris (common), of Tenore. A synonym of O. Ficus-Indica. ORACH (Atriplex hortensis). A plant sometimes cultivated for the use of its leaves, principally as a substitute for Spinach. It will grow in almost any soil, but produces the largest leaves in that which is rich. Sow seed in drills, 2ft. apart, in March, and again, successionally, if much in demand, as the plants soon run to seed. If seed is required, it should be collected before becoming quite ripe; otherwise, the wind will carry it away. The flowers should be pinched off if seeds are not to be kept. There are about three varieties, distinguished by their colours, i.e., white or pale green, red, and purple. The plant commonly called Red Mountain Spinach (A. hortensis rubra) has fine, ornamental foliage, grows to a height of 3ft. or 4ft., and is very useful in sub-tropical gardening. It is a hardy annual; consequently, a new stock must be raised each year.

ORANGE. Citrus Aurantium, and some of the other members of the Orange family, have been cultivated for so long a period, and over such an extended geographical area, that it is scarcely possible to refer the numerous forms, which have originated under culture, to their respective and specific types. There can, however, be no doubt that the two or three parent types, from which the host of forms have sprung, are of Asiatic origin. Some idea of the number of these cultivated varieties, and their range of differences in the size, form, colour, and taste of the fruits, may be obtained when it is stated that, in the "Histoire Naturelle des Orangers," a folio work, by Risso and Poiteau (1818), there are no less than 109 plates. The literature of the subject is very considerable; but the most important work, besides the one just mentioned, is Gallesio's "Traite du Citrus" (8vo), published at Paris, in 1811.

Under favourable conditions, the Orange is a very free bearer. Wallace mentions a tree in St. Michael's that bore 20,000 fruits in one crop. The longevity of the plant, too, is not less remarkable. At Versailles, one tree is still growing which was sown in 1421, and the famous tree, now upwards of 30ft. in height, in the Convent of St. Sabina, at Rome, is said to be more than 600 years old. "In Cordova, the noted seat of Moorish grandeur and luxury, in Spain, there are Orange-trees still remaining which are considered to be 600 or 700 years old" ("Treasury of Botany").

Some commentators suppose that the "Apples of Gold" were Oranges; but there does not seem to be any definite evidence that the Orange was cultivated in Palestine in the time of Solomon. More than 700 years later, Theophrastus, however, describes the Citron as occurring in Northern Persia (Media), and as being cultivated by the Jewish nation, in Syria, while under Roman dominion. In 1884, no less than 4,958,838 bushels of Oranges and Lemons were imported into this country. Oils of Neroli and Bergamot, highly esteemed as perfumes, are obtained--the first, by distillation, from the flowers of the common Orange; and the second, either by distillation or expression, from the rind of the Bergamot variety.

Cultivation. At one time or another during the long period in which varieties of the Orange have been cultivated in this country, a few plants at least have been amongst the occupants of almost every garden of any extent, more especially in those established at an early date. An orangery, as it is termed, is usually a massive building, found in gardens adjoining old mansions, and not unfrequently constructed with a ceiling and a slate roof, on an architectural design externally similar in detail to the mansion. The custom was to grow Orange-trees in large tubs or pots, keep them throughout the winter in an orangery, and place them in the open air during summer. Since the introduction of glass into all houses devoted to horticultural purposes, and such numerous representatives in the way of plants have been brought from foreign lands, conservatories have taken the place of orangeries in most of the gardens of modern times. Orange-trees, too, are not grown now to nearly the extent they were formerly, even for ornamental purposes. In gardens where an orangery still stands, its special occupants seem to have vanished. This may partly be accounted for by the plants being exposed to a continued low temperature, by their being placed in a position throughout the winter, in a house with insufficient light, and by the application of too much water at this season. Orange-trees have at all times been grown in this country more as decorative plants than for the use of their beautiful fruits, when these are well ripened, for dessert. The highly fragrant flowers and glossy evergreen foliage are of themselves sufficient to render the tree deservedly attractive as a decorative subject; and the frequency with which orange blossoms are in demand for bridal festivals, &c., is well known as being another explanation of the plant's popularity. There is scarcely any part of the season when neither flowers nor fruits are present, in at least some stage of development, on trees of sufficient age and size for producing either or both of them. Orange-trees grown in tubs should be provided with efficient drainage, and be placed in soil calculated to last a long time, such as a compost of good loam, to which may be added some dry cow manure or crushed bones, and some charred ballast, charcoal, or sand, to keep the whole open. If the roots become unhealthy, or are not properly attended to, indications of the foliage turning yellow and becoming sickly are soon apparent. In the treatment and cultivation of the Orange, it must be remembered that the tree is a fruit-bearing subject, and not, like many other evergreen plants, of use only for its flowers or ornamental foliage. As such, it must never be allowed to become very dry at the root, it must have a season of growth, and another of rest, and always have plenty of light. The roots, too, should not be interfered with more than is really necessary; but comparative restriction is recommended, provided the soil is good, and attention is given to applying an annual top-dressing in spring. Deer or sheep dung, with a little loam intermixed, forms an excellent top-dressing. When the trees are grown for ornamental purposes alone, they are not usually subjected to anything higher than a greenhouse temperature. Under this treatment, they commence growing about March, and often do not flower until towards Midsummer. The fruits which set afterwards are too late for ripening before autumn, and, consequently, they hang green throughout the winter, and do not ripen off until the following summer. Thus, under cool treatment, Oranges cannot be ripened in one season, and are then much inferior to what they would be if subjected to a higher temperature, more in accordance with the tree's requirements. It is surprising, however, to what an extent interest is evoked in the minds of visitors to garden establishments on seeing living specimens of trees whose fruits only have, hitherto, been so well known to them from foreign introductions. Orange-trees bear a considerable amount of ill-usage, and, in consequence of this, they are often subjected to so much neglect that specimens seen in gardens, showing signs of bad health by a stunted growth and small yellow leaves, instead of broad, glossy, green ones, are, perhaps, oftener the rule than the exception. The trees should have plenty of water throughout the summer, and be frequently syringed from February onwards to autumn, early in the morning, and again in the afternoon; this tends to keep the leaves clean and also to destroy insects. The plants may either be placed in a sheltered, warm position, outside, during June and the two following months, or kept in a greenhouse, with plenty of air and light. In autumn and winter, water should be partially withheld; but not to an extent sufficient to render the soil quite dry at any time. Any plants that fall into ill-health (indicated by the appearance of the leaves, as already alluded to), through neglect, or as a consequence of improper treatment, should be cut back somewhat in spring, placed in a moist, growing temperature, with some bottom heat, and be kept well syringed. The roots, too, should be examined, and if, as will most likely be the case, many of them are found dead, they should be shaken out, the dead portion cut away, and the others placed in an entirely new compost, with clean drainage, and in a smaller-sized pot or tub. Orange-trees in very large tubs have been efficiently brought from imperfect health into a thriving condition, by the latter being surrounded with a thickness of about 3ft. of fermenting material when the season of growth begins. This is renewed occasionally, until the tree is sufficiently restored to no longer need such help; and, as it is then later in summer, the mean natural temperature is considerably higher than when the new growth needed extra encouragement to induce it to start.

The natural habit assumed by Orange-trees prevents the necessity of much pruning or training, merely the shortening of branches that are inclined to take a lead at the first, or in any year, at spring time, being usually all that is necessary to keep the plants compact. Those grown in large tubs are most frequently trained as standards, and the more cutting or pinching of the points is practised, the thicker do the heads become, and, withal, the more formal. If a free growth is allowed, and not much training attempted, the natural habit has, in consequence, a much better chance of development. So far reference has only been made to Oranges cultivated in tubs or pots for ornamental purposes, or for the use of their sprays of fragrant blossoms for personal or other decorations. The Orange is, however, worthy of much more attention than it at present receives, by way of cultivation under glass, with a view to the production of home-grown fruits. The excellence and superiority of any fruit that is allowed to become properly ripened before being gathered from the tree, over that which has to be procured and packed, with a view to the ripening process being completed afterwards, is well known in respect of English fruit productions generally; and Oranges are not exceptions to this rule. Anyone who has tasted home-grown Oranges, from trees that have received proper treatment in heated houses, will be well aware of the superior flavour they possess over nearly all those introduced from abroad. Good varieties are of importance, but these are procurable, at least in a sufficient number for all that is required. Although, in Britain, Oranges for fruit production cannot be grown in sufficient quantity to compete with countries where the trees grow freely outside, yet it is strange, considering the excellent quality of the fruit when properly cultivated, to what an extent the trees are neglected in this respect in the great majority of English gardens, even in those where almost every other important kind of fruit is represented. Many, perhaps the majority, of the imported Oranges are gathered when only partially ripe, or even when quite green; and they have, consequently, to ripen and change colour afterwards. This takes place, in great part, after they are packed for exportation, and during their voyage to various parts of the world. Oranges cannot be grown to perfection in dark, slate-roofed houses, such as those built in former days specially for their reception, and to which reference has already been made. They are best suited by being grown in pots, or planted inside a span-roofed, heated, glass structure of considerable size, with sashes round the sides for the admission of plenty of light. According to the size of house and trees already at command, or of those it is intended to establish, the interior must be arranged, and beds provided, either for plunging pots in or for planting out the trees. A path may be made through the centre, with beds on either side; or the reverse plan may be adopted, and greater height obtained in consequence. Oranges are greatly benefited by bottom heat, although it is not an absolute necessity for their successful cultivation as fruit-trees. If the trees are grown in pots, these can be plunged in tan, slowly decaying leaves, or similar material, which may be used alone, or in conjunction with hot-water pipes; but, if planted out, heat will be best applied by constructing a chamber beneath the beds, through which pipes might pass. The latter should be thoroughly under control, by means of valves for regulating or entirely stopping heat. There is always a danger of the soil surrounding such chambers becoming unduly dry, and injury thereby caused to to the trees. This must specially be guarded against by strict examinations occasionally, and the application of additional supplies of water should be made over and above that required in other parts of the bed. Efficient drainage is of the utmost importance; from 6in. to 9in. of broken bricks will not be too much for beds, which should also be provided with a drain to carry away the water; pots or tubs must have a quantity of crocks placed in them proportionate to their size. Loam which has been stacked a sufficient time to kill the grass is recommended for use in a large proportion; a little well-rotted manure may be added, but fruit-trees generally are better provided for by a manure, such as crushed bones, which is calculated to decay slowly, and, consequently, supply nutriment for a long time. Some sharp sand, burnt ballast, or mortar rubbish must be freely incorporated, to keep the whole bulk in an open, satisfactory condition. For the proper cultivation of Oranges in beds, a compost of this description should be used to the depth of from about 18in. to 24in.; and a similar mixture will be equally well suited for trees in pots. The drainage, in either case, should have thin, turfy soil laid over the top, to keep it clean. Trees permanently planted out should have considerable space allowed between them. This space may be filled with movable pot-trees until the others grow and require it themselves. The portability of trees in pots is one point specially in their favour, and, if feeding is practised with them during the time the fruits are swelling, and watering is always properly attended to, excellent produce may be obtained from Oranges grown in such houses as those devoted to Fig-tree or Vine culture. Proper and good fruiting varieties only are suitable for the purpose; seedling plants are useless.

Respecting temperatures for Oranges grown for the use of their fruit as dessert, a little bottom heat at command is of importance all the year through. The trees should be encouraged to begin flowering in February by this aid, and a house or air temperature, in winter, of from 45deg. to 50deg. As the days lengthen, the minimum temperature may be increased 10deg., and it may be still further raised during summer. In spring, a bottom heat of 80deg. will not be too high for plunging Orange-trees in, if they are out of health, to induce them to start afresh; 70deg. to 75deg. is recommended for others in health. A very light shading in summer is advisable, should the plants be fully exposed to hot sunshine; otherwise, the leaves are liable to be burnt. Careful attention to airing, early in the day, during hot weather, aids materially in preventing scorching. Supposing the trees to flower in February and March, set properly, and receive proper treatment afterwards, the fruits may be grown to maturity in from nine to eleven months--a long period in comparison with most other fruit-trees. Oranges require plenty of water in their growing season, and it should not be applied at a lower temperature than the soil in which the roots are situated. The free use of tepid water with the syringe or garden engine throughout the same season, except for a short time at the flowering stage, is an essential to success. It should be applied so as not to injure young leaves, but yet with sufficient force to keep the old ones clean, and prevent insects establishing themselves.

Of insects, the most troublesome on Orange-trees are White and Brown Scale, Mealy Bug, and Red Spider. The first-named, in bad cases, can scarcely be eradicated without cutting the trees hard back, cleaning their stems, and starting afresh. Sponging, assiduously carried out, with an insecticide, so as to prevent any great quantity of insects from becoming established, should be practised for Brown Scale and Mealy Bug, or the trees may be occasionally syringed with petroleum and water (a very little of the former being used), and afterwards thoroughly syringed with clean water. Red Spider will have but little chance if syringing is practised throughout the summer with the garden engine, in the way above recommended.

Varieties of Dessert Oranges. Information has already been given that it is useless attempting the cultivation of Oranges for dessert except with good and suitable varieties. In "Dessert Orange Culture," one of a series of published papers by the late Mr. Thomas Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, reprinted from the Report of the International Horticultural Exhibition and Botanical Congress, held in London in 1866, that excellent authority, and, probably, most extensive English cultivator of the Orange as a dessert fruit, makes the following trustworthy remarks respecting the varieties which, from experience, he had proved to be the best. There have been scarcely any other additions of importance made up till the present time: "One of the most charming and prolific of dessert Oranges is the Tangierine; the tree has small leaves, and seldom attains a height of more than 7ft., even in North Africa. Its most valuable quality is its early ripening, so that, in October, just as the late peaches and other soft fruits are over, this luscious little fruit is ready for the dessert; and, when freshly gathered, no fruit can be more gratifying or delightful, as its aroma is so delicious, and its juice so abundant, in this respect offering a pleasing contrast to those imported from Lisbon, in November and December, the flesh of which is generally shrunk from the rind, instead of being ready to burst, as is the case with those plucked from the tree. They should, in common with all homegrown Oranges, be placed on the table with some leaves adhering to their stalks, thus showing that they have not made a voyage. "Among full-sized Oranges, the Maltese Blood takes the first rank; when quite fresh from the tree, it differs much from those imported, although the voyage as now made by steamers is of short duration. . . . The great advantage in planting this sort is its tendency to bear fine fruit while the trees are young; they are, indeed, so prolific that trees of only 2ft. in height have here borne nice crops of fruit. "Some varieties, quite equal to the foregoing in quality, but without the red flesh, so peculiar to these 'Blood Oranges,' have been imported from the Azores, the paradise of Orange trees. One of the most desirable sorts is called simply the St. Michael's Orange. This kind has a thin rind, is very juicy, and bears abundantly, even while the trees are young. In the Orange House these will ripen towards the end of December, and throughout January and February, in common with the Maltese Blood Oranges. . . . "In addition to the three leading varieties I have mentioned, there are several kinds which will, doubtless, prove interesting and valuable. It is not to be expected that so much variation in flavour, as in the Pear, for instance, can be met with in Oranges. I believe, however, that, when our Orange palates are educated, we shall find many delicate distinctions in the flavour of Oranges. As far as I have gone, I have found the Mandarin Orange larger and more flat in shape than the Tangierine, and not so good as that sort. The Embiguo, the Egg, the Silver Orange, the Botelha, the White Orange, and some others, all varieties from the Azores, are of various degrees of excellence, and are all worthy of a place in an English Orange Garden. "The following descriptive list of the dessert Oranges may be useful to the amateur: Botelha and Dulcissima: Both thin rinded and very rich. Egg: Very large; rind thick; remarkably juicy, but not rich; a great bearer. Embiguo, or Navel Orange: Very large, with a curious, depressed calyx; remarkably rich and juicy. Exquisite: A thin-rinded, rich and juicy fruit. Maltese Blood: Large, oval, with a dark red pulp; exceedingly rich, good, and distinct; fruits from the same tree vary in colour from deep red to the usual pale yellow colour, with faint streaks of red. St. Michael's: Several varieties under this name vary in size and thickness of rind; they are all good. Silver Orange: Colour of rind pale yellow; flesh pale; rind very thin; flavour piquant and delicious. Sustain: Large, and remarkable for its rich, sweet juice. St. Michael's Tangierine: A very distinct variety, differing from the common sort in being deeper in colour, smaller, and more rich in flavour; a charming little Orange. Tangierine (often incorrectly called the Mandarin): Now a well-known sort, varying in shape from fruit much compressed, with rind rough and thick, to oval, with a smooth rind. Variegated Orange: This has a broad margin of white round its leaves, and forms a very ornamental tree; its fruits are oval, of medium size, with a pale yellow rind, striped with green; very juicy, and remarkably brisk and piquant in flavour. White Orange: Large; rind pale yellow, flesh very pale; flavour rich and good." ORANIA (so called in honour of the Prince of Orange--Oranien). SYN. Macrocladus. ORD. Palmeae. A small genus (three or four species) of tall stove palms, with robust, unarmed, closely-ringed stems, crowned with a dense head of large leaves; they are natives of the Malayan Archipelago and Papua. Flowers minute, unisexual, the spikes inclosed in double spathes, the inner of which is woody. Fruit globose, rather large. Leafsegments linear, oblique at apex, white, scaly, and irregularly toothed or jagged at their tips. Oranias thrive in a sandy loam, and require an abundance of water when growing; good drainage is essential. They are raised from imported seeds, sown in bottom heat.

O. macrocladus (large-branched). fl., spike pendulous. fr. a one-seeded drupe. l. pinnate. h. 40ft. Malacca, 1847. A stately tree.

O. regalis (Royal). fr. red, smooth, the from and size of a small Olive. l. 6ft. to 7ft. long; leaflets panduriform-sinuated, white beneath; primary nerves solitary. Trunk low, terete, annulate. Java, 1847. ORCHARD. There are few gardens connected with private mansions that are of sufficient size for accommodating enough fruit-trees--such as Apples, Pears, Plums, &c.--to maintain a supply of fruits equal to the demands usually made. Orchards have, therefore, to be formed and established; sometimes for the special purpose of meeting such deficiencies, at others for cultivating to supply the market in addition; and again, in some parts, for the main object of procuring Apples to make, or convert into, cider. Those only required for cultivating fruits to supplement the garden crops are naturally best to be situated near the garden, and placed under the gardener's charge. They might contain, if the soil were tilled, small fruits of all descriptions that succeed, in addition to those above-named, and also many trees in size, shape, and variety that would be inadmissible in an Orchard where cattle were allowed. Various circumstances, such as the want of a proper site, or a suitable soil, may, however, render this arrangement--much akin to market gardening, although the produce need not be grown for sale--undesirable, and the best alternative is usually that of utilising a portion of farm land, varying in size according to requirements or the space available. The best of the produce in Orchards connected with private gardens has annually to be stored in the garden fruit-room, and the possibility of gathering and storing it at once in fine weather, without the fruits getting bruised, also the general overlooking of the crop throughout the season, are points greatly in favour of having the Orchard in near proximity. The farm Orchard is best to be laid down in grass, as the cost in the first place, and also subsequent management, will be much less than if the land were tilled. Grass should not, however, be grown for haymaking if it can be avoided, as this affects fruit-trees considerably, and most unfavourably; it should be kept short, preferably by being eaten off by cattle, such as sheep, or young stock that are being fattened. Horses should on no account be allowed if any branches are within their reach. As a general rule, fruit-trees in Orchards have, of necessity, to withstand, or at least be subjected to, more exposure than others situated inside a garden, unless the position of the latter is a most unfavourable one in respect of shelter. Only sorts of proved hardiness in the locality must, therefore, be selected for planting, and such as are calculated to withstand a more or less open situation, and produce crops with tolerable certainty when once established. It is well known that various localities materially affect different sorts of fruit, particularly Pears; in fact, there are but few good varieties of these latter that succeed at all as standards, except in most favoured parts. In the Midland and Northern counties, the number would be extremely limited if it were restricted to those only which are really suitable. The chief Orchard fruit-tree is, of course, that of the Apple, and as varieties of hardy constitution, which produce large, handsome fruits, suitable both for kitchen use or dessert, are now so numerous, none of an inferior character need be included. Still, it is almost certain that all will not succeed alike under similar treatment, and selection will also have to be made in accordance with the purpose for which crops are required, whether they are supplementary to those of the garden, and intended for private use, or grown more especially with a view to supplying the market. Orchards on a large scale are mainly planted with a view to disposing of the greater portion of fruit in the local, or in that of one of the great central, markets, and it will, in such cases, be advisable to know, at the outset, the sorts of fruits that are most in demand, as well as those which succeed best. Where the land is laid down in grass, and cattle admitted, the form of tree is limited to standards, unless provision is made for protecting the lower parts of any of another description. If the soil is tilled, and a sort of market garden system introduced, standards may, if desired, still occupy similar positions--though they would be better at greater distances apart--and the intervening spaces planted with trees of another shape, and such bush fruits as Gooseberries, Currants, Raspberries, &c. A considerable amount more labour is involved, as before stated, in attending to a tilled Orchard, than is requisite for one laid in grass; and this, with the character of the soil, and the value and possible demand for fruit of various sorts when grown, must be considered when an Orchard of either description is in course of formation. Besides the fruits already named, Cherries and Plums are largely represented in Orchards, in at least several of the English counties. Speaking generally, Cherries are not of much use to plant on a small scale, or even at all in most parts, as standard trees, in the open. Temporary protection cannot be afforded them, when thus situated, for preventing injury to the flowers by spring frosts, and great havoc is also caused by birds amongst the buds, as well as amongst the ripe fruits. Where the trees are known to succeed naturally in Orchards respecting the first-named condition, they may be planted in sufficient quantity to make it worth while having them looked after when the fruits are ripening, and both seasons would be greatly shortened by planting only one variety. Plums (under which Damsons may also be included) are limited in varieties suitable for culture in Orchards, especially such as are laid down in grass, many of the branches being situated so near the ground. Their fruits are, however, much in demand, and, in seasons when good crops can be secured, they usually prove more remunerative than most other supplies of home-grown Orchard produce. Damson-trees frequently attain a good size, and bear prodigious crops in favourable seasons; they should be planted rather close together, as the heads do not usually spread much; and, the wood being rather brittle, is less likely to get broken by heavy gales than if the trees were inserted as isolated specimens. Nuts may also be included amongst Orchard fruits, as they will succeed in nearly all situations and localities if their blossoms of both sexes escape destruction by spring frosts. If, however, there are Squirrels, or other depredators, about, it is of little use attempting to grow Nuts; at any rate, not as a profitable crop. A specimen or two of Quince-trees, and also of Medlars, should be provided with a place, as, although their fruits are not much in demand, a few are generally acceptable. The trees are also in keeping with the other occupants of an Orchard, and are, at least (apart from the use of their fruits), distinct and ornamental subjects, on account of their flowers and, in the case of the Medlar, beautifully-coloured foliage in autumn.

Soil and Situation. In the formation of an Orchard, the first points for consideration are those of soil and situation, the first-named being perhaps the most important of the two, although, in some respects, the other is not of secondary consequence. Drainage is of primary importance, and must be insured, either by a subsoil of a gravelly nature, by the natural disposition of the land, or by drains inserted specially for the purpose. No fruit-trees will succeed properly if stagnant water is allowed in or about the soil surrounding their roots. Respecting different soils, there are few in which the most important of Orchard fruits, Apples, will not thrive to a greater or less extent, as evidenced by such a quantity being grown, without special attention, in all parts of the country. The best and most lasting results, however, are obtained in well-drained land where the soil is of a good depth, and somewhat strong. Light or sandy soils tend to induce trees to bear good crops, but only for a short period, compared with those of a more holding nature. In some localities, there is little to choose from; but in others, great variation exists, even in a very limited area. Where subsoils are gravelly, and, consequently, naturally drained, it might, and most likely would, be very unwise to insert pipes, as by them too much water would be conducted away, and the trees, unless the rainfall were unusually heavy, would be unable to withdraw sufficient moisture to meet their requirements. The situation best suited for an Orchard is a gentle slope to the south or south-west. It is not advisable to select an eastern exposure, as, although the early morning sun is most desirable for many reasons, it frequently adds to the destruction, by frost, of fruit blossoms in spring, by causing the latter, when frozen, to thaw too rapidly. Shelter is of material importance, and, where it exists naturally, due advantage should, if possible, be taken of the site, provided other conditions are favourable. Much may frequently be done towards providing shelter to an Orchard, by planting a belt of quick-growing forest-trees--Larch or Poplars, for instance-at a safe distance away on the north and eastern sides, whence destructive winds proceed. These trees must not, however, be planted close enough for their roots to impoverish the cultivated ground. Orchard fruit-trees shelter each other to a certain degree when established, if they are not planted too far apart. To get them up to this stage, some protection will invariably be necessary; and, should the site be unfavourably situated in this respect, it must be provided, if only to the extent of planting a high hedge, to serve as a break against rough, cold winds. Exposure to full sun and light on the south side is recommended, as it is important that the wood of fruit-trees in a bearing state should be thoroughly ripened in summer for the next year, as well as the fruit of the current year. Spring frosts are far less injurious when the blossoms are strong and the wood firm, than when both are in the reverse condition.