Evening star., 1938-10-08
GIFT Of ORCHIDS
ADDS TO DISPLAY
Donation to Botanic Garden
May Make U. S. Exhibit
Best in Hemisphere.
BY WILL p. KENNEDY.

dred plants of Is of the best species
of the orchid family, comprising many
varieties within these species. This
practically doubles the already famous
orchid collection of the Botanic
Garden, which is recognized as one of
the best in the Western Hemisphere
Meanwhile, the National Orchid
Society has offered to cooperate with
the Botanic Garden in giving the Ma
tional Capital an exhibition of orchids
that will equal any display of these
blooms ever held anywhere. 1t also
has volunteered to cooperate with
other Horticultural groups in inducing
Congress to provide new, especially
adapted exhibition conservatory to re-
place the old greenhouses west of the
present conservatory, between Mary
land and Independence avenues.
It is proposed that in the con-
templated conservatory the National
Orchid Society would make its ex-
hibition. and that the other aSsocia-
tions devoted to flower culture should
hold exhibitions in their respective
seasons of chrySanthemums, roses,
dahlias, hydrangeas, peonies, azaleas,
Easter lilies, etc This would promote
annual conventions in Washington of
these various organizations.
The Botanic Garden already has
valuable collections of these various
plants and flowers, which could be
supplemented by the best private or
commercial productions for the annual
shows. For example the commercial
varieties of orchids bloom their best
between September and March, while
the hybrid orchids of the botanical
type bloom intermittently throughout
the entire year, so the Botanic Garden
will at all times have some of the best
species in bloom.
Gift of Mrs E. w. Dixon.
The magnificent gift of orchids
which the Botanic Garden has Just
brought in its own trucks from Elkins
Park. Pa, was made by Mrs, E. w.
Dixon, who owns the finest private
collection of orchids and their hybrid
offspring in this country
Mrs. Dixon has volunteered to CO.
operate with the Botanic Garden so
that it may eventually achieve the
distinction of housing the worlds best
collection of orchids. Two species in
her gift-the Wanda and Aerdes-
comprise very complete botanical
group, according to William A. Fred
erick, who Is directly in charge of the
Botanic Garden. The other species
are Schombergkia, Epidendrum, Sac
colabium, Rhyncostylis, Sarcochilius,
Brassia, Maxillaria, Cologne, Epi-
dendrum, Platyclinis, Oncidium, Laelia,
Arpophyllum, Eria, Bulbophyllum,
Dendrobium. Thunia, Stanhopea,
Mormodes, Nanodes, Brassovola and
Cataretum
Speaking of Mrs. Dixon's gift, Mr.
Frederick said, She appreciates the
fact that the collection Of the Botanic
Garden has been lacking in many of
the types, and has filled in the gaps.
This more than doubles the Botanic
Garden collection. The interest of
the public and experts has developed
to such an extent that it has become
necessary to enlarge and enhance the
present Botanic Garden collection"
Other collectors and orchid hybrid
izers and fanciers have indicated
willingness to add some of their best
plants to the Government collection.
Some of them point out that a
majority of the taxpayers rarely ever
see an orchid, and they hope that by
assisting in building up a Government
collection which will be constantly
on display.
These purposes and incentives were
emphasized by Oliver Lines, slIler-
intendent and chief grower for the
Dixon collection at Eikins Park, who
has been instrumental in producing
many of the finest hybrids this country
has seen. He said that the collection
of orchids for display in the United
States Botanic Garden should within
few years be the best in the Western
Hemisphere.
Hopes for Congressional Action.
He and other authorities who have
inspected the new acquisitions said it
was their urgent hope that the author
tiles may find it possible through con-
gressional action or otherwise to pro-
vide suitable and adequate display
houses which may periodically be
available to orchid specialists and
connoisseurs garden clubs, rose dahlia,
chrisanthemum and other Horticulture
societies for exhibitions. Then these
societies would be encouraged to hold
their annual conventions in the Cap
ir
belief that it is part of the duty of
the Botanic Garden, and that it will
thereby enlist and encourage the sup
port of the flower lovers of all kinds
from all over the country to make it
an outstanding institution.
David Lynn, architect of the Cap
itol, delegated by Congress to direct
the work of the Botanic Garden, ex-
pressed qualification at the desire
of various societies to cooperate and
of generous benefactors donating valu-
able collections which the garden |
could not purchase.
He pointed out that the Botanic
Garden authorities are looking for
ward to display early in November
Of the hardy, pom-pon, garden type
of chrySanthemums, to be followed
shortly afterwards by showing of
poinsettias, cyclamen and other
Christmas blooms. In February the
gardens hybrid azalea collection (of
Rutherfordiana) will be open for about
six weeks until the Easter flower
show. which this year will feature
the Creole lily, said to be superior in
flower and stalk and foliage to the
usual Easter lily.
The Easter display will also include
other bulbous plants, cinerarias, tulips,
hyacinths, jonquils, narcissus, ericas
and other minor plants.