



to the length of three feci, and a breadth of six incites. From the base of the hulls lite (lowers are pro- 

 duced singly on the mthcr slender scupes, which reach from six to twelve inches in height. The plants often 

 produce four or even more flowers from each bulb, and they will continue producing flowers in this maimer 

 for several months, the individual flowers lasting in perfection for si* and eight weeks, and sometimes more, 

 if they are kept from getting damp. The flowers or the variety we distinguish as ddictUmma arc large, 

 distinct, and handsome, measuring more than six inches across; the sepals and petals are of a pinkish ' 

 white; the lip white, intermixed with rose. The variety picturata is a magnificent one, the finest we have 

 seen; the flowers arc seven inches across; the sepals and petals of a rich rose-colour; the lip white, spotted 

 with crimson. The variety purpurea is another Splendid and distinct variety, the flowers of which measure 

 six inches across; the sejMib and petals are blush-white; the lip of the richest crimson. It is a beautiful 

 plant to intermix with the other varieties, 



There are many ways in which this plant has been cultivated by different growers, some of whom have 

 succeeded, and sonic have failed, for they have had the plants die notwithstanding nil the care bestowed 

 ujton them. A very frequent cause of this want of success has consisted in giving them too much heat, 

 and keeping them too dry at the roots, during the growing period. Such treatment is sure to prove fatal 

 to them, and, though they may linger under it for a time, they will ultimately perish. The plant is, more- 

 over, impatient of being separated. We have often seen the bulbs divided one from the other to increase 

 the number of plants, and the whole have been lost by the practice. ■ When the plant is thriving, it i 3 

 far better to have one good specimen than the miserable pieces that sometimes come under notice. We 

 have seen hundreds of this plant imported and sold, and then spoiled by improper treatment. All have 

 to pay for learning. If, however, the proper treatment be given, there is no plant more easy to cidtivatc, 

 and nono that will better repay the cultivator for the trouble taken. It is like Odon/ogtosmm in requiring 

 cool treatment, and the same temperature as we have recommended for 0. navmm majus (Plmk VII.) 

 will suit this also. The growing period here succeeds to that of flowering, anil extends from May to 

 October. During this time they should have very little heat, except in cold and wet weather. They require 

 to he grown in well-drained |k>Is, not too large, and in good fibrous peat, half filling the |*>t with potsherds 

 (a layer of moss upon these to keep the drainage open), and filling up with peat, intermixed with small 

 pieces of crock. The pseudohulbs should 1« kept up level with the margin of the pot A liberal supply of 

 water is to he given at the roots during the growing season, and after the growth is completed the 

 quantity must be lessened; but they should never be kept dry, even during the resting period, as that is 

 their blooming season. By giving a moderate supply of water at the roots nt that time, the flowers come 

 much finer. The bulbs must never be allowed to shrivel. 



Tlu-y arc propagated by parting the tufts of bulbs, and placing each piece in a separate pot ; this is 

 best done when the plants arc starting into growth, so that they may make fresh roots, and continue 

 growing. Ifonee allowed to shrivel, they will probably dwindle away; they are consequently to l>c put in a 

 shady part of the house, and kept moist at the roots. The plants must be kept free from the scale insect, 

 which sometimes gets on the leaves, hut by ordinary care may be kept away. 





