Plate XXXV I II. 



EPIDENDRUM SKINNER1 SUPERBUM. 



A vcjj beautiful epiphyte, with long, alondCr, terete stem*, leafy in ihe lower pari, imi having n i, nv , UniV.-. wily 

 portion below lie terminal raceme of Bowera. The leaves are broadly-lanccolate tux) iworanke-L The flower* 

 form long, dense, cylindrical raeemca, sometimes branched below *o as lo bceome |»ntculatc, and furnished 

 «uili Kiaceorff racmbmuous brads. The copals an- lanceolate aciuninate; Ihe petals ovule acuminate; and the 

 lip of nearly toe tune form m il»> petals; all of them of a deep purple-rose, somewhat dccpoi tinted in the lip, 

 "Iii.1i is marked Inward* tlic banc niili j.-ll.m Mn-uU 



Busbru SkisKETO sotcbda, efgadeK*. m,d ..four atempanpng Plate 38. 



> 



Tins exceedingly lioauliful variety of a very beautiful speck", was introduced from Guatemala by G. 

 Urc Skinner, Esq., to the nuraery of Mr. Vcitch, of Chelsea, by whom it was exhibited, in fine condition, at 

 an exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society in ISG3, and received the award of n Orst-class certificate 

 on nccounl of it* singular attractiveness. It far surpasses the old Epidtadrnm Skimuri in tto size of the 

 llowcrs and of the raceme, as well as in brilliancy of colour; and, no doubt from it* stronger growth and 

 constitution, it usually produces a branched inflorescence These plants have somehow or other acquired in 

 gardens the name of Jiarkcria; but, as remarked to m by Professor Reicfacnbach, whatever may bo thought 

 of the validity of that genus, the winglett column adnatc to the lip in this species is sufficient to remove 

 it therefrom. Bpidendrum Skimvcri is found also in Costa Rica, and we learn from Professor Iteirlictibach 

 that he has it white-flowered, gathered by Wnrezewicz. 



This plant is one of the most desirable of iu this?, its charming colour and its long continuance in 

 bloom rendering it most valuable for the decoration of our cool Orchid-houses. The beautiful drawing which 

 we now publish was made from a fine plant in Mr. Witch's collection. Others were flowering at the same 

 timCj hut that nOW figured is the lineal uf them all, the blo&SOms being larger ami of a much dmicr colour 

 The old form, however, is worth a place in every collection, as it is a fine showy plant for the winter 

 months, and is a free-blooming plant when in rigorous growth, which may be secured by giving the proper 

 treatment The reason of this Hpidendrum often failing, U that it receives loo much heal. The cool 

 regime ia that which should be adopted to keep it in a healthy condition. 



The variety now before \\& loses its leaves after having completed ite growth. The rccd-likc Bicms grow 

 a foot in height, and bear light green foliage. The flower-spike proceeds from the top of the Mem when 

 the growth b nearly completed, and attains the height of from twelve to eighteen inches, bearing a grcai 

 number of flowers of a dark rosy colour. The blooming |*riod continues from November till February, and 

 the individual spikes last in perfection for many weeks. 



The plants naturally grow in the wet season mid rest in the dry and cooler BCtton, after which they 



make new growths from the base »r the stems. Such growths, when made under artificial treatment, mosl 



be encouraged by giving larger supplies of moisture at the root*. It has been a too common and fatal 



mistake to give this plant too much heat and too little water when growing. It has thick fleshy roots, 



and puts them forth freely to seek for moisture ; but in the resting season, enough water muat be given to 



keep the stems plump. 



They arc best grown on blocks of wood, suspended from the roof of the home. We bave also grown 



