coriaceous leaf, which is from four to six inches in length by about an inch in breadth. The scape, which 

 is produced from the base of the leaf, is slender, erect, and about a foot high, bearing a solitary flower, 

 which measures upwards of three inches in diameter, and the peculiar contour of which Mill be best under- 

 stood by a reference to the accompanying illustration, which was taken from the original plant in the 

 establishment of Messrs. Vcitch and Sons, of Chelsea. 



Masdetattiaa when first introduced, were placed in strong heat, a mistake which arose entirely from a 

 want of knowledge of the peculiar conditions under which they luxuriate in a stale of nature. The con- 

 scrptencc was that they goon perished. But now that we have t happily, become better acquainted with their 

 requirements, the various species and varieties of this genus have been found amongst the easiest of plants 

 to cultivate. One thing, however, must be borne in mind, and that is, that they must not be allowed to 

 suffer from dryness. They do not require a season of rest like many Orchids, but on the contrary will 

 continue to grow all the year round, if a genial moist atmosphere is provided for them. This moisture 

 should be produced by condensation, and not by deluging them with water from the syringe. The drainage 

 most be kept in perfect working order, for the plants cannot suffer stagnant water or sour-soil to remain 

 about them* They should be potted in a mixture of rough fibrous peat, and chopped sphagnum moss, which 

 should be pressed moderately firm about their roots; whilst to keep the roots moist* and to present a pleas- 

 ing surface to the eye, the soil in I he pots should be covered with living sphagnum. 



The insect enemies of Mastktafflas arc principally green and yellow aphis. These should be washed 

 off carefully with tepid water. On no account should the plants be fumigated, as from experience we have 

 found that the fumes of tobacco have a deleterious effect upon the majority of cool-honsc orchids. Slugs 

 and small-shelled snails are, moreover, very troublesome enemies, and should he carefully searched for, 

 caught and destroyed. 



The usual blooming season of this plant is in the autumn, and if it be kept free from damp, the 

 flowers last a considerable time in full perfection ; but we have also seen it flowering in the months of April 

 and May, when it Tonus a splendid object for exhibition purposes. It is a native of the Cordilleras of 

 Peru, 



Ma$dezalUti4 arc increased by division of their stem-like pscudobulbs, but a young shoot or leading 

 growth should be left to each division, or little will be gained by the operation- 



