Muled, flowered in the Victoria Nursery, Upper Holloway, daring the putt season; its first flowers opened 

 m Ihc month of February, and it continued in full beauty for upwards of three months. 



Although extremely beautiful when in flower, aud lasting in perfection for such a length of tune, it is 

 a plant not looked ujwn with much favour by the innjorily of Orchid growers. This is probably to be 

 accounted for by its baring gained the character of being n shy bloomer— a character the truth of which 

 we are bound in some degree to admit. Nevertheless, it lakes up such a small space in the Orchid-bouse, 

 and U so beautiful withal, that the patience of those who cultivate it is amply repaid for any length of time 

 which may elapse before the desired aim is attained. 



Moreover, there arc conditions under which it flowers freely, for a splendid example growing in the 

 great conservatory at Chatsworth has, we are informed, not been out of blossom for the last four years. 

 There it seems to exhibit a preference to grow on birch stems. Probably, like some well-known climbers, it 

 requires age and development to enable it to flower freely. 



The general treatment required by this plant differs but little from that laid down by us previously for 

 the cultivation o\ lundu tricolor or l\ iningm. It should be potted in good living sphagnum moss, the 

 pots having been previously well drained ; and during the summer season it most be treated liberally to 

 water, both from the watering-can and syringe. It revels in strong heat, and on account of the leather)' 

 texture of its loaves, it can withstand with impunity more exposure to the sun's rays than the latidus 

 previously named. During winter little or no water should bo given to it, unless it show signs of distress 

 .by the shrivelling of ils leaves ; a condition to which, in our opinion, no orchidaceous plant should ever be 

 brought, for when such symptoms set in there can be no doubt that the plants are losing vigour daily, and 

 weakly growth, at the very least, must follow. Our maxim, therefore, is always to give this plant a 

 thorough rat* but not to carry the drying off to such an excess as to exhaust ihc system and bring about 

 the shrivelling of the foliage. 



We have found this plant peculiarly free from the attacks of insect enemies, but occasionally the red 

 thrips and the scale will seize upon it, and speedily render it an eyesore. Upon the first appearance of cither 

 of these pesta the affected parts should bu washed with a weak solution of Uishurst compound. This 

 material, though very strong, may be applied to this plant without risk, on account of the leathery texture 

 of its foliage, but there are very few members of this order to which we would advise it* application. 



llenanlhcra coccinea may be increased by division of the plant, and also by cutting the steins into 

 piece*, whilst if a prominent eye or young shoot accompany each piece, the process is rendered both quicker 

 aud more certain. 



