U THE GARDENER. [Jan. 



to moisture at tlie root. The Loelias recommended for block-culture, 

 I find, luxuriate with most vigour in a cool temperature and not 

 over-moist atmosphere : just such a temperature as is found in 

 most cool vineries suits them admirably, while the foliage of the 

 Vines supplies all the shading that they require. In practice, I 

 find that many Loelias and Dendrobes are greatly benefited by being 

 placed in the cool airy atmosphere of late vineries, after they have 

 made their season's growth. Here, in the diffused sunlight, they ripen 

 their bulbs and throw up their flower-spikes, when they may be 

 removed to the show-house or conservatory, to perfect their flowers. 

 Of course, where there is the convenience of a Mexican house, these 

 shifts will not have to be resorted to ; but I am writing for those who 

 have to do their best with ordinary plant-houses, and are ambitious of 

 growing a few of these choice flowers to add to those obtained from 

 stove and greenhouse plants. 



AVe will now glance at those Loelias best suited to our purpose for 

 flowering during winter, and append a few hints on culture under 

 each species, as may be deemed requisite. I am of opinion that the 

 best way of supplying information is by "suggesting the mode of treat- 

 ment, rather than by attempting to lay down any inflexible rule. In 

 horticulture there are many ways of obtaining the same end : it is an 

 art, not a mere series of mechanical operations which, if performed in 

 due order, end in one invariable result. A course of treatment success- 

 ful in one particular instance may not be applicable to the generality 

 of places j but by supplying the intelligent horticulturist with sugges- 

 tive information, he is in a position to work out the problem himself 

 — far better, perhaps, than we could do it for him, being in ignorance 

 as to his peculiar appliances, and other local circumstances beyond 

 our control. 



LCELIAS ox BLOCKS. 



L. acuminata. — This is an old-established favourite in our gardens, 

 having been introduced thirty years ago from Mexico. It generally 

 flowers during December or January, and lasts a fortnight or three 

 weeks in perfection. The flowers are borne several together on a 

 spike 12 to 18 inches long. Sepals and petals of the purest 

 crystalline white. Lip white, with a rounded purple blotch in the 

 throat. The inhabitants of Guatemala and Mexico call this the 

 Elower of Jesus {Flor ch Jesii), on account of its delicate purity. 



L. acuminata violacea. — This is a distinct variety of the above, 

 having flowers of a rosy violet colour. It occasionally occurs among 

 imported plants of L. acuminata, but is not common in collections. 



L. alhida, — Another old inhabitant of our gardens, introduced from 



