116 THE GARDENER. [March 



was exhibited in London a year or two ago with ninety -seven 

 spikes, some bearing seven fine flowers ; while Mr R. S. Gates, of 

 Manchester, has at the present time plants with nearly as many 

 spikes upon them, and in the finest state of health and vigour. 

 Witli the solitary exception of Dendrobium Nobile, this plant is the 

 best to grow for a profusion of choice flowers at this particular season 

 of the year. Well-grown plants, when in bloom, are literally one 

 mass of glossy drooping foliage and snowy flowers. These latter 

 are well nigh invaluable for all kinds of decorative purposes where 

 choice white flowers are required. It is almost equal to Stephanotis 

 for bridal bouquets, and has a far more graceful appearance in the 

 elegant trumpet-shaped crystal vases which are now in general use 

 for cut flowers and Ferns. 



This jilant does well in an intermediate temperature, or Cattleya 

 house, where a moist atmosphere can be steadily maintained. The 

 compost best suited to its acquirements is one composed of good 

 fibrous peat, living sphagnum, with the addition of a little leaf-mould 

 and coarse sand, taking care to provide abundant drainage, since this 

 plant, like most others, is very impatient of stagnant moisture. While 

 speaking of sand, I would caution gardeners against using this article 

 indiscriminately, since some kinds in particular localities contain a 

 large proportion of lime, which does not agree with plants in general. 

 In my own experience I find this plant affects a shady position ; 

 bright sunshine it seems to have an antipathy to, much the same as 

 Odontoglots and most other orchids from elevated habitats. When 

 growing, it must be abundantly supplied with tepid water at the 

 root; and frequent syringing j^romotes its growth, and keeps its 

 pseudo-bulbs in a fresh and plump condition. These last are apt to 

 commence shrivelling while the plant is in flower, during which time 

 it should receive a good supply of water, so as to prevent this as much 

 as possible. Care must be taken not to wet the flowers, since a few 

 drops of moisture will spot them, and render them both fugacious 

 and unsightly. The best way to flower this plant well is to induce a 

 free and vigorous growth, taking care that the substance or nutriment 

 in the pseudo-bulbs is not wasted by evaporation, instead of going to 

 produce strong flower-spikes. The plant is now cheap, and should 

 be grown by the dozen where choice flowers or plants for decoration 

 are in demand during winter and spring. Seen under gas-light the 

 flowers of this species are quite dazzling in their lustrous purity. 



If care be taken to keep the flowers from becoming spotted, it con- 

 tinues in perfection for fully a month, and when grown freely is an 

 object of floral beauty rarely rivalled and never excelled. 



F. W. BURBIDGE. 



