an^ctochilus and other variegated orchids. 73 



Aganisia. 



A. pulchella. — A rare and pretty dwarf Orchid from 

 Demerara, eight inches high, the only species of this genus 

 that I know ; it produces from the bottom of the bulb a spike 

 of flowers, which are white, with a blotch of yellow in the 

 centre of the lip. It blossoms at different times of the year, 

 lasts two or three weeks in perfection, and is best grown in a 

 pot, with peat and good drainage. It requires a liberal supply 

 of water at the roots, and the hottest house. It is a very scarce 

 plant, and is propagated by dividing the bulbs. 



An^ctochilus and other Variegated Orcecids. 



The following short and plain description of all the 

 AncBctochili I have seen gi'own may prove serviceable to those 

 who are beginning their cultivation, as well as to others who, 

 having made a commencement, have not completed their 

 collections. I have also added the mode of cultivation which, 

 from long experience, has been found to suit their wants. 

 Many fine species are, however, not introduced, and there are 

 others in catalogues that I have not seen. 



Among Orchids, as well as among most other orders of the 

 vegetable kingdom, there are variegated-leaved species and 

 varieties, and these, like most other variegated plants, gene- 

 rally bear flowers small and unattractive compared with the 

 beauty of their foliage. To this rule, however, the charming 

 Phalanojjsis ScliiUeriana is an exception ; some of the Cypri- 

 jjediwns, too, have both finely-variegated foliage and showy 

 flowers. The genus AncBctochilus is one of the most re- 

 markable of this handsome class of Orchids, and to its 

 cultivation, which is not generally well understood, I will 

 now address myself. All the varieties are remarkable for 

 compact dwarf habit, perfect form, and great beauty : they 



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