BRASSIA. 103 



America, small and compact, -with white flowers, which are 

 produced at different times of the year. It grows best on a 

 block suspended from the roof. 



Brassia. 



This genus is nearly aUied to Oncidivm, differing partly in the 

 very much elongated sepals. Some of them have dull-coloured 

 flowers, so that the genus is not in great repute with Orchid- 

 growers, but there are a few kinds that are showy, free-flowering, 

 and last a long time in bloom, and ought to be in every collection. 

 All have dark-green pseudobulbs, and evergreen foHage a foot 

 or more in length. They are plants of easy culture, and will 

 do either in the East Indian or Cattleya house. The flowers are 

 produced from the side of the bulbs on long drooping spikes. 

 They are best grown in pots, with rough fibrous peat and good 

 drainage, and require a liberal supply of water at the roots in 

 the growing season ; afterwards, just enough water to keep 

 their bulbs plump will suffice, for they should never be allowed 

 to shrivel. They are propagated by dividing the plants when 

 they begin to grow. 



B. Gireoudiana. — A very handsome species of a genus 

 that is rather neglected by Orchid-growers ; it is a plant of 

 easy culture and good robust habit ; bulbs stout, and with the 

 leaves of a Hght green colour. It produces spikes of large . 

 bright yellow flowers spotted with red. Native of Costa Rica. 



B. Lanceana. — A free-flowering Orchid from Demerara, 

 blooming at different times of the year, and bearing yellow 

 blossoms spotted with brown, which lasts three weeks in per- 

 fection. There are two varieties of this plant, one much better 

 than the other, having larger and brighter coloured flowers. 



B» Lawrenceana. — A handsome species from Demerara, 

 blooming abundantly from June to Augast. The colour of the 



