CYCNOCHES. 145 



sun than many of our Orcliids, and I believe the reason we 

 have been rather unsuccessful with this genus is that we have 

 treated them in a similar manner to Stanhopeas, and given 

 them too much shade. After their growth is finished, they 

 should be kept rather dry, so that their bulbs be not allowed 

 to shrivel. They are propagated by division of the bulbs. 



C. macrantha. — The best of the genus ; it comes from the 

 Caraccas, flowers in May, June, and July, and lasts but three 

 or four days in bloom ; sepals and petals orange yellow, 

 spotted with purple, the lip red. This plant ought to be in 

 every collection. 



C. maculata. — This species has flowers of a light yellow, 

 spotted with dull crimson ; it blooms during the summer 

 months, and lasts but three days in beauty. Native of 

 Demerara. 



C. speciosa. — This singular Orchid also comes from Deme- 

 rara, is about a foot high, with pale yellow flowers, which are 

 produced in April or May, and last three or four days in 

 bloom. 



Cycnoches. 



Another singular genus of plants, whose flowers are of a 

 very peculiar form, bearing usually more or less resemblance 

 in shape to a swan. They are not thought much of by many 

 growers of Orchids, but some are well worth growing, as they 

 are of easy culture, and produce their flowers freely. All are 

 deciduous, and lose their leaves as soon as they have finished 

 their growth. The pseudobulbs, which are thick and flesh}-, 

 are from six to ten inches high, and have three or four leaves 

 on the top of each. They produce their flowers, which are 

 large, from nearly the top of the bulb, some of them several 

 together. They are best grown in the East Indian house, in 

 pots, with rough fibrous peat and good drainage, with a liberal 



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