266 oechid-gkower's manual. 



be potted in loam and leaf mould ; a good quantity Oi 

 ■water during their period of growth is necessary ; afterwards 

 give them a good season of rest, and keep them nearly dry 

 at the roots : if allowed to get wet during their resting 

 season they are apt to rot. They are propagated by dividing 

 the plants, 



P. cerina. — The pseudobulbs of this plant are strong and 

 dark green, supporting a pan' of large coriaceous leaves of 

 the same colour. The spike is pendulous, and produces 

 bunches of yellow flowers close to the bulbs ; it blooms in 

 June or July. Native of the Spanish Main. 



P. eJata. — A noble free-growing plant from Panama, with 

 large pseudobulbs, and light green plaited leaves three or 

 four feet high ; spikes erect, three feet or more in height, 

 bearing a quantity of white waxy flowers ; the central parts 

 of each flower presenting a very striking resemblance to 

 the figure of a dove, whence it is called in the vernacular, 

 FA Spirito Santo. This plant usually flowers in July, August, 

 and September, and continues blooming for two months when 

 the growths are strong. 



P. (juttata. — A curious species, from South America. It 

 produc*€S spikes of red and yellow flowers close to the 

 bulbs, which are pendulous, and hang over the edge of the 

 pot. It blooms in September, lasting two or three weeks in 

 perfection. 



Phajus. 



A fine genus of terrestrial Orchids, which produce their 

 beautiful spikes of flowers very freely, and when well grown 

 are noble objects. These plants are of easy culture, and will 

 amply repay any amount of attention and care. They are 

 large-growing plants, and when not in bloom their noble 

 foliage is extremely ornamental. If large specimens are 



