286 oechid-geowee's manual. 



species comprise the best of this beautiful genus. There are 

 several others in cultivation, some of which are small 

 flowered, and not worth the attention of amateurs with 

 limited space. I have only named those that are the most 

 beautiful, and which ought to be in every collection, however 

 small, as they are veiy handsome even without flowers. 



S. ampuUaceum. — A distinct, compact-habited, and pretty 

 Orchid from India, with straight dark-green leaves about three 

 or four inches in length ; it grows about ten inches high, and 

 produces erect spikes of flower about six inches long, of a 

 beautiful rosy-pink colour, in May and June. This plant will 

 succeed on a block, or in a basket with moss, and remains in 

 beauty three weeks. 



S. ampuUaceum Moulmeinense. — A superb variety of the 

 preceding ; it is somewhat more robust in growth, and the 

 leaves are spotted on the under side with dull brown ; the 

 spike is long and dense, and the flowers of a uniform rich 

 deep rose. It is a native of Moulmein. 



S. bigibhum. — This very pretty species is at present very 

 rare ; it is a small close-growing plant, 'wdth somewhat oblong 

 bright green leaves, about four inches long. The spike is 

 short and drooping, bearing eight or more of its curious 

 flowers. Sepals and petals lemon colour ; lip white, with a 

 yellow centre and pretty frilled edge. It blooms about 

 November. Native of Burmah. 



S. Blumei. — A beautiful distinct species from Java. The 

 leaves are long and arched, praemorse at the ends, light green, 

 with a few parallel lines of dark green, extending from base 

 to apex, on the under side. It produces its flowers, which 

 are violet and white in colour, in July and August, and lasts 

 three weeks in perfection. 



S. Blumei majus. — A charming variety of S. Blumei. The 

 colours of the flowers are the same as in the preceding ; but 



