SOBRALIA. 293 



best, and about three incbes of drainage ; plenty of water at tbe 

 roots in tbe gi'owing season is essential to tbeir well-being, 

 afterwards much less will suffice. When tbese plants get too 

 large, tbey should be turned out of the pot, and divided into 

 several pieces, which will soon grow and make flowering 

 plants. The following are amongst tbe best of this genus, 

 which is far too much neglected by plant growers : — 



S. lUiastrwn. — A distinct species from Guiana. The 

 flowers are white, and are produced in July and August ; 

 they, however, last but a short time in beauty. There are 

 two varieties of this, one much better than the other, 



S. macrantha. — A remarkably handsome Orchid from 

 Guatemala ; the finest of the genus. The flowers are 

 large, six inches across, of a beautiful rich purple and 

 crimson. It blooms during the summer months, and each 

 flower lasts three days in perfection. This makes a fine plant 

 for exhibition. 



8. macrantha pallida. — This is a very distinct variety from 

 Guatemala, having large flowers seven inches across, of a 

 beautiful pale rose colour ; lip nearly white. Blooms during 

 the summer months, and continues a long time in perfection. 



S. macrantha splendens. — A charming variety from Guate- 

 mala ; flowering from June to August. It has darker flowers 

 than those of S. maci'antha, but they are not so large. There 

 is a variety called *' Woolley's," which is very dwarf in habit, 

 and produces fine large flowers. J. Day, Esq., has some fine 

 plants of this variety, which is very rare. 



S. Faickeri. — A very fine species from New Grenada. The 

 flowers are very large, the sepals and petals dark mauve, the 

 lip, which is very open, crimson, with a white centre. The 

 plant produces foui' flowers on a spike, open at the same time, 

 and thus makes a grand display ; and unlike many of the 

 others, it remains in bloom a considerable time. 



