146 ABOUT ORCHIDS. 
be applied to V.-cwrulea, but that species is a 
native of the Khasya hills; more appropriately, 
as I recall Mr. Bentley’s words, to V. cwrulescens, 
which, however, is Burmese. Furthermore, neither 
of these would be looked for on the branch 
of a great tree. Possibly someone who reads 
this may know what became of Mr. Templar’s 
specimen. 
Both the species of Renanthera need great heat. 
Among “facts not generally known” to orchid- 
erowers, but decidedly interesting for them, is the 
commercial habitat, as one may say, of &. coccznea. 
The books state correctly that it is a native of 
Cochin China. Orchids coming from such a 
distance must needs be withered on arrival. 
Accordingly, the most experienced horticulturist 
who is not up to a little secret feels assured that 
all is well when he beholds at the auction-room or 
at one of the small dealer’s a plant full of sap, 
with glossy leaves and unshrivelled roots. It 
must have been in cultivation for a year at the 
very least, and he buys with confidence. Too 
often, however, a disastrous change sets in from 
the very moment his purchase reaches home. 
Instead of growing it falls back and back, until in 
a very few weeks it has all the appearance of 
a newly-imported piece. The explanation is 
