94 oechid-geower's manual. 



temala, with deep rose-coloured blossoms, which are produced 

 on a spike sometimes two feet long, with as many as from 

 twenty to thirty flowers on each spike. It will continue in 

 flower from November to February. A valuable Orchid for 

 winter blooming. 



B. Skinneri superhum. — This far surpasses the preceding in 

 the size of the flowers and of the raceme, as well as in bril- 

 liancy of colour ; and it frequently produces a branched in- 

 florescence, no doubt from its stronger growth and constitution. 

 The present variety grows about a foot high ; the flower spike 

 proceeds from the top of the stem when the growth is nearly 

 completed, and attains the height of from twelve to eighteen 

 inches, bearing a large number of flowers of a dark rosy 

 colour, somewhat deeper-tinted in the lip, which is marked 

 towards the base with yellow streaks. Native of Guatemala. 



B. spectahilis. — A charming species from the same country 

 as B. Skinneri. The flowers proceed from the top of the 

 bulb, on a spike bearing eight or ten flowers of a rosy pink or 

 blush, dotted ^^ith deep crimson. It blooms in June and July, 

 'and lasts three or four weeks in perfection if kept in a cool- 

 house. This makes a splendid plant for exhibition. I have 

 seen specimens at the Chiswick and Regent's Park shows 

 with as many as twenty spikes on one plant A very distinct 

 and desirable Orchid. 



Batemania. 



This is a small genus of dwarf, compact-growing plants, 

 generally of free-flowering habit. The species are not so 

 showy as some other Orchids, but are worth growing, as they 

 are easily accommodated, and take but Httle room. They will 

 do either in pots, or on blocks with moss ; if grown in pots, 

 peat and moss is the best material. They should be placed in 

 the cool-house with a good supply of water in the growing 

 season. 



