102 orchid-grower's manual. 



plants ought to be in every collection, however small, as they 

 require but veiy little room, and may be easily grown to 

 perfection. They thrive best in small baskets with sphagnum 

 moss and potsherds, and require a good supply of heat and 

 moisture while growing. They need but little rest, and should 

 never be suffered to get too dry at the roots. They are pro- 

 pagated by dividing the plant. The following are among the 

 best of these beautiful plants with which I am acquainted. 



B. Batemanii. — A very pretty addition to this charming 

 family, so deservedly admired for their neat habit and 

 deliciously-scented white flowers. In this species, which in 

 general appearance resembles B, Candida, the Hp, instead of 

 being of the yellow colour, which is so usual in the genus, 

 is of a beautiful mauve. Native of South America. 



B. Candida. — A handsome free-flowering Orchid from 

 Demerara, producing drooping spikes of flowers, which are 

 white, except on the upper part of the lip, which is yellow. It 

 flowers at different times. A few years ago, I saw some large 

 masses of this plant in excellent health growing on blocks, 

 in the collection of T. Bewley, Esq., of Black Rock, Dublin. 

 To grow this species in perfection a good supply of moisture 

 is necessary at the roots ; indeed, it should never be allowed 

 to get dry. 



B. decora. — A beautiful free -flowering species from Brazil, 

 but a straggling grower, as it makes long stem-like growths 

 between each pseudobulb, from which the roots proceed. 

 The flowers are produced on upright spikes, and are of a 

 delicate white, pencilled with light rose. It blooms during 

 the winter months, and succeeds best in a basket, or on a 

 block suspended from the roof. 



B. decora jncta. — This is a very fine form of the preceding, 

 stronger in gi'owth, with much larger flowers ; the colour is 

 richer, and it is altogether a superior variety. Native of 



