186 orchid-grower's manual. 



G. sjjeciosum. — A magnificent Orchid from Java, but, as 

 above stated, somewhat shy blooming ; it gi'ows from five to 

 ten feet high, producing upright spikes from the bottom of 

 the bulbs, which are very large ; the flowers are also large, 

 and of a beautiful yellow and brown coloui\ It blooms 

 during winter, and will last a long time in perfection if the 

 flowers are kept dry. 



Helcia. 



H. sanguinolenta. — A rare and veiy handsome Peruvian 

 plant, with somewhat the habit of TrichopiUa, producing 

 flowers two inches in diameter ; sepals and petals yellowish, 

 blotched with reddish brown ; lip large, white and striped 

 with crimson. This is a small compact-growing evergreen 

 plant, and succeeds well in the cool-house ; it is best grown in 

 a pot with peat, moss, and good drainage, keeping it moist in 

 the growing season ; it is the only one of the genus I have 

 seen. 



HOULLETIA. 



A small genus of Orchids, which are well worth cultivating, 

 on account of their distinctness of colour. They grow best in 

 pots, in peat with good drainage, and Hke a liberal supply of 

 water during the growing season ; they are propagated by 

 dividing the bulbs just before they begin to grow. 



H. Brocklehurstiana. — A distinct species from Brazil ; it 

 grows eighteen inches high, and has short round bulbs, and 

 broad pale gi-een leaves. The flower spikes are produced 

 from the side of the bulbs ; the blossoms measm-e from three 

 to three and a half inches in diameter, the petals being orange 

 brown, enriched with darker spots, the lip yellow, and also 

 spotted with dark brown. 



H. odoratissima. — A handsome species from South America ; 

 grows eighteen inches high, and has light green leaves ; the 

 flower spike rises from the side of the bulb ; blossoms two 



