206 orchid-geower's manual. 



the flowers proceed from the side of the bulbs at different 

 times of the year, and are large, of a creamy white colour. 



M. nigrescens. — There are several varieties of this species ; 

 the best are handsome, and well deserving the attention of 

 Orchid growers. Pseudobulbs light green, bearing a solitary 

 dark green coriaceous leaf. The flowers are produced singly, 

 and upon erect peduncles. Sepals and petals spreading, port- 

 wine colour ; lip same colour, but in addition, it is stained 

 with dull purple. It blooms at various times of the year, and 

 should be grown in the cool-house. Native of New Grenada. 



M. splendens. — A very handsome plant, deserving a place in 

 every collection ; in growth it is something Hke M. venusta, 

 but more robust; sepals and petals white; lip orange, margined 

 with rose. Native of Peru. 



M. Turneri. — A very distinct and handsome species. The 

 pseudobulbs are short, with long broad leaves a foot high, of 

 a very dark green ; the flowers are of a rich cinnamon brown 

 and crimson, with a delicious fragrance. Blooms in May in 

 great profusion, and continues a long time in perfection. 



M. venusta. — This is a charming plant ; one of the best of 

 the genus, of easy culture, blooming at different times of the 

 year, and continuing long in perfection. It has large showy 

 white flowers, the lip yellowish, with light red markings, and 

 the foliage is of a light green, about a foot high. There are 

 two varieties of this, one having the flowers larger and more 

 pure in colour than the other. 



Mesospinidium. 

 M. sanguineum. — This very pretty plant is a native of 

 the Peruvian Andes, and though known for many years, 

 was never brought in a living state to this country until 

 recently. In habit it resembles the Odontoglossums. The 

 flower spikes are pendulous and branched ; the flowers are 



