240 orchid-grower's manual. 



shaped leaves from six inches to a foot in length. They 

 succeed best in the Cattleya house, in pots, in good fibrous 

 peat, with plenty of drainage, and enjoy a liberal supply of 

 water at the roots during the growing season. Propagation 

 is effected by dividing the bulbs. 



P. cristata. — A pretty dwarf free-flowering species from 

 Demerara ; it grows about eight inches high, and has small 

 shining pseudobulbs, from the base of which the flower spike 

 is produced ; it usually bears about three flowers, the weight of 

 which causes the spike to become slightly pendulous ; sepals 

 and petals dark chocolate, tinged with pui'ple ; lip white, 

 barred with purple, and fiinged. There are two varieties of 

 this plant, one of which produces much darker flowers than 

 the other. It blooms at different times of the year, and will 

 remain in beauty for about a fortnight. 



P. tif/rina. — A fine species which grows some ten or twelve 

 inches high, and produces its fine yellow and brown flowers 

 on an upright spike, several together ; it succeeds b6st potted 

 in peat, and should have good drainage. The flowers last 

 several weeks in perfection. Native of Trinidad. 



Peristeria. 

 A singular genus of Orchids, of which there are several 

 species, but only three that I can recommend as worthy the 

 attention of the amateur. Peristeria elata, the Dove plant, is 

 a noble species, and one which ought to be in every collection. 

 These plants produce flower spikes fi-om the side of their 

 large pseudobulbs, near the base. They will succeed in 

 either the East Indian or the Cattleya house, and should 

 be potted in loam and leaf mould ; a good quantity of 

 water during their period of gi'owth is necessary ; afterwards 

 give them a good season of rest, and keep them nearly dry 

 at the roots : if allowed to get wet dui'ing their resting 



