274 orchid-grower's manual. 



requires but little rest ; for having no fleshy bulbs to support 

 it, a certain degi'ee of moisture is necessary at the roots, even 

 when it is comparatively at rest. After growth is completed 

 it will begin to show flower, and then care should be taken 

 that it does not get dry at the root, for it requires a good 

 quantity of nourishment to bring its flowers to perfection. 

 I have seen this plant shrivelled when the blossoms have 

 been showing, and from this cause they have been nearly 

 spoiled and the plant injured. If this plant is allowed to 

 get into an unhealthy state it is a long time before it recovers ; 

 it blooms during the summer months, and lasts some time in 

 beauty. Propagation is effected by dividing the plant when 

 done gi'owing, or just as it begins to push. The finest plant 

 I ever saw of this was giown by Mr. Mitchell, gardener to 

 R. F. Ainsworth, M.D., of Manchester, in whose fine collec- 

 tion it has frequently flowered. 



Vanda. 



This genus contains several lovely species with magnifi- 

 cently-coloured flowers, some of which are very large. 

 Indeed, there are not many Orchidaceous plants that surpass 

 Vandas in the beauty of flowers. Their habit of growth is 

 the same as that of Aerides and Saccolahium. Their foliage is 

 evergi'een, but the leaves of most of the species are longer 

 and more graceful. The spikes are erect and produced from 

 the axils of the leaves, whilst the majority bear large waxy 

 flowers. They require treatment similar to that of Aerides, 

 and become infested with the same sort of insects. Propa- 

 gation is effected by taking off the young growths which 

 spring from near the base of the stem, or by cutting the stem 

 as directed in the case of Aerides. 



V. Batemcmii. — A noble, upright-gi-owing stately plant, the 

 leaves of which are thick and very stiff", and of a pale green 



