CHAPTER oT 
BLETIA. 
A LARGE genus of terrestrial or epiphytical Orchids, 
several species of which are highly ornamental, and 
especially vaiuable because of the abundance and bright 
colours of their flowers. They are related to Phaius, and 
are natives of tropical America, China, and Japan. The 
plants are characterised by having round or flattened 
pseudo-bulbs, clustered on a creeping rhizome, and bearing 
from the top several long, narrow, plaited leaves, which 
fall off in autumn. The name Bletia has also been given 
to a section of what is now known as Lelia—as, for 
instance, Bletia Perrini, now called Lzelia. 
Culture.—Bletias are not difficult to cultivate, requiring 
liberal treatment when growing, and after that a long 
season of rest. The most suitable compost for them is a 
mixture of fibrous yellow loam and decayed leaf-soil, with 
a little silver sand. The kinds described below being 
truly terrestrial, the pseudo-bulbs should be buried just 
beneath the surface of the soil; about 2in. of drainage 
is sufficient. These plants may be grown in the cool- 
house or in a heated frame. In well-established specimens 
occasional applications of weak manure-water will be found 
beneficial. After flowering, the plants may be placed out 
