CoHVAUP TS he x1 Xk. 
CATASETUM. 
ALTHOUGH, with one or two exceptions, the flowers of this 
genus are not beautiful, yet their quaint appearance and 
remarkable structure, together with the power they have of 
ejecting the pollen-masses when either of the horns attached 
to the column is touched, render them objects of greater 
interest to many than even their most showy allies. The 
genus deserves much more attention from Orchid-cultivators 
than it has hitherto received. The pseudo-bulbs are, in most 
instances, short and stem-like, bearing four or five plaited 
leaves, with stout, membranous veins. The flowers are 
borne on erect or drooping racemes, and are usually green, 
yellow, and brown, with sepals and petals of a firm, leathery 
texture. Occasionally flowers of different sexes are produced 
on the same pseudo-bulb. 
Culture.—The culture of Catasetums is in nowise difficult, 
the essential points to be observed being abundance of heat 
and moisture during active growth, and afterwards a well- 
marked period of rest. They succeed in either pots or 
baskets, in a compost of fibry peat and loam, with an 
addition of chopped sphagnum and silver sand. Water 
must not be given until growth has fairly commenced, and 
at all times it must be prevented from lodging in the centres 
