CHUA PER 2 20V, 
CORYANTMHES. 
THIS is a genus of South American Orchids, with flowers 
of such an extraordinary character that a correct idea of 
their structure and appearance can only be obtained by 
seeing them. The plants themselves are, in habit, similar 
to Stanhopeas, having lance-shaped, plaited leaves upwards 
of ift. in length, and pendent racemes of flowers pro- 
duced from the base of the pseudo-bulbs. The remarkable 
feature of the flower is the lip, which is helmet-shaped, and 
is attached to the rest of the flower by a thick, hooded 
stalk. Near the base of this stalk a sweet, watery fluid 
is secreted, which, during the time the flower is in full 
development, drips continuously into the helmet-shaped part. 
The sepals and petals decay soon after opening, and the 
lip lasts only three or four days in perfection. 
Culture.—Coryanthes require to be grown in baskets, in 
a compost of sphagnum and peat fibre, and as they need 
abundant supplies of water when growing, perfect drainage 
is essential. The plants grow naturally on the outer 
branches of trees, fully exposed to the sun, and therefore 
it is advisable, if possible, to place them along with the 
Dendrobiums and other heat- and light-loving Orchids. 
After the completion of the growth, the plants should have 
