14 ORCHIDS : HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 



expensive. Cypripediums have now for several years held a 

 prominent position and are established favourites ; the diversity 

 in colour of the various kinds, the interesting formation of their 

 flowers, and their easy culture, having done so much to secure this 

 popularity. There are now an extraordinary number of varieties 

 of many speoies, it being quite easy by fertihsation to obtain seed 

 and seedlings; and, in the hands of our hybridists, new forms, some 

 of them of great beauty and distinctness, are yearly being added. 



MASDEYALLIAS. 



I now wish to say a few words about this very interesting 

 family of epiphytal Orchids. This genus was named in honour 

 of Dr. Masdeville, and is a very large one, there being upwards 

 of 150 known species. Comparatively few species, however, merit 

 cultivation for their beauty alone, although all are extremely 

 intei-esting ; and in forming a collection of them, many wonder- 

 fully quaint and curious forms and colours will be found, some 

 of the tints being very peculiar. Masdevallias are cool growing 

 Orchids, and as many of them are of a very close, compact habit, 

 they only require to be accommodated in small pans or in baskets 

 suspended from the roof ; therefore a large collection can be grown 

 in a small space. A house which is in a sheltered position, both 

 from strong winds and from the strong rays of the summer sun, 

 suits them best, as then, a moist and regular temperature and 

 atmosphere can be evenly balanced, such as is congenial to this 

 genus. They grow freely if potted in equal parts of sphagnum 

 moss and peat, with a little coarse sand mixed in to keep the 

 compost porous and sv/eet ; for strong growing kinds a little 

 fibrous loam may be mixed in with advantage, and they should be 

 given a position in the house not too far from the glass roof. 

 Masdevallias under wrong treatment, such as over-indulgence in 

 watering, being kept too dry, or when subjected to extreme heat 

 or cold, refuse to make much headway — their leaves drop, the 

 plant decays, and, having no pseudo bulbs, they quickly disappear ; 

 but, on the other hand, they are very easily cultivated, if the house 

 and treatment suits them. Such species as Harryana, Veitchi, and 

 other similar strong growing kinds, are best grown in pots. The 

 pots should be crocked for drainage to one-half their depth and the 

 plants made moderately firm in the compost, as already indicated. 



