ORCHIDS : UOW TO GROW TTIEM SUCCESSFULLY. 87 



of tho houso. Good strong- ])lants can bo ohtainod at .3 '-, 7 6 to 

 10, each, newly imported or (\stablished. 



OnX'IDIUM TlGiiixUM. From Mexico. 



This is anotlKu- V(!ry stroui^ gi'owing Orchid, having larger and 

 rounder sliapcd pseudo bulbs than the preceding species ; it throws 

 Imauihed flovvf.T spikes, and the flowers have a beautifnl large 

 yellow lip or hibellum, the sepals and jjotals being marked with 

 lich dark brown spots. It usually flowers in October or November, 

 and has a most pleasing perfume, resembling that of the Wild 

 Piimrose. The necessary treatment is that recommended for 

 Odontoglossum Alexandr«e, but many prefer growing it in a teak- 

 wood basket suspended from the roof ; but it also conforms readily 

 to i)ot culture, and its varieties often differ much in the size of the 

 flower, also in shape and brilliancy of colour. Good strong plants 

 can be purchased at from o'-, 7 '6, to 10 '6 per leading growth, 

 newly imported or established. 



OxciDiUM VAIIICOSUM. From Brazil. 



This is another lovely species, the beautiful labellum of which 

 is a rich yellow colour. It has enormous spikes beaiing a large 

 quantity of flowers, and when seen in perfection is a most graceful 

 plant. I am, however, unable to recommend it to amateurs so 

 strongly as others, as it sometimes shows deterioration in growth 

 from flowering so freely, still, as it can be purchased at a moderate 

 price, a few plants should be grown, it being easy to give the plant 

 a season's rest from blooming by pinching out the flowers for one 

 year, and so restore it to health again. This Orchid is often grown 

 in pans or baskets, but the best of the good results I have 

 obtained was by growing it on blocks of wood suspended flat-wise 

 from the roof, and if apyjle, pear, or dogwood blocks are obtainable, 

 they are much to be preferi-ed, especially if newly cut and green, 

 with the bark left on, and the plant securely fastened by means 

 of copper wire and copper tacks. If unable to procm-e these 

 blocks, the next best are small flat rafts made from teakwood, 

 as these resist decay for a long time. Should, however, decay 

 overtake the block, or slimy matter appear, it will be best to 

 remove the plant carefully and place it on a new one. This is an 

 Orchid requiring but little water, and when gro^Ti on wood there 

 is less chance of its being over watered ; care must, however, be 



