must be kept saturated. In the Winter months much less water is required, but 
the plant should never become dry. Like most Coelogynes, it is slow at starting 
growth and flowering, but, once established, grows vigorously and flowers regu- 
larly. Flowers produced in late Summer, and last for 3 or 4 weeks. 
COELOGYNE SPECIOSA. Native of Java, Borneo, and Malaya. 
A vigorous species, with tall oblong pseudobulbs bearing a long, thin, pointed, 
dark green leaf. Flowers 3 to 4 inches across and produced either singly or in pairs 
from a short stalk. Sepals and petals (which latter are longer and narrower than 
the sepals) olive green, the lip is a brilliant yellow veined with crimson, the base 
being a dark brown colour, and pure white and fringed. The lateral lobes are 
small and pointed. Two hairy crests run down the centre of the middle lobe. 
This species flowers very freely and sends out a succession of blooms—well devel- 
oped plants having been known to flower from Spring right through to late 
Autumn. The individual flowers last well. Although a native of tropical coun- 
tries, it actually needs comparatively cool treatment, for it is found high up on 
the mountains at an elevation of from 6000 to 8000 feet. Bushhouse treatment 
will serve this plant from Sydney northwards in the Summer time, but in the 
cooler climates it will be desirable to move it into the glasshouse during the cold 
months. Copious water must be given it during the Spring, Summer and Autumn, 
but in Winter only enough to keep the plant from going back will be needed. 
There are many other species of Coelogyne, but those given are the best of the 
genus. 
COMPARET TLA 
A small genus of epiphytical evergreen orchids allied to the Omncidiums. They 
grow on the lower slopes of the Andes, and will do well enough in a warm bush- 
house or glasshouse. They must never be allowed to become dry, and this fact 
makes it difficult to import them. Possibly the institution of a trans-Pacific air 
service may overcome this disability and enable them to be added to our collections 
in Australia, for they are a distinctive and beautiful genus. 
They will grow well, if fastened to a block of tree fern or hardwood and suspended 
in a shaded part of the bush or glasshouse—alternatively, basket culture is satis- 
factory, and pot growing moderately so. A compost of two parts of sphagnum 
moss to one of peat or fibre is most suitable. Ample water must be given at all 
times. 
Any of the following species are desirable: 
COMPARETTIA COCCINEA. Native of Mexico, Brazil, etc. 
Small growing. Flowers (usually 7 to 9) on scapes from apex of young bulbs. 
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