95 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



THE GENUS SOBRALIA. 



This genus is not yet extensive in its species, 

 but some of them are equal to the finest in point 

 of colour : they also form part of the terrestrial 

 division of Orchidece. They are found in the 

 cooler parts of Guatemala, usually growing on the 

 margins of gentle streams, occupying in the flora 

 of the country the place of our sedges. 



From the natural station of these plants, it is 

 evident that pot cultivation is most appropriate 

 for them, and they should be allowed abundance 

 of root room, as these organs are large and fleshy, 

 and extend very rapidly ; the pots should be by 

 all means well drained with large potsherds, 

 placing a layer of the fibrous part of peat over 

 them : the plant should be potted in a mixture 

 of equal parts of turfy peat, sphagnum, and fine 

 sharp sand (that which is in general known as 

 silver sand), a few small potsherds mixed with 

 the soil will be beneficial, from presenting a 

 source of moisture to the roots ; the plant will not 

 require any elevation, and but a gentle watering 



