97 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



THE GENUS CHYSIS. 



This is a singular and highly ornamental 

 genus, which should be grown in every collection; 

 the general habit of each species is very similar, 

 one to the other, but the flowers are extremely 

 distinct and beautiful. They are found in Vene- 

 zuela, of South America, and in Mexico, of North 

 America. 



While the plants are small, it is preferable, 

 from being less liable to accidents, to grow them 

 upon billets of wood, with their roots covered 

 with sphagnum, and allowing sufficient water to 

 keep the moss moist. When they have gained 

 strength sufficient for pot cultivation, I place the 

 billets, with the plants still remaining on them, 

 in pots, taking care that there be a proper 

 drainage of large potsherds at the bottom. The 

 mould required for them should consist of equal 

 parts of turfy peat, sphagnum, and small pot- 

 sherds, the first two should be well chopped before 

 being mixed with the latter, and when potted, a 

 gentle watering, with a fine rose watering pot to 



