34 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



thrive in a mixture consisting of equal proportions of sphagnum 

 moss and fibrous peat, and unless some other preparation is recom- 

 mended, it may be interred that this mixture is the most suitable. 

 Rough and rather thick pieces of virgin cork will make most excel- 

 lent blocks upon -which to put those which succeed most satisfac- 

 torily upon blocks suspended from the roof of the house. The 

 pieces of cork should be from six to eight inches in length, and about 

 four inches in width, and the plants must be fastened to them with 

 small copper wire ; they will soon push out new roots, and take a 

 firm hold of the block. Provided the blocks are large enough and 

 in a sound state, the plants should not be disturbed. The majority 

 of those grown in pots, will require rather liberal supplies of water 

 during the growing season, and short supplies when at rest. Those 

 oa blocks will require dipping in a vessel of water nearly every day 

 when growing freely, and less frequently at other times, accordicg 

 to the season and the weather ; in dull, damp weather in winter 

 once a week will be quite often enough. 



I will now proceed to give a brief description of those which 

 can be the most strongly recommended for small collections. Unless 

 tlieir cultivation on blocks, or in baskets, is recommended, it must 

 be assumed that they succeed best in pots. 



Angb.^cuii citratuji. — A pretty, small growing species, pro- 

 ducing long pendulous spikes of pale yellow flowers, which are 

 closely set on each side of the spike ; succeeds best on a block. 



Baekeru Skinneki. — A beautiful species, producing good 

 spikes of rose-coloured flowers ; one of the finest of the miniature 

 species, should be grown in baskets. 



BoLBOPHYLLUM BAREiGERUii. — A curlous orchid ; tliB flowcrs 

 greenish brown ; the lip, deep brown and covered with hairs ; it is 

 loosely attached, and when breathed upon, moves about in a most 

 comical manner. 



B. SALTOEiUM. — This is another interesting species with greenish 

 brown flowers ; should be placed in the warm end of the house. 



Cattleta "Walkeriaxa — A very distinct species, about four 

 inches in height, and producing rich, rose-coloured, and sweet 

 scented flowers at midwinter and midsummer ; should be grown in 

 a basket in sphagnum. 



CiKRHOrETAL[JM Medus^e. — A very curious orchid, dwarf in 

 growth, and most desirable. 



CoMPARExriA cocciNEA. — A beautiful species, similar in habit to 

 Soplironites graiuliflora. The spikes are produced from the base of 

 the pseudo-bulbs, and bear from three to six orange and scarlet 

 flowers. It flowers in winter, and is especially valuable ; should 

 be grown on a block with sphagnum fixed round it for the plants to 

 root into. It requires a liberal supply of water when growing 

 freely, and to be kept rather moist when at rest. 



C. FALCATA. — A pretty species, similar to the preceding, and 

 bearing crimson flowers. 



Dendrobium aggregatum majus. — A pretty species, attaming a 

 height of four inches, and producing short spikes of bright yellow 

 flowers. 



