BARKERIAS. 57 



flowers, which are both rich and delicate in colour. These 

 plants merit a place in every collection. I have seen only 

 five species. The Barkerias are compact-growing, with up- 

 right slender bulbs, from the top of which the numerous 

 flower-stems are produced. These plants are best grown on 

 blocks of wood of a flat shape, so that the plants can be tied 

 on the top without any moss. They send out their thick 

 fleshy roots very freely, and will soon cling to the blocks. 

 They require to be grown in a cool house, where they can 

 receive air every day during their season of growth. The 

 Mexican house will be the most suitable place for them, but 

 during their season of growth they require a good supply of 

 water. Twice a day in summer will not be too much for 

 them but during their season of rest very little water will 

 suffice, only enough to keep their bulbs from shrivelling, 

 about two or three times a week. They should be suspended 

 from the roof, near the glass, where they can receive plenty 

 of light, but not too much sun. 



B. elegans. A splendid species from Guatemala, pro- 

 ducing upright spikes during the winter season j sepals and 

 petals dark rose ; lip reddish crimson, spotted and edged with 

 a lighter colour ; flowers as large as those of B. spectabilis. 

 The finest of the genus, and very rare ; of this there are 

 two varieties, one not so good as the other. 



B. melanocaulon. A pretty and free-flowering Orchid from 

 Costa Rica. The sepals and petals are lilac pink, the labellum 

 with a spot of green in the centre. It produces its blossoms 

 on an upright spike from June to September, and will 

 continue in perfection a long time. A very rare and desir- 

 able species. 



B. Lindleyana. From the same country. The flowers are 

 produced on a long spike, and are of a rich purple colour, 

 with a blotch of white in the centre of the lip. Blooms in 

 September and October, and lasts long in good condition. A 

 scarce plant. 



