ONCIDIUMS. 125 



dissimilarity amongst them. Some kinds will do well on 

 blocks of wood, but they are generally best grown in pots, 

 with peat and moss and good drainage, with a liberal supply 

 of heat and moisture in the growing season j afterwards only 

 just enough water is required to keep their leaves and bulbs 

 plump and firm. These plants are very accommodating, they 

 will thrive in either house, and are propagated by division of 

 the bulbs. The following are all fine sorts, and ought to 

 be in every collection ; they are of easy culture. There are 

 many other Oncidiums worth growing besides those named 

 in the following list. 



Oncidium ampliatum majus. One of the finest in cultiva- 

 tion from Guatemala. It produces its large yellow flowers in 

 abundance, on a long branching spike three or four feet high, 

 in April, May, and June, and continues blooming for two 

 months when the spikes are strong. This is one of the 

 finest Oncidiums we have for exhibition. 



0. Harkerii. A remarkably handsome dwarf Orchid from 

 Mexico ; the flowers are very large ; the sepals and petals 

 rich brown barred with yellow ; the lip a bright yellow, 

 about an inch and a half across. It produces its branch- 

 ing spikes of flower during the dull months of winter, 

 which greatly enhances its value, and it lasts six weeks in 

 bloom. 



0. Batemanii. A good distinct kind from Brazil, grow- 

 ing about eighteen inches high, and having pale green 

 foliage ; rather a shy-flowering plant, but one which is 

 worth growing on account of its beautiful bright yellow 

 flowers, which are produced at different times of the year. 



0. bifolium. A handsome dwarf-growing species from 

 Monte Video : sepals and petals brown ; lip bright yellow, 

 and of large size. It produces short spikes of flowers in 

 May and June, lasting a long time in perfection. There are 

 two varieties of this plant ; one much brighter in the colour 

 of the flowers. This is best grown in a pot with moss, 



