138 THE ORCHID-GROWER'S MANUAL. 



flowers than Mr. Warner's specimen. Of this plant the roots 

 are very distinct from those of others of the genus ; they 

 are flat, and have a rough appearance, and very free in 

 growth ; the blossoms continue several weeks in perfection. 

 Mr. Warner has had it in bloom seven weeks, and it is still 

 in fine condition ; a great recommendation. The flowers are 

 sweet-scented. 



PLEOINES. 



Pretty small growing distinct looking plants, with small 

 bulbs. Every year after finishing their growth, the leaves 

 naturally begin to die away, which is the proper time to rest 

 them, when they should not have much water at the roots 

 only just enough to keep them from shrivelling. They begin 

 to flower when they begin to grow. In their native country 

 they are called Indian crocuses, throwing up, as they do, 

 their flowers much like our common crocus, except that they 

 are of a different shape ; the blossoms are very handsome and 

 rich in colour; they are produced on stems three inches 

 high, in autumn, when destitute of leaves. Though not often 

 seen, these plants are well worth a place in every collection. 

 Being deciduous, they get neglected and lost just at a time 

 when they should receive most attention. They give little 

 trouble if properly managed, and at the right time, which is 

 the great secret in the treatment of most deciduous plants ; 

 they require a good season of growth, and after that one of 

 rest. The way in which I treat them is to pot them as soon 

 as they have flowered in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, 

 with good drainage, and plenty of water; while growing, 

 after the bulbs are formed, give them but little water just 

 enough, as I have stated, to keep them from shrivelling. As 

 soon as they begin to show flower, water freely, which will 

 induce their t blossoms to come finer ; they require the heat 

 of a Cattleya house. 



