CHAPTER XX. 



DESCRIPTIVE LIST. 



A WORK on Orchids would be incomplete did it fail 

 to give a descriptive list of the different species, and 

 to point out those most worthy of cultivation. There are 

 many Orchids which though curious have insignificant 

 flowers and are not worth a place in a collection unless 

 mere botanical research or curiosity are the objects. 

 Again, in choosing plants an amateur is seldom able from 

 a catalogue to select those which for brilliancy of color 

 and size or singularity of flower are most desirable, and 

 few possess the knowledge requisite to make a good se- 

 lection. 



In the following list the finest plants, which for bril- 

 liancy and abundance of flower or for fragrance are desir- 

 able, are marked with the letter A. Those which are well 

 worth growing, but not as fine as the first class, by B. 

 The less attractive plants, "C. Those which for insignifi- 

 cant flowers should be rejected, R. 



A small collection of choice Orchids will give more 

 pleasure than a large house full of more common species ; 

 and it should be remembered that a good plant requires 

 no more care and occupies no more room than a poor 

 one. The general treatment needed for each plant is 

 noted, and more especially any peculiar culture which in- 

 dividual varieties may require. 



Where it has been possible the work where any species 



