The Culture of Greenhouse Orchids 



A pair of red horns at the base give finish to its 

 uncanny appearance. New Granada. 1851. 5s. 



L^LIA. 



" Lselia " is a word without meaning, the pretty 

 feminine form of the Latin patronymic "Lselius." 

 It may be added, for the benefit of those who would 

 know further, that the most distinguished bearer of 

 the name was Caius Laelius, surnamed the Wise, 

 friend of Cicero, and father of two lovely girls, whom 

 this charming group of flowers commemorates. 



Lselias which will do in the cool house, saving 

 two or three, are Mexican ; which is to say, in brief, 

 that they demand the strongest light and all the 

 sunshine which can be safely allowed them. As a 

 rule, therefore, they do best hung up small- 

 growing species on a block ; large in a basket. But 

 if a place as light and airy can be found on the 

 shelf, they flourish equally well in pots. Use the 

 smallest quantity of peat and moss which will keep 

 them damp, but if the Belgian system be favoured 

 proceed as usual. It is well to bear in mind that 

 they are more at home among the Cattleyas while 

 growing a hint to give them the warmest quarters 

 in the cool house. 



Doubtless the sky of Mexico is the most brilliant 

 no 



