Laelia 



in the world; the intense craving of all plants 

 from that country for light tells us so much. Even 

 in the rains, the dull season, it must be lucid to a 

 degree beyond our conception. That is the time 

 when the Lselias grow and flower naturally, but we 

 must urge them along when our light is strongest. 



The seasons are sharply defined in Mexico, and 

 the rainfall prodigious. We have been told by an 

 expert that L. anceps has scarcely a dry moment 

 for eight weeks, at least. It must not be forgotten 

 that these plants at home stand on a bare bough, 

 whilst ours commonly have peat and moss round 

 them, which hold the wet ; but the conclusion is 

 that they should never be allowed to dry in the 

 slightest while growing. In fact, they speak for 

 themselves very quickly ; the fresh green tips of 

 roots which encircle the pot fade with disconcerting 

 rapidity at a touch of drought. 



But the rest after flowering is severe in pro- 

 portion; until they begin to push new roots in 

 spring they ask not a drop of water, if the house 

 be kept as moist as- it should be. At that time, 

 say February, they should be repotted. All flower 

 from the top of the bulb when growth is complete. 



Before going further I must sound a warning note. 

 Upon my personal experience I would not include 

 any Mexican Lselias among plants grown in the cool 



in 



