GENERA AND SPECIES 81 



be substituted for Osmunda fibre, if it is of good quality. 

 So far as it has been tested, Osmunda fibre has an advantage 

 over other fibres, in that it is more durable, retaining its 

 fibre intact longer than any other. Osmunda fibre and 

 Polypodiurn fibre in equal proportions, with an addition of 

 leaves and Sphagnum-moss, make an excellent material for 

 all young, epiphytal Orchids, the finer Polypodium fibre, 

 if well worked in, giving substance to the more open 

 Osmunda fibre. 



For very small plants it is well to rub the mixture 

 through a coarse sieve, but after the early stages the use 

 of the sieve should be discontinued, and the compost care- 

 fully mixed with the hands. 



CHAPTER XX 



ENUMERATION OF THE PRINCIPAL GENERA 

 AND SPECIES IN CULTIVATION 



Acanthophippium. A small genus of terrestrial plants 

 with oblong pseudo-bulbs, and broad, plicate leaves. Scape 

 erect, flowers ventricose, yellow and reddish-purple. Warm 

 house. Pot in equal parts of turfy loam, peat, and leaves. 

 Rest dry after the leaves fade and growth is completed. 

 The most familiar species are A. bicolor, A. javanicum, and 

 A. striatum. 



Acineta. The species of Acineta are epiphytal Orchids 

 with stout pseudo-bulbs and broad, coriaceous leaves. The 

 flowers are produced in pendulous racemes ; they are 



F 



