ORCHIDS : HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 109 



really thrives better if fully exposed to the sun with plenty of air than 

 it does when too much shaded, and it also flowers more freely. Plants 

 may be purchased either established or newly imported, but I prefer 

 the latter, always selecting those masses which have good foliage, for a 

 loss of leaves means a proportionate loss of strength, which materially 

 affects the vigour of the plant when making new growth. When 

 repotting newly imported plants a large portion of their roots should 

 be rather severely cut away of course using discretion in doing so as 

 they only take space which good compost should occupy, and in a short 

 time would become a mass of wet and cold decomposed matter. 



Plants may be purchased for about 3s. per leading growth, or 

 about 10s. for masses having probably five or six leads. 



AUTUMNA.LIS. From Mexico. 



This is another very pretty species and of very simple culture, but 

 it has a reputation for deteriorating, which is certain to follow if 

 wrongly cultivated, whereas, if hardened at the proper season, it will 

 last in good condition as long as any other Orchid and flower as freely. 

 It flowers in November and December, is very similar in habit and 

 general requirements to Laelia anceps, and if treated in the same way 

 will take no harm. I would advise, however, that it be always grown 

 in a hanging basket near the glass, giving the plant the full benefit of 

 the bright sunshine whenever possible. After the flowering an absolute 

 rest should be given, but not so as to cause shrivelling, and at that 

 period it is capable of withstanding a low degree of temperature. 



Plants should be purchased at about the same price as quoted for 

 L. anceps, but good newly imported plants with good foliage are best. 



PURPURATA. From St. Catherina. 



This is a noble growing and fine Orchid, in appearance very much 

 like a Cattleya, indeed, there is so little difference between Cattleyas 

 and Lselias as to sometimes cause surprise that they are not included 

 in one group. There is, however, a botanical distinction, consisting of 

 the Cattleya having four pollen masses, while the Lselia has eight. 



This species (L. purpurata) is best grown in pots half filled with 

 drainage, and potted in peat and sphagnum in equal proportions, and 

 after being repotted it is apt to shrivel a little, but with just ordinary 

 care it soon becomes re-established and grows very freely. No better 

 place can be found for this plant than on the stage and well up to the 

 light, watering and treating exactly the same as a Cattleya. It differs 

 slightly, however, inasmuch as it is rarely ever at rest, growing during 

 winter as well as in summer, and has therefore no definite resting 

 season. Its time of flowering is May or June, and the varieties vary 

 very much in colouring, some being particularly dark and others almost 

 a pure White, all being well worth growing. 



