MY GARDEN. 



warmth of the cucumber-house ; but O. Harrisii (fig. 626) grows freely 

 in the fernery, and sends up lovely spikes about a foot long. O. luridum 

 grows also freely with me. 



There is a curious terrestrial orchid which flowers well with me, but it 

 is not common ; it is called Mantisia saltatoria, or Opera Girls (fig. 627). 

 The flower has a fanciful resemblance to a ballet-girl dancing. Its 

 stems die down in winter, and send up their flowers in spring, which 

 last long into the summer. The plant is more curious than beautiful. 



FIG. 628. Phajus grandiflura. 



FIG. 627. Mantisia saltatoria. 



Another terrestrial orchid of great beauty is the Phajus grandiflora 

 (fig. 628). It forms its bulbs in summer, rests during winter, and 

 in early spring sends forth a fine spike of exquisitely coloured and 



FIG. 630. C. Skinneri. 

 FIG. 629. Cattleya Mossiae. 



formed flowers. It is a lovely species, and requires little attention 

 in its cultivation. 



Central America has yielded to us the Cattleyas, which afford flowers 

 of astonishing size. I have C. labiata, C. Mossite (fig. 629), C. Skinncri 



