ORCHIDS. 



299 



(fig. 630), and C. Forbcsii. They are fine, and they have the rare merit 

 of not requiring excessive heat. The bulbs must be ripened to insure 

 perfection of flower. Cattleyas are stock flowers for the horticultural 

 shows, and the poor plants suffer terribly from the tricks played upon 

 them, either to hasten their blossom by heat, or to retard it by cold, 

 so that they may be exhibited by a given day. 



The Maxillarias, or flowers with jaws, are a remarkable class of 

 plants. I have several species, of which M. Harrisonii is one of the 

 most beautiful. The M.fimbriata (fig. 631) has abundance of singular 



FIG. 631. Maxillaria fimbriata. 



FIG. 632. Lycaste aromatica. 



FIG. 633 Cypripedium villosum. 



blossoms ; and an allied species, the Lycaste aromatica (fig. 632), is 

 remarkable for the great number of flowers which are produced, and for 

 their fine aromatic odour. 



We have three or four species of Cypripediums, many of which any- 

 one who has a warm greenhouse may grow. The C. insigne and 

 barbatum are the most common species, 

 and most easily cultivated, but of late 

 years many others of the highest merit 

 have been introduced. The illustration 

 is taken from a species grown by Mr. 

 Terry, called C. villosum (fig. 633) ; but 

 many others of even more beauty are 

 now cultivated. C. caudatum is a very 

 remarkable and interesting species, but 



which I do not at present pOSSeSS. FIG. 634. Brassia maculata. 



We have a plant from Jamaica, the Brassia maculata (fig. 634). It 

 grows freely in the fernery, and flowers well. 



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