Its THE VICTORIAN XATrRALIST. 



pubescence of the labellum, also by it being far more common than 

 any other species with which I am acquainted. The finest specimens, 

 as in most other plants, are to be found in damp, strong, loamy soil, 

 also on land which has remained unused for many y<^ars after 

 ploughing, and here it may be found as plentiful as the common 

 Baniinculus or Buttercup. If planted, say a couple of dozen tubers 

 in a deep seed pan, and kept moist after its appearance above the 

 soil, it will, wiili little care, make a very pretty plant for the house, 

 care being always taken to allow the tubers to rest after flowering. 

 Flowers in September to November and even later. Common at 

 Eerwick, Dandenong, and many places nearer Melbourne. Height 

 from 4 to 12 and even 18 inches. D. lanceolata, and D. Behrii^ 

 are identical with this species. Found^also in New South Wales, 

 Queensland, Tasmania, and in South Australia. 



O rthoceras (R. Brown.) 



Dorsal sepal erect, incurved, hood-shaped, lateral se]3als 

 narrow-linear, long and erect, jpetals short, erect, narrow. 

 Labellum 3 lobed, the middle lobe larger and contracted r,t 

 the base, column very short, with lateral erect lobes not 

 connected behind the anther. Anther erect, or slightly incurved, 

 pollen masses, granular or mealy, rostollum very short, tuber ovoid, 

 few narrow leaves and several sessile flowers. 



0. strictuin. (R, Brown.) This most singular and somewhat rare 

 genus of which we know of but one species, which under the name 

 of 0. Solandri, is also found in New Zealand, is to be found in 

 lieathy country, as a rule near the sea coast, although it has been 

 frequently found inland. To those who collect wild flowers, and 

 orchids in particular, I may say that this orchid is very easily 

 distinguished from any other genus in the colony. The habit of the 

 plant is erect, the leaves somewhat grass-like, color of ficjwers 

 greenish-yellow, dark-brownish green, and sometimes nearly black, 

 and is generally found late in the season, say in Decemi er or even 

 later, on the sides or summits of heathy hills, near Brighton, 

 Frankston, Dandenong, and other places. I have found it also 

 growing in loamy soil, in which case the specimens have broader 

 leaves and larger flowers. The above generic description taken from 

 Bentham and Mueller's great work, will convey to any advanced 

 amateur a correct idea of the plant. To grow it well , use plenty of 

 black, sandy soil, good drainage, and an abundant supply of clean 

 water. It is easily grown, dries well, (but slowly), and on account of 

 its rarity and singular appearance, should be in every collection of 

 Victorian Orchids, whether cultivated or in herbaria. Height of 

 plant from 6 to 18 inches. Found also in New South Wales, South 

 Australia, and in New Zealand. 0. Solandri, and Diuris Novoe- 

 Zealandioe are identical with this species. 



