of all Orchid growers, and for it we are indebted to the kindness of F. G. Tautz, 
Esq., of Studley House, Shepherd’s Bush, in whose garden it flowered last season, 
and from whom we have from time to time received many fine Orchids to illustrate 
the pages of the Orcnip ALBUM. 
Cirrhopetalum ornatissimum is a _ pretty, dwarf-growing epiphyte, with small 
pseudo-bulbs about an inch high, and bearing dark green leaves, which are some five 
inches in length, and upwards of two inches in breadth. ‘The spike rises from the base 
of the bulb, and is about seven inches high, bearing on the summit an umbel of © 
pale purplish brown flowers, which are also striped and netted with purple. The 
dorsal sepal is furnished with a series of blackish purple hairs around the edge, 
and the tips of the petals are also similarly ornamented. It blooms in October, 
and the flowers last in perfection for a long time. 
These plants are found growing on the stems and branches of the forest trees 
in their native wilds, and in such positions they get the full benefit of a free 
circulation of air, and at the same time are partially shaded from the burning sun 
during the day. The heavy rains come in their growing and flowering season, the 
resting time being the season of drought, but even then they receive the benefit of 
the heavy dews which frequently arise during the night, and which afford them support 
during the day, enabling them to maintain their bulbs and foliage in a_ healthy 
condition, so that when the rainy season again returns they soon. start into growth 
and bring forth their flowers. The cultivation of this plant is not difficult ; it requires 
a good season of growth, which may be obtained by giving it a liberal supply of 
moisture both to its roots and in the atmosphere, and during its rest it must be 
kept in a plump condition, as it objects to the shrivelling process, for should nothing 
more. serious occur through shrivelling, it will sure to be considerably weakened. We 
find it to thrive best in the East India house, where it should be suspended near 
the roof-glass, in order to expose the plant to the full influence of the light, and it 
should be shaded from the sun during the hotter portion of the day. 
We find this species succeed well on blocks of wood, but we prefer small pans 
or baskets for its reception, and these should be suspended in the full light. The 
drainage must be good, and the best potting material is a little rough fibrous peat 
and living sphagnum moss, whilst a few lumps of charcoal intermixed will be found 
highly advantageous, tending as it does to maintain everything about them sweet and 
clean, and in good order. When the plants require re-potting or re-basketing, it 
should be done just as they begin to make fresh growth. Propagation is effected 
by dividing the rhizomes, leaving one or two old bulbs at the back of the leading 
growth, and the best time for this operation is at the re-basketing before-mentioned. 
