sympathies of a stranger, and to make an Orchid grower. We are indebted to the 
‘kindness of W. L. Barclay, Esq., The Briars, Reigate, for the opportunity of 
laying this species before our readers, the drawing being taken from a very fine and 
well-grown specimen in his collection, which is under the care of Mr. Bailey. 
Oncidium anthrocrene is a very distinct and curious evergreen species, of dwarf 
habit, Its pseudobulbs are some four inches high, bearing rich dark green leaves, 
six or more inches in length, and its branching racemes of flower appear after the 
growth is completed. The plant somewhat resembles Miltonia Warscewiczii in its 
general habit of growth, but its spike of bloom is much longer, and is much 
branched. The sepals and petals are chocolate-brown transversely barred with yellow, 
and prettily undulated, the column is also similarly marked, whilst the lip is white. 
It blooms during the months of January and February, and it continues in full 
beauty for several weeks. 
The plant in question should be grown in a pot, and this must be well drained ; 
the soil should consist of good fibrous upland peat, mixed with some chopped 
sphagnum moss, and some nodules of charcoal. The potting season should follow 
the flowering season in this case, as soon after blooming the plant begins to grow. 
If the plant does not require -re-potting, it will be much benefited by top- 
dressing, and this is the very best time to perform the operation, as then the 
new roots receive the full benefit of the new soil, at the same time care 
must be exercised that the old living roots be not injured, as want of thought in 
this matter often results in weak growth for the season, and loss of flower at the 
proper time. It enjoys a somewhat liberal amount of moisture to its roots during 
the growing season, and as its blooms appear during the winter months there cannot. 
be said to be any season of rest for this plant, although much less water will 
suffice than during active growth, therefore let it always have sufficient moisture to 
keep the bulbs and leaves in plump and fresh condition. The temperature of the 
Cattleya house is most suitable for this season. Jt enjoys an abundance of light, 
and therefore should be placed near the glass; but it requires to be shaded from 
the hottest sun. The flowers of this species last a very long time in full perfection, 
so long, sometimes, as to act detrimental to the health of the plants through 
exhaustion ; this should be avoided, and the spike should be cut before it acts dele- 
teriously upon it. When cut it may be placed in those little tubes of water 
which are now becoming common, and are most useful, as they can be inserted in 
the pot and still have the appearance of being upon the plant. 
