The drawing for the accompanying plate of this species was taken by our artist 
from a fine specimen growing in the well-known collection of R. H. Measures, Esq., 
The Woodlands, Streatham, whose plants are exceptionally well cared for by 
Mr. Abraham, his gardener. 
Pescatoria cerina is a beautiful evergreen plant, entirely destitute of pseudobulbs, 
merely having a tufty stem, formed in the axils of the leaves; the flowers measure 
some three inches across, the sepals and petals being fleshy in texture, concave, 
roundish-oblong, of a pale waxy lemon colour, the lateral sepals being somewhat 
darker, and the lip clear yellow. It blooms during October and November, and 
continues in beauty for a very long time. 
This plant is successfully cultivated by different growers, in various ways, and in 
various temperatures; but hitherto they have not proved long-lived plants under 
cultivation. This, however, arises from the want of knowledge of some special 
requirement, which, when once we have gained, there will be nothing to prevent us 
growing it, and all the species of the genus, with ease. Great care is necessary in 
the management of these Pescatorias, and we have found it a good plan to keep 
them as fair-sized plants rather than to attempt to make large specimens, as the 
roots generally rot away when the plant attains large dimensions, and this is fatal in 
most instances, unless the old soil is at once removed, the roots washed, and any 
dead roots cut away. The plants should then be re-potted and placed in a shady 
situation. Basket culture is best for them, and good drainage is essential to their 
well-being, requiring as they do a liberal supply of moisture to the roots all the year 
round ; but it should be allowed to pass away quickly and thoroughly, leaving nothing 
behind to stagnate. But little mould should be used about their roots, and this 
small quantity should consist of fibrous peat and sphagnum moss. The plants should 
be well elevated, by mixing some nodules of charcoal with the soil, and we find 
the warm end of the Cattleya house the most suitable position for them. Cultivated 
either in baskets or in pots, the plants, when in flower, should be placed in such 
a position that the blooms when open are in the line of vision, as in this manner 
the best effect is produced, and they.can be the more easily inspected closely. 
