This variety requires the same treatment as A. crispum, which we find thrives 

 best in an intermediate or Cattleya house, thus indicating that very strong heat is 



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not essential to their well-being, and we feel confident that many other Aerides 

 would thrive in a much lower temperature than is usually accorded tlicm. The 

 great heat which it is thought Aerides require, has hitherto deterred many Orchid 

 lovers from their culture ; but our experience goes to prove that a temperature of 

 from 55° to 60° by night, in winter, is high enough for the majority of the 

 species. During the day a few degrees higher will be beneficial, especially if caused 

 by sun heat. Aerides grow during the autumn months, and even during winter 

 they are seldom quite dormant, and, as soon as growth ceases, the flower-spikes 

 begin to push up from the axils of the leaves. They enjoy copious supplies of 

 water during the summer season, and in winter just sufiicient is necessary to keep 

 the leaves fresh and plump, for if their leaves shrivel, the chances are the bottom 

 ones will ultimately fall off, leaving bare and unsightly stems. 



We find these plants enjoy an abundance of light and air, but as their foliage 

 is tender, and is readily burned, they must be shaded from the sun during the 



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hottest part of the day, or the leaves will be permanently disfigured. They thrive 

 equally well in baskets or pots. The drainage must always be kept free and 

 open, and just sufiicient sphagnum should be used to hold the plant firm in its 

 position, as the roots like to spread themselves in the air, and thus they absorb 

 tha moisture with which the atmosphere is charged. 



Grammatophyllum Ellisii. — We have been much gratified by the receipt of a 

 wonderful inflorescence of this grand Orchid, which came from G. Neville Wyatt, 

 Esq., Lake House, Cheltenham. The raceme is two feet in length, bearing forty of 

 its large, curiously- shaped, and singularly- coloured glossy flowers. The spike was 

 cut, we are informed, from a fine strong specimen plant, which has been grown by 

 Mr. Simcoe, gardener to Mr. Wyatt. In this variety the sepals and petals are 

 greenish yellow, the interior being almost entirely covered with small brown spots ^ 

 which become denser and confluent towards the tips. Petals pale yellow, tipped 

 with reddish purple, the lip being white and purple. We have already figured this 



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species on Plate 147 of our fourth volume.— B. S. "W. 



