having been imported some years the old bulbs are still pushing out fresh spikes^ 

 in fact the old pseudobulbs of this species seem to be perpetual bloomers : this, com- 

 bined with the long time its flowers last in perfection, renders it an extremely 

 valuable plant for all decorative purposes. There is, however, a spurious and shy- 

 flowering form of this plant which is not worth the space it occupies. 



The accompanying illustration was taken from a fine specimen in the grand 

 collection of M. le Due de Massa, Chateau de Francouville, par Luzarches, ^ France, 

 where it bloomed this year. At this fine place a grand collection of plants is 

 being formed^ and special houses are devoted to each section of Orchids as well as 

 other plants. The collection of Vandas is especially large, and it comprises 

 numerous rare species and varieties- The Due de Massa is most desirous to obtain 

 as complete a collection as possible of this noble class of distichous-leaved Orchids, 

 and his gardener, Mr. H. Tallu^ is equally interested in the work. 



Dendrohium superhiens is a splendid erect-growing species, the stems upon well- 

 grown specimens attaining a height of from two to three feet, and from two to three 

 inches in circumference, bearing thick oblong-acute dark green foliage ; the flower 

 spikes are produced from the top and axils of the pseudobulbs, and these for years 

 continue to produce fresh spikes. The raceme bears from fifteen to twenty-six flowers, 

 which continue in beauty for three months ; the colour of the sepals and petals i& 



deep rosy purple, beautifully reticulated with a darker hue, whilst the margins are 



bordered with white ; the lip is of a warm rosy purple, the disc being ornamented 

 with five raised lines or keels. Its flowers are produced at all seasons of the 

 year, and in many instances on plants only six inches high ; and if a number 



of plants are grown, some flowers will be expanded the whole year round. 

 This Dendrobium is a plant of easy culture, and one that continues to improve^ 

 and lasts for many years provided it is subjected to a high temperature and moist 

 atmosphere. We grow it in a small span-roofed house, in which there is a central 

 walk, and tables on either side, upon which young plants of Crotons are grown ; 

 the large plants of the Dendrobes are placed on the stages with the Crotons, and 

 the small plants are suspended from the roof; and under these conditions Dendro- 

 biums and Crotons flourish admirably. We use small pans for this Dendrobe, the 

 compost being simply peat and sphagnum moss ; a liberal supply of water to their 

 roots is absolutely necessary, and therefore thorough drainage is of the highest 

 importance. During summer we s}T:inge them twice daily, and they are never 



w 



shaded. In autumn and winter they are kept rather moist, as at this season 

 some are flowering and others finishing their growths. Temperature at night during 

 winter ranges from about 60^ to 65°, and in summer from 65° to 70°; the sun 

 will cause the temperature to rise occasionally to 80° or more on warm days, but 

 this is not injurious to the plants if the houses are properly ventilated, and the 

 atmosphere is well charged with moisture. 



