spikes are produced from the apex of the bulb just at the period when it has 
completed its growth; they each produce several flowers, which are of large size 
and stout substance, and of a rich crimson-magenta or purple-crimson colour, and 
last two to three weeks in perfection. 
This plant grows naturally in exposed situations, and on this account, no doubt, 
we find that it likes plenty of sun and as much light as possible, just enough 
shade being given to prevent the foliage from burning. The conditions best suited 
to it are that it should be planted in a basket or pan, and suspended from the 
roof of the cool house; or if fastened to a block placed on a damp _ wall, this 
will suit it equally as well. It should receive a copious supply of water during the 
growing season; and in warm weather syringing will be found beneficial to it in 
the morning, and also when the house is shut up in the afternoon. 
| ORCHIDS AT THE MANCHESTER Exnrpirion, May, 1882.—The Orchids were a 
marvellous sight, and probably such a magnificent display of these glorious plants 
was never before seen.~ The plants, many of which bore grand masses of blossom 
of many rich shades of colour, were arranged along both sides of the large 
Exhibition house in the Gardens at Old Trafford, and had been brought together 
from different parts of the country, as well as from the vicinity ‘of Manchester. 
Everyone who possesses a taste for horticulture—and especially for the wonderful 
productions of nature which have been brought from distant lands by our plant 
collectors, and are transmitted to our exhibitions both by amateur growers and 
hurserymen, so that the public may be able to see all these treasures at one 
view—should avail themselves of _the opportunity of witnessing this exhibition. The 
entrance fee ig only one shilling, and besides Orchids there is always provided a 
grand display of other plants, too humerous to mention. It is gratifying to learn 
that 51,000 persons availed themselves of the opportunity to visit this grand show 
of 1882. We may venture to add that the Council of the Manchester Botanical and 
Horticultural Society, and Mr. Findlay, the Curator of the Gardens, are doing a 
great benefit to the horticultural world, as well as to the general public, by 
bringing such multitudes of fine plants together, while at the same time they 
secure a good revenue for carrying on the gardens, and afford much gratification to 
the subscribers, who can thus at their ease feast their eyes upon nature’s beauties 
to an extent they could not do even if they travelled to the various native habitats 
of the plants—for even there no one could possibly witness such a diversified display 
at one point. The best advice we can give to those who are fond of flowers is 
to go next year and see for themselves, as the specimens are too numerous to be 
mentioned in our limited space. The show is held annually, and continued during 
Whit-week, the last being the sixteenth anniversary.—B, §. W, 
i 
Pee he eo eA 
