green and plaited, about ten inches high. The flower scapes are produced from the 
base of the pseudobulbs after they have completed their growth, the young pseudo- 
bulbs being developed when the flowering is over. The flowers are large and 
dependent, very quaint both in form and marking, the sepals and petals being of a_ 
dark reddish purple, barred and margined towards the base with pale creamy yellow, 
while the lip is deeply fringed and of a creamy white colour at the apex, the 
remaining portion being beautifully coloured with red and dark brown; the column 
is of a bright green, tipped with deep yellow. It blooms during October and 
November, and lasts in beauty about ten days. 
This plant is found established on the branches of trees in the warmer parts 
of Brazil, where there is also a great deal of moisture during the growing season, 
while in the drier season the supply being limited they become withered; but as 
soon as the rainy season recommences they plump up, and show signs of flowering, 
and afterwards make their new growths. 
We find a warm moist house to suit the Paphinias, which should be grown 
in pans and suspended as near the roof as possible. The leaves being thin in 
texture, the plants require shading from the burning sun, which soon scorches them, 
and prevents them from performing those functions which are essential to their well- 
being. In fact, the maintenance of the foliage in a perfect condition is the means 
of securing good bulbs, and insuring good spikes of bloom. The pans they are 
grown in must be filled three parts full of charcoal and crocks, then a layer of 
sphagnum moss mixed with rough fibrous peat and charcoal should be put in, and 
on this the plant set so as to be elevated above the pot rim, filling up with the 
peat and a few lumps of charcoal, among which the roots will work freely. It 
requires a liberal supply of water during the growing season, and by having the 
soil kept well open with good drainage the water will pass off quickly and not 
become stagnant. There are more plants injured by bad potting material and bad 
drainage than most persons imagine. 
After the growth is completed, merely give sufficient water to keep the bulbs 
plump until they begin to show signs of flowering and making their shoots; then 
as the growth progresses, more may be given. They should always be suspended 
near the light, and when a suitable place has been found for them, it is well to 
keep them in it, as the cultivation of this plant is not so easy as that of some 
others. If, however, care and attention are bestowed on them they may be made 
to thrive. We were some time before we got our plants of P. cristata to do 
well, but we tried them in pans suspended near the glass in a warm house, and 
they are now no trouble. They have been in the same house for three years, and 
continue to make fine bulbs and to bloom freely. 
The P. grandis requires the 
same mode of treatment. 
