growths, it will make a grand display, the form and colour of the flowers being 
very distinct from those of other Orchids, which is a reason why it shculd be more 
generally cultivated. 
Our drawing was taken from a finely managed specimen in the well-known 
collection of H. Grose Smith, Esq., The Priory, St. Helens, Ryde, Isle of Wight. 
This collection comprises many fine East Indian Orchids—a fact we are glad to 
note, as so few, comparatively, of our Orchid growers are now cultivating them, 
which is to be greatly regretted, as the species of Saccolabium, Aérides, Vanda, 
Renanthera, &c., are among the finest of our Orchids. 
Schomburgkia tibicinis is an evergreen species from Honduras. The stems or 
pseudobulbs are about a foot and a-half in height, and grow to a good size, the 
floral peduncles proceeding from the top of the completed growth, and reaching some 
six feet or more in length, the blossoms being produced at the extremity; each 
individual flower is about three inches across, with sepals and petals of a pale 
mauve-purple flushed with crimson, and the lip mauve on the exterior part, the 
interior yellow, striped with bright red, and margined with pale rosy purple. It 
blossoms in May and June, and continues in bloom for several weeks. The stems 
are hollow and very hard, and in their native country serve as horns for the 
children, and also as abodes for swarms of ants. 
The Schomburgkias all require the same kind of treatment, and are best grown 
in baskets, on blocks of wood, or on rafts. If on the latter two, they require a 
more plentiful supply of water during the growing season, in order to encourage them 
to make strong growth, which is the only way in which to expect them to bloom. — 
Mr. Grose Smith’s gardener, Mr. Earl, must have carried out this plan in producing 
the specimen from which we have obtained our sketch. The whole of the species 
must be got into vigorous growth, in order to induce them to flower; they also 
require to be grown near the glass, suspended from the roof, where they can get 
a good deal of sun, excepting during the time when it is very potent, and then a little 
shade must be given. They must always be kept near the light, so that the 
stems may be well matured. After they have finished their growth, less moisture 
will be required, merely sufficient water being given to keep the bulbs plump, as 
they cannot endure to become dried or shrivelled. Ag goon as they begin to show 
their flowering peduncles, extra water may be given them at the roots, which will 
help forward the development of their flowers, since the long spikes require prompt 
and material support. 
After the plants have finished flowering, they begin to grow. If placed in 
baskets, give them good drainage and lumps of charcoal in the compost, as their 
roots like to work about amongst these, and the small quantities of rough fibrous 
peat mixed with them, but always keep the roots from stagnant moisture. When 
the material begins to decay, take it carefully away without injuring the roots, . 
for the plants do not like to be disturbed after they are once established. We - 
give them the benefit of the warmest part of the Cattleya house. 
