sepal being larger than the rest, and both sepals and petals being of a pure 
glistening white; the lip is one inch long, white, marked with broad reddish 
purple streaks. The plant blooms in October and November, when flowers are in 
request. 
We find this species requires the heat of the East India house, and Mr. 
Bickerstaff, Sir Trevor Lawrence’s gardener, grows it in sphagnum moss and fibrous 
peat with good drainage. It requires to be kept well in the light, but shaded from 
_ the hot sun, and must have a moderate supply of moisture about its roots. These 
small dwarf-growing plants require much care, but they are well worth it, for they 
are gems in their way, and where interest is taken in their welfare success in their 
cultivation will follow. They require closely watching, as small plants are frequently 
lost sight of through the larger more showy kinds obtruding themselves on one’s 
attention. But we are gratified to know that many growers now give these small- 
growing kinds a greater share of their attention than was once the case. 
Risks or Orcuip Cuirore.—A great many of our Orchids are very easy to 
cultivate. Moreover, they will endure more hardships than most people are aware of, 
but, like other plants, they require ordinary attention, and this attention must be 
given at the proper time. There is no difficulty whatever in the case of many 
species. Occasionally, however, failures occut through circumstances over which we 
have no control. Sometimes the plant may get exhausted through disease, which 
might have been checked if operated upon in time. Sometimes the pseudobulbs rot 
away, but this may often be remedied by cutting off all the decayed parts, and, 
when this is done, applying some dry sulphur or charcoal, which should be rubbed 
over the cut surface in order to dry it and prevent the rotting from going further. 
There are other things that cause the roots to decay, and among these are the 
errors of keeping them too wet or too dry. In the latter case the plants often 
shrivel and thus get into a bad state of health; the evil may indeed go 80 far 
as to quite destroy their vitality, but even if they are not killed outright it will 
take a long time for them to recover their vigour. This is especially the co 
with such subjects as those species of Cattleya and Lelia which have tall, thin, 
wiry stems. Sometimes the blooming of a plant will be detrimental to it, especially 
if in a weakly state; if such is the case, the buds should be removed before 
they attain any great size, or should this not be done, the flower spike itself must 
be cut off, by which rather severe treatment the plant will be greatly benefited for 
another year. The result in such instances is worth the sacrifice, as the plant 
will become much more vigorous, and be enabled to endure any ordinary strain 
that may be placed upon it. Secure strong pseudobulbs, good roots, and healthy 
foliage,. and then flowers with some substance in them—a most important 
point—may be expected to follow.—B. 8. W. 
