Even of this Cattleya Mossie@ alone collections can be seen with from 500 to 1,000 
flowers perfect at one time during the months of May and June, those of almost 
every plant differing in colour, or shape, or size, from those of its neighbour, the 
picture, indeed, being a gorgeous one. 
This Cattleya Mossie, as well as some of its equally beautiful allies, can be grown 
in an ordinary stove suspended from the roof, or set on the tables mixed with other 
plants. Many of the plants already mentioned were grown in this way, as, in those 
early days, there was not so much separate accommodation for them in our gardens 
as there is now, yet they were equally well grown. The plants can be bought at a 
very cheap rate in these days, there having been so many importations. We may 
assuredly add that the present species is one of the most free-growing and free- 
flowering Cattleyas we have in cultivation. : 
We here figure the form which we consider to be the true C. Mossi@, and 
we hope in due time to add portraits of some of its grand varieties. We think this 
arrangement will be more satisfactory to the admirers of the plants, than to figure 
the best of the varieties first, leaving the typical form to be figured afterwards. 
There are very many magnificent varieties now in cultivation, most of which are 
noted in the Orchid-Grower's Manual (6th edition), and of these we hope to figure 
the best in this work as they come into flower. 
Cattleya Mossie forms an evergreen tuft of club-shaped stems with dark green 
leaves, one being borne at the top of each stem, and from the base of these leaves 
the spathe appears, and eventually brings forth the noble blossoms, three or five 
together, of large size, varying from six to seven inches across. In some of the 
varieties the sepals and petals are pale rose coloured, and the lip also pale rose, 
veined and splashed with bright magenta, the throat being orange. 
This species requires to be cultivated in the Cattleya house, and must have 
all the light possible. It should be planted in the same material which we have 
recommended for the C. Triane, C. Mendelii, and others of this class. The most 
important points are to give the plants a good season of growth after their flowering 
is over, and when their growth is completed to give them rest until they begin to 
show their flower buds in the sheath; then they require a little help with moisture 
_ at their roots. Do not allow them to get too dry during the resting period; the 
bulbs and leaves must be always kept plump and in vigorous health. 
Insects are, of course, to be rigorously searched for, and battled with without 
mercy. ‘The white scale will sometimes make its appearance, and should at once be 
carefully sponged off with tepid water. The thrips will also attack the foliage, if 
not carefully looked after and destroyed. : 
