ORCHIDS. 55 



CALAXTHE. 



A useful genus of ten-estrial orchids, comprising some very 

 handsome species, which in their respective seasons make a 

 fine displaj-, and are great favoiuites with the public. The 

 winter-flowering C. Veitchii and G. vestita make very effec- 

 tive specimens for exhibition at that dull period of the year ; 

 and C. MamLca and C. leratrifolia are among the best of the 

 summer-flowering species. Xaturally, they are slow in form- 

 ing exhibition specimens, and are usually " made up " by 

 placing together the required number of plants in a large pot 

 or tub — a practice not to be commended, although with many 

 species of orchids it may be difficult to detect, and in the case 

 of deciduous species, such as Calanthes, Pleiones, and the 

 like, it may be the least of two defects, and as such allowed 

 to pass. Calanthes are easily cultivated, and should be grown 

 in a rich mixture of loam and leaf-mould, potted firmly in 

 well-drained pots of the ordinary type, keeping the bulbs about 

 level with the rim of the pot. They grow best in the Indian 

 house, and while growth is taking place they should receive 

 copious suppUes of water at the root, with a supply of weak 

 liquid manure once or twice a week when the pots get full of 

 roots. The deciduous kinds require to be kept dry after they 

 have flowered till they are thoroughly rested, and the best 

 time to re-pot and start them is just when they naturally begin 

 to show signs of growth in spring. 



CATTLEYA. 



Perhaps no genus of orchids stands so high in popular favour 

 at the present day as that of Cattleya. Most of the species 

 are of easy culture, and under proper treatment soon grow 

 into specimens suitable for exhibition. The gorgeous display 

 of flowers produced by many of the choicest kinds renders 

 them indispensable to the exhibitor, and the magnificence of 

 the blooms always attracts crowds of admirers amongst the 

 visitors to a flower-show. Among the finest for exhibition are 

 C. Dowiana, C. Excmiensis, C. Laicrenceana, 0. Mendelii, C. 



