56 ORCHIDS. 



Mossia, and O. Warneri. These all thrive best when grown 

 in pots or baskets half-filled with clean-washed crocks, over 

 which is placed a layer of moss, and the remainder filled with 

 a mixture of fibry peat and pieces of charcoal, freely sprinkled 

 with silver sand. Keep the plant high over the rim of the 

 pot, and finish off the surface with a neat layer of live sphag- 

 num. They require an abundant supply of water while grow- 

 ing, and a moist atmosphere ; but they should be kept in a 

 drier state after the growth is matured, as they grow more freely 

 and fl.ower better after they have enjoyed a long period of rest. 

 Being chiefly natives of Brazil and the adjacent countries, 

 they thrive best in a temperature between that of- the Indian 

 and Mexican houses, or what is known as the " Brazilian " or 

 Cattleya house ; but they are very accommodating so long as 

 they receive plenty of heat and moisture while making their 

 growth, and, when subjected to a low temperature, careful 

 attention is paid to their wants, and especially not to over- 

 water them. 



COiLOGYNE. 



A genus of very showy and useful epiphytal orchids, chiefly 

 natives of the moister parts of the East Indies, and thriving 

 well under the same treatment as Cattleyas. The finest for 

 exhibition are G. asperata, C. cristata, and C. Massangeana. 

 They delight in abundance of moisture while growing, and 

 should be deluged with clear soft water overhead from the rose 

 of a watering-pot in the growing season. Being evergreens, 

 they should never be allowed, even in the resting season, to be- 

 come qviite dry at the root. Generally they enjoy plenty of heat 

 when making growth, but O. cristata is an exception, as it 

 makes the finest growth in a temperate house, and expands its 

 flowers to the greatest perfection in a tropical heat. As soon 

 as the plants are in full bloom, it and most of the Coelogynes 

 stand well and last longest in a cool temperature. The same 

 compost as for the Cattleyas suits well, and a sprinkling 

 of fish-manure, or any other stimiilant of the same nature, 

 over the surface of the soil once a-week while the plants are 

 growing is very beneficial. 



