58 ORCHIDS. 



yellow, and purple. Among the best for exhibition are 



D. densiflorum, D. Devonianum, D. Faloonei-i, D. firabriatum 

 oculatum, D. formosum, D. nohile, D. fhyrsiflorum, and D. 

 Wardianum. The three periods of developmfent peculiar to 

 orchids is well defined in this genus : first, the splendid display 

 of flowers ; second, rampant growths; and finally, gradual in- 

 action. During the latter period, the process of storing, con- 

 solidating, and preparing for the future display is steadily 

 proceeding, and the object of the cultivator should be to supply 

 the conditions marked by Nature, and assist the maturation 

 of the plant as far as possible. They should be potted in the 

 same manner and with the same material as is recommended 

 for Cattleya, but a little more brown peat may be used with 

 advantage. When they are in active growth, plenty of clear 

 water and a little liquid manure should be given; and the 

 plants syringed twice a day. When growth is finished, they 

 should be removed to a cool house with a night temperature 

 of 50°, a dry atmosphere, and plenty of ligfit, the amount of 

 water being gradually reduced, until the shoots are thoroughly 

 matured, after which less water is required. 



EPIDENDEUM. 



This extensive genus contains many species of little value 

 to the exhibitor. There are some, however, of considerable 

 merit on account of their compact habit and the beauty and 

 durability of their flowers, which entitle them to be classed 

 among exhibition plants. Three of the best are E. evectwn, 



E. paiiiculatum, and E. vitellinmn majus. The first two have 

 rather tall stems, while the last is a low, compact-growing 

 species, sending up from the top of the bulbs its fine showy 

 flowers, which stand for months when placed in a cool shady 

 place. Their culture is similar to that recommended for 

 Cattleya, except that an intermediate temperature suits them 

 best. 



L^LIA. 



A genus of orchids comprising several species of a high 

 standard as exhibition plants, such as L. anceps, L. elegans, 



