28 oeohld-geower's manual. 



dictions. Phajiis grandifolius and P. WaUichii are likewise 

 two noble plants for winter decoration, which do weU in a 

 warm greenhouse, and may probably be the means of pro- 

 ducing some very ornamental plants, if crossed with various 

 Calanthes. I am glad to be able to state that since the 

 publication of the second edition of this Manual, numerous 

 Orchid growers have been turning their attention to this sub- 

 ject, and many of them have succeeded in raising seedlings, 

 which I trust may produce something startHng before long. 

 Lycastes thrive admirably in a cool-house ; as, for instance, 

 L. Skinneri, which is one of the finest. Many splendid 

 varieties of this are now cultivated. This plant is reported 

 in the Ganhneis' Chronicle to have been kept in a room in 

 flower for seven weeks — a fact which shows what might be 

 done-with these fine plants in a cool-house. I myself have 

 had plants of this Lycaste all the winter in a greenhouse, 

 where they have flowered in great abundance, as many as 

 from thirty to fifty blossoms being open at one time. Indeed, 

 I exhibited a plant of it at one of the Regent's Park spring 

 shows with as many blossoms on it as I have just mentioned, 

 on which occasion a medal was awarded for its magnificent 

 flowers and colour. Particular care must be taken, however, 

 to keep the flowers dry when in a cool-house, or else they are 

 apt to become spotted. 



" Lycaste Skinneri," says the Geinieners Chronicle, " seems 

 about to have as great a future as the Tulip. Ah-eady some- 

 thing Kke a dozen varieties of colour are known among its 

 exquisitely beautiful flowers, and we can entertain no doubt 

 that it will break into plenty more, especially if recom-se is 

 had to hybridising. From deep rose to a skin only less white 

 than the Hawthorn we have a complete set of transitions, and 

 this is a plant conspicuous for its fine broad foliage, and glo- 

 rious in its ample floral garments." But since this paragraph 



