ONCIDIUM. 225 



pseudobulbs, from which the leaves and flower spikes proceed ; 

 but in this respect there is much dissimilarity amongst them. 

 Some kinds succeed well on blocks of wood, but they are 

 generally best grown in pots, with peat and moss and good 

 drainage. They require a liberal supply of heat and moisture 

 in the growing season ; afterwards only just enough water is 

 required to keep their leaves and bulbs plump and firm. These 

 plants are very accommodating : they will thrive in either house, 

 and are propagated by division of the pseudobulbs. The fol- 

 lowing are all fine sorts, and ought to be in every collection, 

 being of easy culture. There are, moreover, many other Oii- 

 cidiums worth growing, besides those named in the following 

 list. 



0. acinaceum. — This is a very distinct and elegant species, 

 producing spikes from one to two feet' long ; flowers about an 

 inch across; sepals white; the large petals are violet, bor- 

 dered with white ; the lip is the same colour, shaded with 

 carmine. It should be grown in the cool-house. Native of 

 Peru. 



O. ampliatum niajus. — One of the finest species in culti- 

 vation. It produces its large yellow flowers in abundance, 

 on a long branching spike three or fom- feet high, in April, 

 May, and June, and continues blooming for two months. 

 It is a robust-growing plant, and should be grown in a 

 mixture of peat and sphagnum. When this plant is in 

 good health and well flowered, it is one of the finest Ond- 

 diums for exhibition purposes. Native of Guatemala. 



0. Barkeri. — A remarkably handsome dwarf Orchid from 

 Mexico ; the flowers are very large ; the sepals and petals 

 rich brown, barred with yellow; the lip a bright yellow, 

 about an inch and a half across. It produces its branching 

 spikes of flower during the dull months of autumn and 

 winter, which greatly enhances its value, and it lasts six 



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