PHAjTis. 241 



season they are apt to rot. They are propagated by dividing 

 the plants. 



P. cerina. — The pseudobulbs of this plant are strong and 

 dark green, supporting a pair of large coriaceous leaves ol 

 the same colour. The spike is pendulous, and produces 

 bunches of yellow flowers close to the bulbs; it blooms in 

 June or July. Native of the Spanish Main. 



P. elata. — A noble free-growing plant from Panama, with 

 large pseudobulbs, and hght green plaited leaves three or 

 four feet high ; spikes erect, three feet or more in height, 

 bearing a quantity of white waxy flowers ; the central parts 

 of each flower presenting a very striking resemblance to 

 the figure of a dove, whence it is called in the vernacular. 

 El Spirito Santo. This plant usually flowers in July, August, 

 and September, and continues blooming for two months when 

 the growths are strong. 



P. guttata. — A curious species, from South America. It 



produces spikes of red and yeUow flowers close to the 



■ bulbs, which are pendulous, and hang over the edge of the 



pot. It blooms in September, lasting two or three weeks in 



perfection. 



Phajtjs. 



A fine genus of terrestrial Orchids, which produce their 

 beautiful spikes of flowers very freely, and when well grown are 

 noble objects. These plants are of easy culture, and will amply 

 repay any amount of attention and care. They are large- 

 growing plants, and when not in bloom their noble foliage is 

 extremely ornamental. If large specimens are wanted, they 

 should be grown in pots of large size, with loam, leaf mould, 

 and rotten cow-dung, as directed in the remarks on Terrestrial 

 Orchids. They require plenty of heat and moisture at their 

 roots in their growing season, but the water should not touch 

 the young growth. Daring their period of rest they may be 



