ORCHIS. 637 



equal, the dorsal sepal and the petals ascending, conuivent, or tho lateral 

 sepals spreading, tlie lip spurred and decurved. These plants are for the 

 most part natives of Europe, some few species are found in the cooler 

 parts of Asia, and a few are also found in North America. From the 

 t ubers of this genus a nutritive starch is obtained which comes into the 

 commercial world by the name of Salep. 



Culture. — Very little attention has been given hitherto to the culti- 

 vation of the various plants belonging to this genus. According to some 

 old authorities, the best time for their removal is durino- the "Towino- 



o i~ o 



season, but with this we do not agree, for our practice has been to 

 remove the tubers in the autumn, and just before the end of the year 

 we have always found to be the best time, and they should be at once 

 planted in a border or bed previously prepared for them, similar in 

 condition to that from which they were taken ; thus for those found 

 growing in calcareous soil, a similar mixture should be given, but for 

 those which grow naturally in open meadows, or in woods, a good 

 mixture of peat, loam, and leaf moidd with some sand is best, whilst for 

 those which affect more boggy places, a congenial place must be found, 

 and with some little attention to the requirements of the different species, 

 the supposed difficulties in their management will quickly disappear. 



O. FOLIOSA, Solander. — This, though rarely seen, makes a very fine 

 exhibition plant. It has been exhibited in splendid condition by the late 

 A. Turner, Esq., Leicester, and has frequently been 

 shown in our own collections, where it has always 

 attracted universal admiration. It grows about 

 Hfoot high, has oblong lanceolate acuminate leaves, 

 and in May and .Tune produces its dense oblong 

 spikes of beautiful purple spotted flowers, which 

 continue in perfection for some time. It should 

 be in every collection. — Madeira. 



Fig. — Jint. Jfii/., t. 5074 ; Batcm. Second Cent. Orcli. 

 PI., t. 170; Sot. Re/j.. t. 1701. 



O. LONGICORNIS, Smith.— A really beautiful 

 species. It blooms generally from about December obchis foliosa. 



to the end of May ; and as these plants are so easily 



grown, if not much disturbed, or kept too warm, it is surprising that they are 

 so neglected by the majority of Orchid growers. It grows from 12 to 20 inches 

 hifh, and has oblong-linear obtuse leaves, and densely set flower spikes; the 

 flowers have the side lobes of the lip roundish and dark purple, and the middle 

 lobe white spotted with crimson, the two parts forming a striking contrast ; they 

 have a very long aipm:— South of Europe ; Barhary. 



Fig.— Bjt. Mng., t. 1044; Bot. Uej.., t. 202 ; Florist, 185,3, t. 74. 



