A XI) THEIR MANAGEMENT. 447 



Saccolabium. 



which extends from March to October, a temperature 

 ranging from "odeg. to Sodeg. is needed, whilst on yery 

 hot da}'s it ma\- safel)- be allowed to rise considerably 

 higher. When growth has fairly commenced, the plants 

 must be kept uniformh- moist at the root, and the atmo- 

 sphere as saturated as is consistent with adequate ventila- 

 tion. The walls, floor, staging, and, in fact, every available 

 space, should be frequently- wetted, and towards e\'ening 

 on the brightest days a fine spray may be distributed over 

 the plants with a s\-ringe. One of the commonest errors 

 in the cultivation of Saccolabiums is that of keeping them 

 too much shaded. Onl)- during hot sunshine is it necessar}- 

 to let down the blinds. For this reason it is a convenient 

 arrangement during the season-^ of growth to place the 

 plants on the same side of the house as the Dendrobiums. 

 They thrive best «-hen suspended about Sin. from the roof- 

 glass, and should be planted in teak baskets, partly filled 

 with clean potsherds, finishing at the top with a good 

 layer of live sphagnum. 



About the end of February the roots become green at 

 the tips, and commence to lengthen. As soon as this is 

 observed, the old sphagnum should be removed and re- 

 placed w'lXh new, at the same time cutting off deca}-ed 

 roots, and thoroughly cleansing the plants. If as is 

 usually the case, the roots are clinging to the basket, 

 they ought not to be disturbed ; the old material may be 

 readily washed out with a S}'ringe. 



During winter Saccolabiums should be subjected to 

 much cooler and drier conditions. The temperature may 

 range from 55deg. or 6odeg. at night to 65deg. b\- da\', 

 and much less water is then required. It is remarkable 

 how little water is required during the resting season. 

 Oftener than not failure to cultivate Saccolabiums success- 

 fully ma\' be traced to liberal treatment in respect of 

 moisture during the resting season. 



S. ampullaceum {Lindl.). — A dwarf and pretty species, 

 flowering in early summer, that deserves to be grown in every 

 warm-house, where it should have a position within a few 

 inches of the roof-glass. Stem erect, from 6in. to Sin. high, on 

 which are closely set, in two opposite rows, the short, strap- 

 shaped, channelled leaves, the deep green surface of which is 

 thickly and minutely dotted with dull purple. The erect racemes 



