498 ORCHIDS 



Vanda. 



F. Sanderiana we find to succeed best in the warmest 

 and moistest position in tlie stove, but it should be subjected 

 to cooler conditions during the lengthened season of rest. 

 Where not otherwise mentioned, the remainder of the 

 species should be grown in a temperature of from 65deg. 

 to Sodeg. in summer, graduall}/ falling to from Ssdeg. to 

 6odeg. in winter, 



V. Amesiana {Rchb. f.). — This distinct and delicately beautiful 

 species is a dwarf plant, with stiff, fleshy, dark green leaves ift. 

 long by nearly lin. broad at the base, tapering gradually to a 

 long, fine point. The fragrant flowers are in erect racemes of 

 twenty to fifty ; the sepals and petals are white, flushed with 

 rose, and the lip is rich magenta-rose, except on the margin, 

 which is paler; the flowers are i^in. to 2in. in diameter, and 

 their general aspect may be likened to that of a Phalcenopsis. 

 This species was introduced from the .Shan States, Upper Burma, 

 by Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., in 1887. It flowers at various 

 seasons. A considerable variation in colour is already apparent 

 in cultivated specimens, the above being the typical form. It 

 is said that in its natural state as many as eighty flowers are 

 borne on a single spike. It will probably thrive under the 

 same treatment as is recommended for V. aE?-iiIea, as hoar-frosts 

 are said to occur in its habitat. (B. M., t. 7139.) 



V. Batemannii {Lindl.). — A synonym of Sfauropsis lissochiloides. 



V. Bensoni {Batei?i.). — A desirable species, with erect 

 stems ift. high, bearing leathery, strap-shaped leaves from 6in. 

 to Sin. long. The flowers are 2in, in diameter, and are 

 produced, ten or fifteen together, on racemes ift. to i]-ft. long; 

 the sepals and petals are obovate, white behind, yellowish-green 

 in front, marked with numerous reddish- brown dots ; the ape-\ 

 of the lip is of a soft violet colour, the central part is rosy-pink, 

 and the two small lobes at the base, as well as the spur, are 

 white. Burma, 1866. (B. M., t. 561 1.) 



V. caerulea {Griff.). — In colour, as well as in wealth ot 

 bloom, this species stands supreme amongst Vandas. Long after 

 its introduction in 1849 it continued to be a rare plant, owing 

 chiefly to improper treatment. Its requirements being now 

 understood, the species has acquired great popularity. It is, 

 perhaps, the finest of all Orchids that flower in autumn. The 

 stems are usually from ift. to 2 ft. high (sometimes more), 

 bearing two opposite rows of dark green, rigid leaves 6in. to 

 Sin. long, strap-shaped, and unequally twodobed at the tips. 

 The racemes are ift. to 2rt. long, and the flowers 4in. in 



