ORCHIDS. 



299 



(fig. 630), C. crispa (fig. 630 a), and C. Forbesii. They are fine, and they 

 have the rare merit of not requiring excessive heat. The bulbs must be 

 ripened to insure perfection of flower. Cattleyas are stock flowers for 

 the horticultural shows, and the poor plants suffer terribly from the tricks 

 played upon them, either to hasten their blossom by heat, or to retard 

 it by cold, so that they may be exhibited by a given day. 



The Maxillarias, or flowers with jaws, are a remarkable class ot 

 plants. I have several species, of which M. Harrisonii is one of the 

 most beautiful. The M. fimbriata (fig. 631) has abundance of singular 





Fig. 631. — Maxillar'a fimbriata. 



Fig. 632. — Lycaste aromaiica. Fig. 633. — Cypripedium viliosum. 



blossoms; and an allied species, the Lycaste aromatica (fig. 632), is 

 remarkable for the great number of flowers which are produced, and 

 for their fine aromatic odour. 



We have three or four species of Cypripediums, many of which any- 

 one who has a warm greenhouse may grow. The C. insigne and 

 barbatum are the most common species 

 and most easily cultivated, but of late 

 years many others of the highest merit 

 have been introduced. The illustration 

 is taken from a species grown by Mr. 

 Terry, called C. viliosum (fig. 633) ; but 

 many others of even more beauty are 

 now cultivated. C. caudatum is a very 

 remarkable and interesting species, but 

 which I do not at present possess. fig. 634.— Brassia macu 



We have a plant from Jamaica, the Brassia maculata (fig. 634). It 

 grows freely in the fernery, and flowers well. 



