ON ORCHIDS. 



613 



The more robust-growing kinds, or those known as the 

 M. Harryana section, also include such sorts as M. amabilis, 

 M. chelsoni, M. Davisii, M. Veitchiana, and the thick-leaved kinds, 

 such as M. peristeria, M. macrura, 

 M. ephippium, and others of the 

 M, leontoglossa section ; all are 

 suitable for pot culture. M. 

 tovarensis (Fig. 395) is a most 

 desirable form, with pure white 

 flowers, which are produced in 

 the dead of winter, and last a 

 long time in perfection. The 

 pots should be clean, and drained 

 to three-parts of their depth with 

 clean broken crocks, and the 

 potting compost should consist of 

 two parts of peat to one part ot 

 sphagnum. The best time to 

 repot Masdevallias is during the 

 latter part of August and the 

 beginning of September. This 

 being the rooting season, they 

 have ample time, under ordinary 

 circumstances, to become re- 

 established before it is necessary 

 to resort to the use of fire-heat. 

 The plants require a large amount 

 of moisture during the greater 

 part of the year, both at the 

 roots and in the atmosphere. 

 During the winter months it is 

 necessary to reduce the root 

 moisture, but sufficient should be 

 maintained in the atmosphere to 

 keep it in such a condition that 

 the plants do not suffer when 

 fire-heat is being used. There 

 cannot be any hard-and-fast lines 

 in this matter; for the construc- 

 tion of the house, the position in which it is situated, and other 

 points have to be taken into consideration; and these particulars 

 are best observed by those familiar with the conditions under which 

 the plants have to be cultivated. Without doubt, Masdevallias are 

 best accommodated where a house can be devoted to their cul- 

 ture, preferably one with a northern aspect, thus avoiding, to a 

 great degree, the excessive heat of the summer months. They 

 require free ventilation whenever the outside conditions permit, 

 and must also be heavily shaded from the direct rays of the sun. 



Fig. 394. — Masdevaixia 



CAUDATA. 



