262 THE ORCHID REVIEW. (SEPTEMBER, 1915, 
OncipiuMs.—Some of the plants of Oncidium Kramerianum and QO. 
Papilio, known as the Butterfly Orchids, are now in bloom, and will - 
continue for a considerable period to produce fresh flowers from each stem. 
It is always advisable to study the future welfare of these plants, and not 
prolong their flowering season unduly, or the plants will deteriorate and 
possibly dwindle away. Remove each spike, therefore, when it has 
produced three or four flowers. These beautiful and interesting Orchids 
prefer a light position at all times, and the plants should be suspended from 
the roof glass of the Cattleya house. Both may be grown in shallow pans, 
and require a very small quantity of material in which to root. Whilst 
making their growth, plenty of root moisture is necessary, but when at rest 
keep the compost rather on the dry side. 
MaSDEVALLIAS.—In a representative collection of these plants there are 
some of the species or hybrids in bloom at all seasons. One section is 
characterised. by its brilliant colours, and includes M. Veitchiana, amabilis, 
Barlena, ignea, coccinea (Harryana), and its numerous varieties, and 
all are of vigorous growth, and very floriferous. The orange-scarlet M. 
ignea and its varieties are very desirable plants, flowering in winter and 
early spring, and remaining in good condition a long time. Of the distinct 
species deserving of general cultivation are the yellow-flowered M. Davisii, 
and the pure white M. tovarensis, the latter species being specially valuable 
for cut flowers. 
Among the dwarf-growing species may be mentioned M. Wageneriana, 
Estrade, picturata, O’Brieniana, caudata (Shuttleworthii), Arminil, 
floribunda, melanopus, hieroglyphica, ionocharis, and triadactylites, all of 
which form lovely objects when well flowered. The curious and interesting 
M. muscosa and M. xipheres should be in every collection, being always 
attractive to visitors, the hairy pedicels and the extraordinary sensitiveness 
of the labellum being the principal attractions. Upon the slightest touch 
in the centre of the lip with a pin, at first slowly and then quite suddenly, 
it closes itself upwards on to the column, where it remains for some time 
before descending again. These dwarf-growing Masdevallias succeed 1m 
comparatively small pots or shallow pans, and should be elevated upon 4 
separate stage well up to the roof glass, as they do not flower so well if kept 
far from the light. 
Contrasting greatly in size of growth and flower with these dwarf 
varieties are M. elephanticeps, Ephippium, peristeria, coriacea, &c., which 
are grown principally for the singularity and quaintness of their flowers- 
M. macrura, which blooms during winter, is the giant of them all, having 
leaves more like a Cattleya in size than a Masdevallia, and produces large 
flowers of a pleasing reddish-brown colour. Many pretty and interesting 
hybrids are also well worthy of attention, and these include M. Courtauldiana, 
