36 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [FEBRUARY, 1909. 
A SELECTION OF USEFUL BOTANICAL ORCHIDS. 
AT the present time the selection of Orchids known to some as “‘ botanical 
curios”’ are certainly finding favour among numerous cultivators. They 
are seen at the fortnightly meetings of the R.H.S. more frequently, and 
trade growers stock the showier kinds in larger quantities than hitherto. 
The majority are of fairly easy culture, although some as yet defy our 
efforts, and would soon become extinct in collections except for an occa- 
sional importation; but no difficulty should be found in keeping those men- 
tioned below in good health. 
One specimen of each would be sufficient, and the first on my list is 
Peristeria elata, a strong-growing subject with scapes 3ft. or more in height, 
and bearing waxy-white blossoms, which are fragrant. The shape of the 
flowers has been likened to a dove, and for this reason it is termed 
the Dove Orchid, or Holy Ghost Orchid. The potting material should 
consist of fibrous loam, peat, and partly decayed leaves in equal parts, with 
a sprinkling of sphagnum moss and coarse sand added. During the grow- 
ing period it requires plenty of water, and an average temperature of 65deg. 
F.; but after the completion of the pseudo-bulbs a few degrees lower, and 
less moisture at the base, is advised; in fact a decided rest is needed. 
A plant suitable for hanging from the roof is Pachystoma (Ancistro- 
chilus) Thomsoniana, the bulbs somewhat resembling a Pleione. When the 
new shoots are about 2in. long, any repotting may be done, afterwards 
providing it with a position at the warmest part of the Cattleya house. 
Directly growth has finished a rest is very beneficial, but care must be 
exercised in giving water to prevent any distress through lack of moisture. _ 
The flowers are large, with white sepals and petals, anda dark purple lip. 
The Restrepias, and Scuticarias Hadweni and Steelii, are also adapted 
for suspending about 18in. from the glass; the first-named, of which R. 
antennifera, maculata, and sanguinea, are among the best, should be E 
placed in the intermediate division; and the Scuticarias among the — 
Cattleyas, but where they can receive plenty of light, which is necessary to ~ 
produce floriferousness. 
Houlletia is a genus allied to Stanhopea, and may be given similar — 
treatment with good results. Two species in general cultivation are — 
Brocklehurstiana and odoratissima, the former having chocolate coloured - 
flowers, and the latter brownish-red, which are also Violet scented. Another — 
quaint group is the Bifrenarias, and B. Harrisoniz is the finest. These cat 
be successfully grown near the Maxillarias, requiring practically identical 
culture. 
Many of the Pleurothallis are worth including, particularly P. Roezlil, 
which produces long scapes of purplish flowers; while some of the Poly- — 
