THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



stuffy atmosphere, or a dark, gloomy house. After 

 growth is completed, and during the winter months, 

 plants of this genus should be kept cooler and drier, 

 care being taken not to shrivel the pseudo-bulbs through 

 too much drought. In some collections it will be noticed 

 that when many of the Cattleyas have nearly completed 

 their new growths, the thin outer sheath which encircles 

 the pseudo-bulbs is drawn so tightly around them as to 

 cause moisture to accumulate therein ; this must be got 

 rid of by slitting the sheath from top to bottom, thus 

 allowing the moisture to evaporate. If this be not done, 

 decay sets in, when nothing but removal of the affected 

 parts will save the life of a plant. After slitting the 

 sheaths, the plants should be kept on the dry side for a 

 few days, and elevated closer to the roof glass, and if 

 possible afforded a drier and warmer atmosphere. 



Chysis 



Chyses are epiphytal, deciduous Orchids, having stout, 

 fleshy pseudo bulbs a foot or more in length, and broad 

 lanceolate leaves. They are frequently met with in their 

 native habitats suspended from the larger branches of trees 

 by their roots alone. C. aurea was the first of the species 

 named, it was found growing in the valley Cumancoa, 

 in Venezuela, whence it was imported into this country 

 in 1834. C. bractescens is a Mexican variety of great 

 beauty, introduced in 1840. It has since been imported 

 from Cordova, in the province of Vera Cruz, and from 

 Tabasco. C. lavis and C. Limmenghii are also from 

 Mexico. Three interesting and handsome hybrids, 

 Cm Chelwnii, C. Sedemi, and C. langleyense, which were 

 raised by Mr J. Seden in the establishment of Messrs 

 Veitch of Chelsea, are distinct and highly appreciated 

 by amateurs. All the Chyses thrive best in shallow 

 pans that may be suspended from the roof. These 



