THE ORCHID GENERA 83 



should be placed altogether upon an elevated stage, and 

 as near to the light as possible. When suspended under 

 the roof they are often injured by drought and lack of 

 sufficient atmospheric moisture, which is one of their 

 most essential requirements. 



Another diminutive plant is the wonderful Masdevallia 

 muscosa, and no plant in the whole collection excites 

 more curiosity and interest when it is in flower, the 

 extraordinary sensitiveness of its labellum being its 

 principal attraction. Upon the slightest touch, at first 

 slowly, then suddenly, it closes itself upwards to the 

 column where it remains fixed for about half an hour, 

 and then descends to its former position. This arrange- 

 ment is evidently connected with the fertilisation of the 

 flower. As an example of vegetable mechanism, nothing 

 could be more striking than this. 



The grotesque and striking Masdevallias of the 

 Chimaera group, which includes M. bella, M. Carderii, 

 M. Chestertonii, M. Lowii, M. Backhouseiana, M. 

 Gaskelliana, M. Houtteana, M. nycterina, M. erythrochate, 

 and M. Wallisii, should be grown in shallow teak wood 

 baskets. As their flower stalks often grow in a down- 

 ward direction, like those of a Stanhopea, no crocks are 

 required for drainage, and only peat and sphagnum moss 

 kept constantly moist are required for them to root in. 

 These Masdevallias are very liable to the attack of red 

 spider which must be kept under by frequently syringing 

 and washing the under sides of the leaves. Masdevallias 

 have received considerable attention during the past few 

 years from hybridists, who have succeeded in producing 

 several attractive and interesting hybrids. The best 

 months for repotting Masdevallias are about the end 

 of August or February. Previous to repotting, it is 

 advisable that water be withheld from the plants 

 for a few days, for the drier the roots are, the less 

 liable are they to get injured. Masdevallias are vigorous 



