98 THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



resemblance to the antennae and proboscis of a butterfly. 

 As is generally known, this plant and its closely allied 

 species 0. Kramerianum produce long flower stems, 

 which continue to send out flowers for a very long 

 period ; as each flower fades, new buds are continually 

 developed at the apex. If this is not checked, the plants 

 quickly deteriorate, therefore those who wish to keep 

 the plants healthy, and have big butterflies on them, 

 should cut each spike away after it has produced three 

 or four flowers. In fact all of the Oncidiums are apt to 

 weaken themselves by over-flowering, therefore extra 

 strong spikes should be removed immediately they are 

 fully developed ; and plants that are weak would be 

 greatly benefited by having their spikes removed 

 immediately they appear. Oncidiums generally do well 

 in the usual compost of peat and sphagnum moss ; leaf 

 mould is also a very suitable material in which to grow 

 them. The strong growing varieties should be placed 

 in pots, while for the dwarfed kinds shallow teak wood 

 baskets or pans are preferable, so that they may be hung 

 near the roof glass in their respective houses. When 

 growing, Oncidiums require abundance of moisture, but 

 after growth is completed less will suffice. At all 

 seasons water should be carefully supplied to those 

 species without pseudo bulbs. 



Ornithocephalus 



A genus comprising about twenty species of epiphytal 

 Orchids, 0. grandifolius being probably the only one in 

 cultivation. Its green and white flowers are very pretty 

 and remind one of the beautiful Lily of the Valley. 

 The plant is a native of Brazil, and should be grown in 

 the cool part of the intermediate house, in well drained 

 pots or pans, using a compost of peat and sphagnum or 

 leaf mould. It delights in a moist, shady position, and 



