THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



small lilac specks on the base of the lip, and very sweet 

 scented. It has long been known as the "Dove 

 Orchid," from the fancied reseihblance of the column 

 with its beaked anther, and its side wings, to the figure 

 of a dove. Although an old species it is still a favourite 

 with amateurs. It succeeds best in a stove temperature, 

 potted in fibrous loam and peat, and should be given 

 abundance of light and water when growing, but after 

 growth is completed water should be given very 

 sparingly. In fact the plant requires a decided rest, 

 without which, however strong the pseudo bulbs may 

 be, flowering is problematical. Other species as P. 

 aspersa, P. cerina, P. guttata, and P. pendula, are well 

 worth including in the best collections. 



Phaius 



A genus comprising about twenty-five species of 

 robust sub-terrestrial Orchids, mostly tropical Asiatic, 

 but also found in parts of Africa, Madagascar, Australia, 

 ihe Malay Archipelago, the Pacific Islands, China, and 

 Japan. P. grandifolius was one of the earliest tropical 

 Orchids introduced into British gardens, it having been 

 brought from China about the year 1778. Other well- 

 known species are P. bico/or, P. B/umei, P. maculatus, P. 

 Mishmensis, and P. Wallichiu The temperature of the 

 intermediate house will suit them, and they are often 

 seen growing luxuriantly in an ordinary plant stove. 

 When commencing their new growths in the spring, 

 they should be potted in a compost of fibrous loam, 

 mixed with rough peat, well drained. Liberal and 

 frequent waterings must be given during the season of 

 active growth, and during the resting period it is not 

 advisable to allow them to become too dry. All the 

 species prefer rather a shady position. P. tuberculosis 

 and P. Humb/otii, two beautiful Orchids from Mada- 



