THE ORCHID GENERA 



strong lens, are of great brilliancy, and form one of the 

 most attractive of floral objects. About twenty species 

 are known, and all are remarkable for the above 

 characteristics. 



Rhyncostylis and Saccolabium 



These genera are so closely allied that it is not neces- 

 sary to divide them here. They are natives of India, 

 Burmah, and Malaya. Their culture is very similar to that 

 given to Aerides, but they prefer teak-wood baskets, 

 which will admit of the plants being suspended near the 

 glass. R. coelestis has bright blue flowers, a colour rare 

 among Orchids, which render it exceptionally inter- 

 esting to all orchidists. R. retusa, R. guttata, and R. 

 premorsa are charming Orchids when well bloomed, 

 and they spread a pleasing fragrance in the house which 

 is always highly appreciated. Saccolabium ampullaceum, 

 S. curvifolium, S. giganteum, S. miniatum, and S. violaceum 

 produce racemes of small but highly-coloured flowers. 

 S. Hendersonianum is a lovely little species. It has short, 

 narrow leaves, and erect spikes about six inches in 

 length, crowded with small, bright rose-coloured 

 flowers, each flower having a spur about half an inch 

 long. 



Sarcanthus 



These are epiphytal Orchids, allied to Saccolabium, 

 and require similar culture. 



Sarcochilus 



This genus includes about thirty species, out of which 

 there are only four known to me. S. Berhleyii from 

 Malaya, and S. purpureus, better known under the old 

 name of Camarotis purpurea, should be grown with the 



