THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



hung near the roof glass, though in summer they are 

 best stood down upon the stage with other plants ; they 

 require to be kept moist always. All the Sophro- 

 Cattleya and Sophro-Laelia hybrids produce very beautiful 

 and interesting flowers, and are eagerly sought after by 

 amateurs. 



Spathoglottis 



Terrestrial Orchids distributed throughout the East 

 from Burmah to China. The plants may be culti- 

 vated as advised for Pachystoma. The best known 

 varieties are — S. aurea, S. Fortunes S. Lobbii, and S. Viel- 

 lardii. 



Stanhopea 



Most of the species are natives of Central America ; 

 and nearly all of the known varieties possess large, showy, 

 often strongly scented flowers, the lip being of remark- 

 able structure. Over twenty species of Stanhopea have 

 been described, a few of the most beautiful being S. 

 eburnea, S. Amesiana, S. insignis, S. Master sit, S. Lowii, 

 S. tigrina, S. Rodigasiana, and S. Wardii. The plants 

 succeed in shallow teak baskets, the ordinary drainage 

 not being required, because, if crocks were used, the 

 flowers being pendulous would be broken or deformed 

 by contact with them. The compost should consist of 

 equal parts of peat and moss. The proper time for 

 supplying fresh rooting materials is when the plants are 

 starting into growth. Grow the plants in the Cattleya 

 house, close up to the roof, and abundantly supply with 

 water till the flowers open. As the latter are fugacious, 

 great care must be taken to avoid wetting them. After 

 growth is completed, rest the plants in a cool vinery or 

 peach house and afford water occasionally. 



f 



