5^ 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



varying in number. These are found at the summit of the column, which is a fleshy 

 body in the centre of the flower, and usually on the under side of this the viscid stigma 

 is found. If fertilisation has been properly effected the petals usually fade quickly, 

 and in a few^days the ovary at the base of the flower will be observed to swell. It is 

 because of the rapid fading after fertilisation that bees should be excluded from orchid 



Fig. 23. L.33LIA ANCEPS "SlELLA.'' 



Ill, Sepals, or three outer segments of the perianth; 2 2 2, petals, or three inner perianth segments, the 

 lower one changed into the lip or labellum. 



The humble bee groping in the lip for nectar hides the column and anthers and spoils the flower. 



houses, or the beauty of the flowers which might continue for weeks may vanish in a 

 very few hours. (Fig. 23.) 



A great difference in the time necessary for the ripening of the seed pods will be 

 noted, but when fully ripe the pod usually opens slightly, showing the seeds inside, which 

 resemble a mass of fine powder. The seeds may be sown as soon as ripe, the mode 

 usually practised being to sow upon the surface of the compost wherein other orchids 

 are growing. The seeds are usually a long time in germinating, and the young plants 



