38 



OECHIDS. 



of water during the growing season, but afterwards they 

 need watering less frequently. They are best gi'own in 

 the wannest house, and are propagated by dividing the 

 plants. 



Brassavola Dighyana. — A fine compact evergreen 

 species from the West Indies. The plant is about six 

 inches high, the sepals and petals of the flower are white ; 

 lip the same, streaked with purple down the centre. It 

 -produces its solitary flowers during the winter months 

 from the top of the bulb, lasts about two or three weeks 

 in bloom, and is a very rare plant. 



Bra. glaitca. — A desirable compact evergreen Orchid 

 from Mexico ; its blossoms are creamy white, with a pink 

 mark on the upper part of the lip. It blooms in February 

 or March, and lasts two or three weeks in perfection. 

 This is rather difficult to flower in some collections, but 

 it does every year at this place, producing one large flower 

 from a sheath at the top of the bulb. 



BRASSIAS. 



These are not thought much of by many Orchid-growers, 

 but there are a few kinds that may be recommended. They 

 are rather large-growing plants, of easy culture, and will do 

 either in the East India or a cooler house ; the flowers are 

 produced from the side of the bulbs on a long drooping 

 spike : they are all evergreen, with good foliage, each leaf 

 being a foot or more in length. They are best grown in 

 pots, with rough fibrous peat and good drainage, and re- 

 quire a Hberal supply of water at the roots in the gi'owing 

 season ; afterwards just enough water to keep their bulbs 

 plump will suffice, for they should never be allowed to 

 shrivel. They are propagated by dividing tlie plants when 

 they begin to grow. 



Brassia Lanceana. — A free-flowering Orchid from De- 



