PERISTEKIAS PHAJUS. 



86 



torn of tlieir large bulbs, and will grow in either house ; 

 the J are best grown in pots, with loam and leaf-mould, with 

 a good quantity of water during their period of growth j 

 afterwards give them a good season of rest, and keep them 

 nearly dry at the roots : if allowed to get wet during their 

 rest they are apt to rot. They are propagated by dividing 

 the plants. 



Peristeria alata, — A noble Orchid from Panama : a free- 

 growing species, with leaves three or four feet high, rising 

 from large bulbs five inches high, and sending up its tall 

 spikes of white, waxy flowers, in July, August, and Septem- 

 ber : the central parts of each flower present very striking 

 resemblance to the figure of a dove. This plant continues 

 blooming for two months when the spikes are strong. 



Feri. cerina, from the Spanish Main : it produces 

 bunches of yellow flowers close to the bulbs, and blooms in 

 June or July. 



Peri, guttata, from South America. — A curious Or- 

 chid, which produces its bunches of flowers close to the 

 bulbs, w^hence they hang over the edge of the pot : the 

 colours of the flowers are red and yellow. It blooms in 

 September, lasting two or three weeks in perfection. 



PHAJUS. 



This is a fine class of terrestrial Orchids, very free in 

 producing their beautiful spikes of flowers, which are 

 noble objects when well grown. They are of easy culture, 

 and will repay attention and care. They are large-growing 

 plants, with noble foliage : there are not more than three 

 of this class, that I know of, that are distinct and worth 

 growing. All need the same treatment, excepting albus. 

 They all require plenty of heat and moisture at their roots 

 in their growing season, but the water should not touch 



