SOPHRONITIS — STANHOPEA. 



93 



plant ought to be in every collection. There are two 

 varieties of this species ; one produces short obtuse leaves, 

 with exceedingly brilliant-coloured flowers ; the other has 

 longer leaves and bulbs, but fainter-coloured flowers. The 

 plant represented in the frontispiece was drawn from one 

 in Mr. Warner's collection. 



Soj:), violacea. — A pretty, distinct species, from the 

 same country as the former. It produces its violet-coloured 

 -flowers during the winter months, and lasts long in beauty. 



STANHOPEA. 



This is rather a large family of Orchids, most of which 

 have handsome-coloured, waxy-looking, and curiously-formed 

 flowers, produced from the bottom of the plant on spikes, 

 several together. The flowers only last a few days. The 

 bulbs are short, with strong evergreen foliage, about a foot 

 and a half high. They are of easy culture, and are best 

 grown with moss in baskets suspended from the' roof; 

 they require a liberal supply of water in the growing 

 season : after their growth is completed they are the 

 better for a good period of rest, during which they should 

 be kept nearly dry at the roots. They will grow in either 

 house. The baskets should be made shallow, and open 

 at the bottom and sides, so that the flowers may easily 

 find their way through. I shall only name a few of the 

 best sorts, though there are others worth growing where 

 room is not an object. 



Stanlioioea aiirea, from Guatemala ; the colour of the 

 flowers is yellow. It blooms during the summer and 

 autumn months. 



Sta. Devoniensis, from Mexico ; the flowers are orange 

 spotted with red. It blooms during the summer. 



