162 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Stelis, Physosiphon (fig. 80), kc, among which are many rare and '* incon- 

 spicuous ' ' species as yet uncultivated. 



As regards cultivation, some of the Orchids referred to in this paper 

 are at present difficult subjects. All the more reason for persevering 

 with their cultivation. It was years before the cultivation of many 

 Orchids which now grow to perfection in our houses was understood. In 

 regard to some we have undoubtedly retrograded. Where, for example, 

 do we find the grand specimens of Saccolabiums which were not un- 

 common in the first half of the last century ? But the smaller and less 

 showy of the natural order present no greater difficulties than their larger 

 and more pretentious brethren. Only it must not be supposed that, as 

 mentioned in the early part of my paper, because they are small they can 

 do without care and attention. An intermediate house temperature 

 throughout the year is desirable. In conclusion, I have tried to show- 

 that it is not for their beauty alone that "inconspicuous " Orchids are to 

 be admired, but for the marvellous structure of the flowers, and the 

 Avonderful contrivances that are to be found in them to secure the end for 

 which they have been created. I hope that they will be more generally 

 cultivated. Amateurs may object that none of them are suitable to grow 

 for cutting purposes or for indoor decoration ; but I trust they will look 

 to the future, when the endless variety and curious characteristics of the 

 smaller Orchids may sustain an interest in the natural order, after fashion 

 has discarded the showy species now in favour. 



N.B. — An aluminium watchmaker's glass, to be held in the eye; is a valuable help to 

 tiie appreciation of the beauty of small flowers, as well as for the detection of nascent 

 fungoid and insect plagues. 



