THE DISA GRANDIFLORA. 



327 



is so, but I have heard Orchid growers say how very difficult 

 Disas are to manage. However, I have not found them so ; 

 but of course the position in which they are placed is very 

 important to their growth. 



My remarks will refer chiefly to Disa grandiflora, or, as it is 

 sometimes called, the ' Flower of the Gods,' which is the largest 

 flowered variety in the genus. The flowers are of a brilliant 

 carmine red, and in some the hooded sepals are suffused with 

 orange. There is a variety named ' Superba,' which is quite a 

 deep blood-red, and when seen under artificial light it is most 

 attractive. 



This beautiful class of terrestrial Orchids should, I think, be 

 included in even the most select collections. The amateur may 

 try a few plants, as they do not require any expensive glass 

 structures or heating apparatus. In a cool greenhouse, where 

 Pelargoniums or hard-wooded plants flourish, there will the Disa 

 be at home if properly attended to. The plants that I have 

 charge of are arranged at the east end of a cool greenhouse 

 some twenty yards in length, and partially shaded from the 

 afternoon sun by a 10 ft. wall. The house is about sixty yards 

 away from the boilers, so that there is very little pipe heat at 

 any time. The plants are elevated a few inches above the front 

 ventilators, on sandstone slabs, covered over with sand and 

 spar. There is a duplicate stage underneath filled with gas-coke 

 broken small, so as to absorb all moisture, and give it off again 

 during the nights. In warm weather it is kept watered, so as to 

 keep the plants cool and moist. I often put cabbage and lettuce 

 leaves down among the plants on a hot day, and they have 

 appeared to wither up ; but on visiting them again about 8 p.m. 

 they have looked quite fresh and green again, and covered with 

 moisture, the slugs taking their repast from them instead of 

 making a supper off the Disas. 



Ventilation. 



Being an alpine or mountain plant the Disa delights in 

 abundance of fresh air, without a draught. Even in winter it is 

 most beneficial, as it strengthens the young growths, and makes 

 them all the more vigorous to withstand the summer heat. If 

 only a chink of air is given for two or three hours a day, just to 

 change the temperature of the house, it will do them a great deal 



