146 EPIDENDRUM RADICANS. 
whatever roots issue from the stem of either of the other species, are confined to 
the lower portion, and come without any regard to the order of the foliage. 
The first plants were received in England from Guatemala, in 1839. In the 
summer of 1844 we saw a specimen blooming in the superb collection of Mrs. 
Lawrence, at Ealing Park, which, so far as we can learn, was the first that dis- 
played its flowers in this country. Since then we have been favoured with 
specimens by Mr. Brewster, gardener to Mrs. "Wray, at Oakfield, Cheltenham, 
who has also kindly furnished us with the following remarks : — 
" Mr. Skinner sent the plant to 
Oakfield in 1842. It commenced 
flowering in the beginning of 1845, 
and has now covered a wire basket 
with its long stems, each crowned 
with a head of flowers. Mr. Skin- 
ner says its habit is * terrestrial, 
growing among long grass and dried 
leaves. It flowers in October, 
November, December, and January. 
It is a lovely plant ; and particu- 
larly if growing in masses, forms 
an object of attraction difficult to 
pass, when seen on mountain sides, 
and in the deep valleys.' " 
The head of flowers sent us 
contained twenty-three expanded 
blossoms, much more rich and bril- 
liant in colour than those of either 
of its two allies ; hence, we may 
readily imagine what a delightful 
object it must constitute in its 
native haunts where it grows in 
any considerable quantity, peeping 
with its flaming vermilion flower- 
heads from among the green herbage ; and thrusting out its thickened roots 
from almost every inch of the stem, to suck in sustenance from the humid 
atmosphere, and drink the dew that settles upon them. 
