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CYMBIDIUM GIGANTEUM. 
have always a nodding inclination, and not perfectly erect, as has been represented. 
The species approaches most nearly in habit to C. elegans and C. Mastersii ; but is 
much more robust than either of them. The leaves frequently measure upwards 
of three feet in length, and are more gracefully disposed than those of its two 
allies. The flowers are well portrayed in the figure, and we have only to add 
that they constantly exhale a very powerful, but not very agreeable fragrance, 
resembling that of the common Daffodil. 
This, and all other Cymbidia of like character, appear to flourish with the 
greatest vigour planted in pots, in a porous peaty earth, full of fibrous matter ; or 
where peat of a sufficiently open texture cannot be conveniently obtained, it must 
be rendered so by intermingling with it pieces of decayed wood, charcoal, pot- 
sherds, and hypnum moss ; for it is the most essential requisite in the soil or other 
material employed for Cymbidia, and indeed all Orchidacese, to admit a free cir- 
culation of fluids. Frequent shif tings seem to be hostile to their nature, as we 
have always found those specimens to succeed most satisfactorily which have been 
undisturbed at the root for two or three years. The pots should be plunged in a 
tan-bed, or otherwise supplied with bottom-heat. 
Kymbe, a boat, is the origin of the generic appellation, and applies to the form 
of the lip. The woodcut represents an entire plant. 
