26 CAMAROTIS PURPUREA. 
Lindley observes that the extremely curious structure of the lip, which is 
distinctly chambered at the point, is one of the principal circumstances by which 
this genus is distinguished among its allies. Dr. Roxburgh says, that before 
expansion the beak of the column is lodged in this cavity of the lip." 
Sylhet is the native district of this very pretty plant. Its discovery appears to 
be due to the estimable Dr. Carey, as we are told that Dr. Wallich obtained 
plants from that gentleman's garden at Serampore in 1819. Mr. Gibson procured 
several specimens in the woods at the base of the Khoseea Hills. It seems 
confined to hot moist localities, where it clinos to the branches of trees for 
support. 
These latter facts afford ample data for the regulation of its artificial culture, 
A warm and humid atmosphere is indispensable to maintain its healthy verdure ; 
but as this is intermitted, even in its natural forests, its yearly suspension is 
equally essential to induce floral developments. As its blooming season will most 
probably be the months of April and May, this being the only period at which its 
flowers have as yet opened in this country, the growing stage will necessarily 
succeed ; and after this is completed, it should be kept dormant till the ensuing 
spring. 
In the manual treatment it requires, that of being originally placed on a sound 
rough block of wood, with the bases of its lower roots protected with moss, is the 
most prominent feature. Shading must be duly attended to, and atmospheric 
moisture maintained in the summer, since the large exposed surface of roots which 
these air-plants present, renders them particularly liable to excessive drought. 
Where an increase is especially desired, and the attainment of this object is 
preferred to the retention, in its perfect state, of the specimen possessed, a tem- 
porary mutilation must be effected. The slowness with which plants of this kind 
can be multiplied, is generally an impediment to their diffusion ; but this may, to a 
limited extent, be obviated, by decapitating the plant. A duplicate is thus at 
once obtained, and young shoots will speedily be emitted from the old stock, on 
which others may afterwards be formed in a like manner. The shoots thus 
removed should always have roots of their own, and be placed, immediately after 
their severance, in a warm, dark situation for several days, that their superfluous 
fluid may be exhaled. They must then be affixed to a log of wood, watered 
cautiously, sedulously shaded, and managed as their parents after they have com- 
menced growing. 
