266 
VANDA TESSELLATA. 
tint inclines to a bluish purple. Both are very vigorous-growing plants, with large, 
thick, and fleshy roots, dense and deep green foliage, and a natural tendency, 
according to Dr. Roxburgh, to decay at the base of the stem when they reach the 
height of two or three feet, thus never advancing beyond that point. 
For our present drav^^ing we have to thank S. Rucker, Esq. of Wandsworth, 
Surrey, in whose select and rich collection it blossomed in the summer of 1840. 
It can be cultivated in a rough 
wooden basket, or one formed 
of tliin strips of pliable wood, 
with numerous openings at the 
sides and bottom ; or, again^ 
may be attached to a large 
block of wood, with furrowed 
and durable bark. In either 
position, it should derive most 
of its nourishment from the 
atmosphere, and not be planted 
in heath-soil or any earthy 
compost. Moss, pieces of de- 
cayed wood, or any half-decom- 
posed woody vegetable matter, 
will be serviceable around the 
roots, where baskets are em- 
ployed ; and a little moss may 
be used if a simple log be 
chosen. 
The stimulation by high 
temperature and free supplies 
of moisture afforded to its allies in the summer season, will be essential to the plant 
under remark. Being a strict Epiphyte, its liquid support should, however, be 
rather drawn from a moist atmosphere than from more direct applications. In 
the winter, a partial drying will be beneficial, and cause it to produce sooner and 
more abundantly its lovely flowers. But this must not be carried to too great an 
extent, on account of its luxuriant nature. 
It is a native of China and India, flourishing in most parts of Bengal, and 
attaching itself chiefly to the tree which bears the Mango. The subjoined engrav- 
ing will show more clearly its usual habit. 
