170 
BARKERIA SPECTABILIS. 
the season was too far advanced to bring them to perfection. It then remained 
dormant, and lost all its leaves, till March, 1842 ; when it again commenced 
growing, and expanded its first flowers on the 12th of June. These were shown at 
Chiswick in July, and continued perfect for five weeks. 
" The temperature in which the plant was grown was never above 65°, when 
it could be kept under by giving air freely ; while, in winter, it often fell below 40°. 
Indeed, my only object was to keep out the frost ; and I invariably gave a little air 
whenever it could be done with safety. In the summer, the windows and doors of 
the Orchidaceous house are open every day ; and I am of opinion that the Orchi- 
daceas of Guatemala cannot be kept too cool in this country at that time, for the 
more air I give, the better they grow. I always, however, keep the house damp." 
The plant was cultivated by Mr. Brewster in an open wooden basket, filled with 
moss. It will likewise succeed on a block of wood. Nothing could be more perfect 
than Mrs. Wray's specimen ; and the advantages of the summer air to the plant 
can hardly be over-stated. 
As we are only able to give the flowers in our drawing, we subjoin a woodcut 
of the whole plant. 
