228 
CULTURE OF THE GENUS MAXILLARIA. 
These plants, if any thing, are more beautiful than the Oncidiums; some of them 
are splendid. The M. picta (figure) is a charming plant; the petals of the flowers 
are of a rich deep orange colour, spotted with purple, within; and almost white, 
having spots and blotches of dark purple externally. The lip is of a pale dirty 
white or cream colour, with but few spots; and the column of a deep purple. This 
species is beautifully figured in the Botanical Magazine, from which work we 
copied our wood cut. The soil for these plants should be turfy peat, broken 
smaller than for the species of Oncidium, but by no means must it be sifted, or any 
fibrous roots which it may contain be taken out. Mix plenty of broken potsherds 
with the soil. 
The temperature should range from to 80 degrees Fahr., of fire heat. We 
are aware that most collections of Orchideee are kept much warmer than this; but 
we have never perceived any beneficial effects produced by a very high temperature 
for Orchideae in general. 
