72 
OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 
favourably for its becoming a favourite with cultivators. The flower is large, about two inches 
and a half long, a rich rose-colour, with a lilac bloom, making it both rich and delicate. 
The flowers are produced singly, or in pairs at the axils of the leaves, and at the ends of the 
shoots. The foliage is woolly, undulated and serrated at the edges, and when fully grown, is richly 
marked with purplish veins, similar to the leaves of Gesnera Zebrina. We also noticed in their 
collection a very fine 
Vanda, spe. nov., introduced by them from Java. It is in form and colour of the flower much 
akin to Hoxburghii and tessellata, but more than double the size of either, being upwards of 
two inches in diameter. The sepals and petals are whitish, spotted all over with bright brown ; 
the lip is crimson-purple ; the back of the flower and peduncles quite white. The specimen had 
but one spike of bloom, holding five flowers, so that when a plant is of sufficient size to produce 
several spikes, we do not think it will be surpassed by any of its compeers. It is generally thought 
to be the same that the Dutch botanists have named insignis, but we believe it will not prove to 
be that species, but one equally handsome. 
Vriesa psittacina. Some little time since, this species was exhibiting its richly-coloured 
crimson flower-stem and bracts encircling the flowers, which were yellow and bright purple. It 
belongs to the pine-apple tribe, not a large-grower, flowers freely, and has an additional attraction 
over most of its race, by the flowers lasting a considerable time in perfection. 
OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 
In the stove, an increase of heat and moisture should be supplied as the season advances. 
Liberal potting, good drainage, suitable soil, and thin, clear, liquid manure once or twice a week, 
are amongst the best adjuncts to give vigorous and rapid growth. To render plants bushy, and of 
a good form, induce the production of lateral shoots by regularly stopping the ends of the others, 
when they have advanced a few joints. Now is the chief time to increase the stock by cuttings ; 
amongst other things, do not forget the finer species of Thunbergia, Euphorbia, especially jacquini- 
Jlora, Begonia, Clerodendron, Pleroma, Ruellia, and jEschinanthus. In the Orchid-house, heat, 
shade, cleanliness, and abundance of atmospheric moisture, together with a little fresh air, are the 
requisites of the present month. Admit air always in the mornings, and be careful that no plants 
are exposed to any direct draught ; close up very early in the day, and do not give too much fire- 
heat. Those plants on naked blocks, without moss, must at this season be particularly attended to ; 
otherwise, from their full exposure, they are very liable to suffer from too much light and drought. 
Dendrobiums making their growth will require a good supply of water. There will now be a 
pretty general growth ; and the plants, with a few exceptions, should be freely syringed. 
Stanhopeas will soon begin to protrude their flowers ; be careful that these be not damaged. 
In the conservatory, allow no plants to suffer from drought. Administer thin liquid manure two 
or three times a week ; this is especially advantageous to orange trees. Attend to climbers with 
water, training, and stopping. Camellias which were removed successively into an increased heat, 
will, by the end of the month, have perfected their shoots ; they then scarcely require so much 
water at the roots, but shade and syringing must be continued the same as last month, until the 
flower-buds are formed ; then resort to a supply of liquid manure. 
In the greenhouse, Epacrises, Heaths, Corrceas, Chorozemas, and other plants of similar habits, 
should have their leading shoots stopped to render them bushy. Give liberal shifts to such as 
require it, especially for specimen plants. Propagation should now progress as quickly as the 
shoots become in a fit condition for cuttings. 
Frames and pits containing young potted-off plants, for turning out into the flower-garden, will 
merely require to be kept clean, to have plenty of air in fine weather, and to be supplied regularly 
with water. In the open air, dress beds and borders, prepare situations for planting out large 
specimens from the greenhouse. Sow annuals for late flowering, arrange herbaceous plants, and 
get everything hi good order as soon as possible. 
