8 
DENDROBIUM NOBILE. 
Our drawing was prepared from the particular plant thus described, while its 
flowers were expanded in the month of November, 1838. 
The distinguishing merit of the subject now before us is, that besides its extra- 
ordinarily quick growth, and the facility which this furnishes for reproduction, it 
frequently flowers thrice in one season. No language can so well convey an idea of 
its splendour at these periods as a reference to the annexed figure, which, as it only 
represents a small portion of one of the stems, may easily be enlarged by imagina- 
tion to the size of the entire plant. Even when not in bloom there is something 
peculiarly refreshing in the lively verdure of its foliage and stems, which is to a 
great degree wanting in all other Dendrobiums, except D. coerulescens. 
"With most species of this genus, the observant cultivator will find the course of 
treatment to be pursued accurately prescribed in their appearance and habits. 
D. nobile is not an exception to the rule. Being a very healthy and exuberant 
plant, its culture should be proportionately energetic. It may doubtless be kept 
in a pot with more safety than any allied species, but we greatly prefer the rustic 
wooden baskets which are now so generally employed, to the most shallow pots 
that can be manufactured. These baskets might, however, be very readily placed 
on pedestals or a flat surface, where more tender species occupied the upper portion 
of the house ; so that no objection need be urged against them on that score. Their 
admirable adaptation for all Epiphytal Orchidacese cannot for a moment be 
disputed. 
In keeping this species in a perpetually warm and moist atmosphere, (both 
which conditions are of course greatly modified in winter,) until it reached the 
stage at which it has now arrived, the example of Messrs. Loddiges cannot be too 
highly commended. Having attained a considerable size, it will in future require 
desiccation during the winter, as the flowers have heretofore been very partially 
produced, on account of its being in a continuous state of excitation. This can be 
effected with the greatest ease, and we recommend to all who are anxious to obtain 
large specimens, the practice of restraining the production of flowers by more 
constant stimulation than is really necessary, till the plants have acquired the 
requisite proportions and vigour. 
Specimens of this noble plant are flowering beautifully in the Hackney 
Nursery at the present period. Their blossoms effuse a most refreshing odour, 
resembling that of prepared cinnamon. 
S 
