76 GASTROCHILUS PULCHERRIMUS. 
October, 1839, received it from Dr. Wallich, superintendant of the Botanic Garden, 
Calcutta, some time during the year 1838. We learn, from Dr. Wallich's superb 
work on Asiatic plants, that it was found at Ragoon, most probably a district in 
Nepal, growing in woods, and flowering in the month of August. At Messrs. 
Loddiges' we have also had occasion to note its beauties, these gentlemen having 
succeeded in procuring a very abundant exhibition of blossoms. 
In cultivating this pretty plant, two 
points are to be observed. It should be 
repotted annually about April, shaking 
off all the old soil from its roots, and 
using a pot proportionate to the usual 
extension of the latter, which is not 
very great. The soil must be of a light 
description, such as a sandy loam, with 
a little fibrous heath-mould, and some 
sand. Its friability is indispensable, on 
account of the dryness to which it will 
afterwards have to be reduced ; and, 
both for this reason, and to prevent 
disease, very little water should be given 
till the shoots are seen to be advancing. 
When the plane has fairly started, the 
administration of moisture may be regu- 
lated by its apparent necessities ; and 
it must be kept thriving by liberal sup- 
plies during the whole period antecedent 
to the extrusion of the flowers. 
Directly the blossoms have faded, it will commence withering, which should be 
promoted as much as possible by a steady diminution of fluid sustenance ; and on 
its thorough decay, the pots are to be set in a dark but safe position till the 
following spring, taking care that neither hurtful damp nor drought reach them. 
To effect a multiplication, let the plants be divided at the time of potting, 
retaining a stem and roots to each division, and cautiously avoiding the infliction 
of too large a wound on the general axis. 
Gastrochilus is derived from gaster } the belly, and cheilos y a lip ; the lip of the 
flowers being ventricose or inflated. 
