50 
DENDROBIUM FORMOSUM. 
in the East Indies. It is somewhat remarkable, that only one specimen of this 
fine species was discovered by Mr. Gibson throughout the entire range of country 
he explored. The specimen alluded to was found growing on a tree, and brought 
safely to Chatsworth, where it flowered in the spring of 1838, at which time our 
present drawing was taken. 
Copious directions for the cultivation of Dendrobiums have been given in the 
last volume of this Magazine, and there is only one point to which we need here 
advert. It is that of withholding water during a certain period, for the purpose of 
inducing them to flower more abundantly. In their native localities, they blossom 
in the dry season ; and when this circumstance is imitated in their artificial treat- 
ment, it has a signally beneficial effect in stimulating their floriferous organs to 
finer and more liberal production. 
The species of drought here recommended is a peculiar one. It does not con- 
sist in a suspension of heat, but merely of moisture. It should be commenced in 
the house employed for this purpose on the approach of winter, and may be 
allowed to last for one or even two months. During this time no water must be 
administered, and the atmosphere kept perfectly dry. The leaves of the plants 
will probably wither, and many of them fall ; but, at the termination of this epoch, 
humidity should again be freely applied, and a most luxuriant growth, together 
with an extraordinary profusion of flowers, will speedily ensue. 
By attention to the above hints, Dendrobiums may be rendered as much 
superior to what they have heretofore been in this country, as they now are to the 
majority of other Orchidaceous Epiphytes. The importance of having one or more 
small houses which can at any time be appropriated to this object, will be duly 
felt by the cultivator when these circumstances are considered, and we may now 
reiterate that such structures are highly useful, if not indispensable appendages to 
an orchidaceous house. 
An explanation of the generic name has before been furnished in vol. iii. p. 77* 
The specific designation refers to the transcendant and delicate beauty of the 
flowers of this plant. 
