THE DISA GRANDIFLORA. 
827 
is so, but I have heard Orchid growers say how very difficult 
Disas are to manage. However, I have not found them so ; 
but of course the position in which they are placed is very 
important to their growth. 
My remarks will refer chiefly to Disa grandiflom, or, as it is 
sometimes called, the ‘ Flower of the Gods,’ which is the largest 
flowered variety in the genus. The flowers are of a brilliant 
carmine red, and in some the hooded sepals are suffused with 
orange. There is a variety named * Superba,’ which is quite a 
deep blood-red, and when seen under artificial light it is most 
attractive. 
This beautiful class of terrestrial Orchids should, I think, be 
included in even the most select collections. The amateur may 
try a few plants, as they do not require any expensive glass 
structures or heating apparatus. In a cool greenhouse, where 
Pelargoniums or hard-wooded plants flourish, there will the Disa 
be at home if properly attended to. The plants that I have 
charge of are arranged at the east end of a cool greenhouse 
some twenty yards in length, and partially shaded from the 
afternoon sun by a 10 ft. wall. The house is about sixty yards 
away from the boilers, so that there is very little pipe heat at 
any time. The plants are elevated a few inches above the front 
ventilators, on sandstone slabs, covered over with sand and 
spar. There is a duplicate stage underneath filled with gas-coke 
broken small, so as to absorb all moisture, and give it off again 
during the nights. In warm weather it is kept watered, so as to 
keep the plants cool and moist. I often put cabbage and lettuce 
leaves down among the plants on a hot day, and they have 
appeared to wither up ; but on visiting them again about 8 p.m. 
they have looked quite fresh and green again, and covered with 
moisture, the slugs taking their repast from them instead of 
making a supper off the Disas. 
Ventilation. 
Being an alpine or mountain plant the Disa delights in 
abundance of fresh air, without a draught. Even in winter it is 
most beneficial, as it strengthens the young growths, and makes 
them all the more vigorous to withstand the summer heat. If 
only a chink of air is given for two or three hours a day, just to 
change the temperature of the house, it will do them a great deal 
