VARIEGATED ORCHIDS. 
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94 
whom I have had the honour to converse on the subject, I should say that the feeling is becoming 
more disseminated, and will eventually play sad and deserved havoc with the exclusive attention 
which at present it is the fashion to bestow on bedding plants. 
Whenever a new plant is brought into notice, the question which appears to arise spontaneously 
to every tongue is—Is it adapted for bedding purposes ? as though, forsooth ! bedding purposes were 
the sine qua non of excellence and desirableness. Take, for example, the Dielytra spectabilis, one of the 
most beautiful of the many plants lately brought into prominent notice, but which, if Paxton’s Botanical 
Dictionary is correct, was introduced into this country from Siberia in 1810, just forty-two years ago. 
One hardly ever takes up a gardening periodical without finding some allusion made to this so-called 
new plant, which is most deservedly allowed by every one to be charming, graceful, unique, and what 
not; yet no sooner has it began to display its charms, when an outcry is raised as to its capabilities 
for bedding, a purpose for which it will not be well adapted; for although as hardy as any of the 
fumeworts, and to a certain extent continuous-flowering, the best of its beauty is over before that of 
bedding plants comes on. No. For the mixed flower garden it is invaluable, but for the production of 
a definite effect in bedding arrangements, quite out of place. 
Before proceeding to give a detailed list of good things adapted for a mixed arrangement, I will 
beg to call attention to a few plants which, from their intrinsic merits and beauty, I have often been 
surprised are not more generally cultivated. For example: the Sternbergia lutea, a most beautiful 
bulbous plant, a native of the south of Europe, and introduced in 1596. Its season of flowering is from 
the end of September until it is positively killed by the frost, which must be unusually severe before 
it will give over throwing up its tulip-like flowers of the purest yellow. The bulbs are just now gone 
to rest, and the present is a good time to plant it. The Sternbergias are handsome hardy bulbs, 
seldom met with in ordinary collections. Another bulbous plant of the same family, and also a native 
of the south of Europe, is the Pancratium maritimum, introduced 1597. This striking and unique 
plant is deserving of the highest commendation; it is perfectly hardy, flowers abundantly in June, 
and is very seldom met with. The Trillium grandijlorum is also a plant seldom seen, but is one of the 
best of the tribe, and, when in flower, has generally produced an inquiry as to its name and origin, 
being often considered as anew plant, although it was introduced from North America in 1799. 
Leucojum vernum is another very rare and beautiful plant, highly deserving of more extensive cultiva¬ 
tion. This was introduced from Germany in 1596, is perfectly hardy, and easily increased by offsets 
from the bulbs. 
Amongst the many beautiful varieties of Narcissus, which will hereafter claim attention, I cannot 
forbear to particularize the Narcissus minor , or, as it is sometimes called Ajax minor , one of the very 
earliest of spring flowers, seldom passed without being praised for its beauty. This is often taken for 
a new plant, although it was brought from Spain in 1629. Enough for the present; in a future paper, 
I propose to offer a select list of good hardy perennial, herbaceous, and bulbous plants, suitable to all 
who desire only a selection of the best.—C. 
YABIEGATED OBCHIDS. 
• 
YjEBHAPS there are no objects throughout the whole vegetable kingdom more delicately beautiful 
^ than the metallic veined foliage of the small group of insignificant-flowered Orchids, of which 
Ancectochilus may be taken as the type. Formerly one or two kinds only were known in cultivation, 
but now then’ number is so far increased that a group of them becomes an exceedingly interesting and 
attractive feature. Unfortunately they require a high temperature, and thus their cultivation is 
limited to those who can provide them with a strictly tropical climate. 
They are grown in a mixture of light fibrous peat (Shirley peat carefully selected, is the most 
suitable near London), and sphagnum moss cut up very fine ; three parts of sphagnum are used to one 
part of peat, and a few small potsherds are mixed in the moss; the pots also must be thoroughly 
drained. The plants should be kept up even with the top of the pots, and the soil should be packed 
