The musk scented Dendrobium, D. moschatum, is a very beautiful epiphytal orchidaceous plant, and is a native of Pegu, where it was discovered by Dr. Wallich and introduced in 1828. It is a strong growing and robust species, the stems attaining a height of from three to six feet, and having oblong linear blunt alternate leaves, while the radicle flower stems are from four to seven feet in height, half of which is upright, the remainder being drooping, and on this part the nine or twelve flowers are produced, they are very splendid and of large size, being nearly four inches in diameter when fully expanded. In color the sepals and petals are of a rich crimson, fainfly striped with creamy white, while the interior of the labellum or lip is richly feathered with dark crimson; the rich contrast of colors giving it a very striking appearance, and rendering it one of the most desirable plants in cultivation. The flowers emit a pleasant musk-like fragrance, which is very perceptible towards evening and from which circumstance the specific name was bestowed upon it by Dr. Wallich.

As this variety is of strong, robust growth, it should be grown in a pot, and given a compost of two-thirds sphagnum moss and one-third bits of charcoal well mixed. The best manner of potting the plant is to procure a pot of the required size, and over the drainage hole place inverted one of a smaller size, about large enough to occupy about one-third of the pot; around and above this carefully place in a quantity of broken pots about enough to half fill the pot, placing the larger pieces in the bottom, and gradually fill up with smaller. In potting, place the plant in the centre of the pot and keep it well elevated, about two or three inches above the level of the pot. If necessary support the plant by means of stakes. During its season of growth it should be grown in a warm moist atmosphere of not less than 6o°, and as soon as growth ceases the supply of heat and moisture should be gradually reduced, while during its season of rest it should be kept both dry and cool in an average temperature of 550; when growth commences the supply of heat and moisture should be gradually increased.

If the plants are placed in a dry cool situation as soon as their flowers are fully expanded, they will remain in perfection for a long time, but care must be taken to moisten the roots occasionally.

Propagation is effected by a careful division of the plant, and this should be done just before the plant starts into growth. The generic name is derived from "dendron," a tree, and "bies," life, referring to the way these plants fasten to a tree for support, and the specific alludes to the peculiar fragrance of the flowers.