The cushion-lipped Oncidium, Oncidium divari-catum, is a very pretty small but abundant-flowering species, and when well grown a useful plant. Its leaves are nearly oval shape, and of a yellowish green color. The flower scape which springs from the base of the bulb, grows from 1 to 2 feet in height, and is erect about half-way up, the remainder being drooping, and on this the flowers are produced. The flowers are very beautiful when closely examined, the petals being of a bright yellow color. At the base is a trace of orange red, while the large flat yellow lip is spotted with dark crimson.

Its period of flowering is during the late spring and early summer months, and the flowers will remain a long time in perfection if the plant is placed in a dry cool situation as soon as they are fully expanded, care being taken to moisten the roots occasionally.

This pretty species is a native of Brazil, where it was discovered by A. S. Heatherly, Esq., and it first flowered in the gardens of the London Horticultural Society in May, 1826. It is one of those orchids that can be easily cultivated, and does best grown in a basket filled with fresh sphagnum moss, intermixed with bits of broken charcoal, and suspended in a partially shaded situation. In placing the plants in the baskets, keep them well elevated in the centre, in order to prevent the young shoots from injury from wet and damp. During the plant's season of growth, it should be given a warm moist atmosphere, and an average temperature of 650, while during its season of rest it should be kept cool and dry; only give enough water to keep their leaves and bulbs plump and firm.

Propagation is effected by a careful division of the plant, and this should be done just before the pseudo bulbs start into growth.

The generic name is derived from "ogkidon," a tubercle, and is given from the peculiar excrescences observable at the base of the lip of all On-cidiae, and the specific from the loose straggling raceme of flowers. Queens, N. Y.