UNDER PLATE
Aërides cylindricum, _Hooker_ 116
Aërides Lawrenciæ, cost of 109
Angræcum fastuosum, Sir T. Lawrence’s 143
Angræcum sesquipedale, Mr. Graham’s 118
Bletia albida, _Rchb. f._ 138
Bletia graminifolia, _Don_ 139
Bletia grandis, _Rchb. f._ 123
Calanthe Veitchii, Mr. Gaskell’s 127
Calanthe vestita, Mr. Gaskell’s 127
Cattleya Percivaliana alba, Mr. Percival’s 131
Cattleya Rothschildiana, _Hort._ 117, 135
Cattleya Skinneri, gigantic 142
Cattleya Trianæ formosa, correction 113
Cattleya Trianæ, Mr. Philbrick’s 131
Cattleyas, Mr. Lee’s 140
Cattleyas, Mr. Percival’s 101
Cœlogyne coronaria, _Lindley_ 114
Coryanthes punctata, _Lindley_ 98
Cymbidium affine, Mr. Wyatt’s 123
Cymbidium bambusifolium, _Roxb._ 139
Cymbidium elegans, Mr. McDonald’s 122
Cymbidium micromeson, _Lindley_ 140
Dendrobium crassinode Barberianum 138
Dendrobium eburneum, _Parish_ 103
Dendrobium Harveyanum, Sir T. Lawrence’s 143
Dendrobium moniliforme, _Lindley_, non _Swartz_ 141
Dendrobium nobile formosanum, _Rchb. f._ 141
Dendrobium Paxtoni, Mr. Mainwaring’s 142
Dendrobium Wardianum Lowii, _Smith_ 113
Disa grandiflora, Duke of Devonshire’s 107
Epidendrum vitellinum giganteum, Mr. Shaw’s 126
Eria coronaria, _Rchb. f._ 114
Esmeralda Sanderiana, _Rchb. f._ 124
Lælia amanda, Mr. Brymer’s 117
Lælia anceps, Mr. Percival’s 128
Lælia anceps Williamsiana, Messrs. Sander’s 131
Lælia pumila Dayana, _Burbidge_ 132
Lælia purpurata, Mr. Buchanan’s 98
Lycastes, Mr. Lee’s 134
Manchester Whitsuntide Exhibition of 1883 97
Masdevallia Chimæra, Marquis of Lothian’s 120
Masdevallia Harryana atrosanguinea, _Hort. Williams_ 99
Masdevallia Harryana longiflora, _Warner_ 99
Odontoglossum Alexandræ, Mr. Bockett’s 119
Odontoglossum Alexandræ aureum, Mr. Philbrick’s 131
Odontoglossum cinnamomeum, Sir T. Lawrence’s 143
Odontoglossum mulus, Mr. Tod’s 142
Odontoglossum Pollettianum, Mr. Pollett’s 131
Odontoglossum sceptrum, Mr. McDonald’s 136
Odontoglossums, Mr. Warner’s 99
Oncidium anthrocene, Messrs. Sander’s 131
Oncidium Barkeri, _Lindley_ 137
Oncidium Jonesianum, Mr. Smee’s 131
Oncidium Lanceanum, _Lindley_ 130
Orchid, a gigantic 142
Orchids, New 131, 143
Orchids, Mr. Bull’s Exhibition of 104
Orchids, Dr. Paterson’s 114
Orchids, Mr. Warner’s 99
Orchids at Dunlop House 118
Orchids at Downside, Leatherhead 134
Orchids at Eastwood Park, Glasgow 116
Orchids at Gouville 108
Orchids at Melrose 115
Orchids at Sandringham 103
Orchids at The Dell, Staines 110
Orchids at Upper Holloway Nursery 100
Orchids in Vineries 125
Phaius tuberculosus, successful treatment of 139
Phalænopsids, Mr. Lee’s 134
Pilumna fragrans grandiflora, _Linden_ 128
Renanthera Lowii, Baron Rothschild’s 106
Saccolabium miniatum, _Hooker_ 107
Stanhopea gibbosa, Mr. Wallis’s 107
Trichopilia fragrans nobilis, _Lind. et And._ 128
Vanda Cathcartii, Mr. Heriot’s 131
Vanda Lowii, Baron Rothschild’s 106
Vanda Sanderiana, Mr. Lee’s 111
Vanda suavis and tricolor, Mr. Graham’s 118
Vanda teres, Mr. Broome’s 102
Warscewiczella Wendlandi, _Rchb. f._ 126
Zygopetalum Burkei, Messrs. Veitch’s 122
Zygopetalum Wendlandi, _Rchb. f._ 126
[Illustration: PL. 97.
LÆLIA ELEGANS PRASIATA]
LÆLIA ELEGANS PRASIATA.
[Plate 97.]
Native of Brazil.
Epiphytal. _Stems_ erect, clustered, terete, clavate, jointed, about
one and a half foot high. _Leaves_ in pairs at the top of the stems,
linear-oblong, obtuse, coriaceous, deep green. _Racemes_ short, erect,
six to eight-flowered, issuing from an oblong purplish compressed
bract, the peduncles and pedicels green. _Flowers_ large and showy,
five inches across; _sepals_ about three inches long, oblanceolate,
the edges revolute and the tips recurved, of a light magenta-rose,
paler towards the base, having a greenish tint along the centre, and a
distinct flush of purple; _petals_ obovate-lanceolate, acute, an inch
broad, of a deeper rose than the sepals, and having a flush of green,
the margins undulated; _lip_ three-lobed, the lateral lobes elongate,
white, rolled over the column, tinted with rose at the edges; and of a
bright rosy crimson at the tips; the front lobe an inch and
three-fourths in breadth, transversely-reniform, crenate and much
undulated at the margin, of a rich magenta-crimson, traversed by veins
of deeper crimson, the veins most evident in the centre where the
ground colour is paler; disk smooth. _Column_ clavate, marginate,
enclosed.
Lælia elegans prasiata, _Reichenbach fil., in litteris_, 1863; _Id._
_Botanische Zeitung_, _October_, 1864; _Id._ _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,
N.S., xix., 11 (sub-variety).
The Lælias form a glorious class of Orchids, including many noble
species which certainly rank amongst the most beautiful of the whole
family. Their flowers embrace nearly every shade of colour, including
bright orange, yellow, pure white, magenta, rose, and many others. They
are all extremely beautiful, notwithstanding that some of them produce
large flowers, while those of others are much smaller, for the latter
are often of a more brilliant colour than the larger kinds, which is an
ample compensation. The whole family, without exception, is well worth
growing.
The particular form we now bring before the notice of our readers is a
very handsome variety, and when first bloomed had the flowers _prasiato
aspersis_; it is of the same type as _Lælia Turnerii_, of which there is
a grand plate in the first series of Mr. Warner’s _Select Orchidaceous
Plants_. Our illustration was prepared from a drawing taken from a
specimen, bearing two spikes, and which produced six beautiful flowers
on each, in the select collection of Baron Schröder, The Dell, Staines.
_Lælia elegans prasiata_ is an evergreen plant, producing stems or
pseudobulbs about eighteen inches high, furnished with two leaves which
are six inches long and of a dark green colour. It produces its flowers
from the new bulb when it has completed its growth, and they issue from
a sheath, six or more together. The sepals and petals are of a dull
magenta, tinged with green, the lip being of a bright magenta, while the
external port of the lateral lobes, where they roll inwards over the
column, is white. The flowers are very fragrant, the scent being a
mixture of “May” and “Gardenia.”
This plant blooms during September and October, and lasts in beauty for
about three weeks. We find it requires the same treatment as _Lælia
purpurata_. It should, moreover, be grown in similar material, namely,
good fibrous peat, with perfect drainage, and as much light as possible.
Mr. Ballantyne, the gardener at the Dell, cultivates this with his
Cattleyas, which are well grown, there being among them some wonderful
specimens, many having over a hundred pseudobulbs. When in bloom, these
plants are quite worth a journey to see.
The Manchester Whitsuntide Exhibition of 1883 was a great success. Over
£2,000 was taken at the gates. We generally make a point of jotting down
a few notes concerning this show, as its chief attraction consists of
the Orchids, in which of course our readers are most interested.
Although the show had lost several of its largest supporters, such as
Mr. Percival, Mr. Hardy, and the late R. B. Dodgson, Esq., of Blackburn,
there were others who exhibited in strong force. We will mention a few
of the most noteworthy of the plants. O. Schneider, Esq., showed a very
fine collection, including _Cattleya Mendelii_, a grand variety with
sixteen flowers; also a splendid plant of _C. Mossiæ_, with over twenty
beautiful flowers; and _Dendrobium Devonianum_, a splendid plant with
its long stems bearing over two hundred flowers; in front of this was
_Odontoglossum Pescatorei_, with fourteen spikes of its lovely white and
spotted flowers; and a fine _Lælia purpurata_, with its rosy sepals and
petals, and bright crimson-purple lip. Dr. Ainsworth exhibited some very
fine specimens of _Dendrobium thyrsiflorum_, with fifteen of its
beautiful spikes; the pure white _Phalænopsis amabilis_, a splendid mass
with twelve spikes and a hundred flowers; a wonderful specimen of _Vanda
suavis_, with twelve spikes; _Phalænopsis grandiflora_, with more than
fifty flowers; and _Aërides Fieldingii_, a fine specimen with five
spikes and six branches. Mrs. Leach, of Gorse Hall, Stalybridge,
exhibited six good plants, among them was a fine _Cattleya Mossiæ_, with
a splendid dark lip; also _Dendrobium nobile_, fine, and the beautiful
_Odontoglossum Hallii_. There were some fine specimens exhibited from
the collection of W. Leach, Esq., Fallowfield, among which was a
wonderful plant of _Dendrobium Falconeri_, with two hundred flowers;
next to this was the curious _Cypripedium caudatum_, with six spikes,
also _Aërides crasssifolium_, and other good Orchids. Mr. Upjohn
exhibited a wonderful _Vanda tricolor_, the finest-grown plant we have
seen, with five spikes. Mr. Hodgkinson exhibited a very fine variety of
_Vanda suavis_ with three spikes. Mr. James, of Norwood, Surrey,
exhibited two fine collections, including a wonderful plant of
_Dendrobium Paxtoni_; _Cattleya Mendelii_, with ten flowers;
_Masdevallia Harryana_, a fine variety; a good plant of _Dendrobium
Jamesianum_, with thirty-six flowers, and many other fine specimens. Mr.
Cypher, of Cheltenham, also showed some good plants, among which we
remarked a fine _Dendrobium Freemanii_, with one hundred flowers of a
beautiful colour; _D. Devonianum_, with two hundred of its lovely
blossoms; also some other good plants. Messrs. Ireland & Thomson, of
Edinburgh, also exhibited a very fine collection of cut Orchids that was
much admired.—B. S. W.
[Illustration: PL. 98.
CORYANTHES MACULATA PUNCTATA.]
CORYANTHES MACULATA PUNCTATA.
[Plate 98.]
Native of Demerara.
Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate or sometimes narrowed and elongate,
furrowed, two to three inches long, tapering upwards, clustered.
_Leaves_ two, from the apex of each pseudobulb, broadly lanceolate,
plicate, submembranaceous, light green, about a foot long. _Scape_
radical, pendent, one and a half foot long, brownish purple, bearing a
_raceme_ of several flowers. _Bracts_ large, membranaceous,
ovate-lanceolate, two or three sheathing ones on the scape, and one at
the base of each pedicel. _Flowers_ large, very peculiar in form,
ochraceous yellow, curiously spotted and blotched with deep
wine-purple; _sepals_ conduplicate flexuose, membranaceous, the dorsal
one small, oblong, the lateral ones broad, at first spreading, but at
length becoming reflexed and resembling bats’ wings, pale ochraceous
yellow, the surface thickly spotted with small dots of deep
wine-purple; _petals_ oblong, erect, twisted, much smaller than the
sepals, of the same colour, but having the spots larger; _lip_
stipitate, continuous with the base of the column, cup-shaped, having
a large helmet-shaped pedunculate appendage, the cup yellowish, the
appendage creamy white, spotted and blotched on both surfaces with
deep wine-purple, the purple colour almost covering the anterior side.
_Column_ terete, recurved, two horned at the base, two winged.
Coryanthes maculata punctata, _Lindley, Folia Orchidacea_, art.
_Coryanthes_, No. 2.; _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales
Botanices Systematica_, vi., 598.
Coryanthes punctata, _Lindley, Botanical Register_, t. 1793.
_Coryanthes_ is a most curious and interesting genus of Orchids, and but
few species have yet come under our notice. We have long known _C.
macrantha_ and _C. speciosa_, which are two distinct kinds. That which
we now figure is much like _C. macrantha_, with the exception that the
crimson colouring is darker. Our drawing was taken from a fine specimen
in the superb collection of W. McDonald, Esq., Woodlands, Perth, who is
a great admirer of good Orchids.
_Coryanthes maculata punctata_ is an evergreen plant, with short, thick
pseudobulbs about two inches in height, bearing light green foliage
about a foot in height. The flower spike proceeds from the base of the
pseudobulbs, several flowers being produced together on the some scape;
they are yellow, spotted with crimson. The plant, which blooms during
October and November lasts but a few days in flower; it is, however,
well worth growing on account of the extraordinary form of its flowers.
Before they open they remind one of a Chinese foot; after opening they
form a kind of cup having above it a pair of fleshy horns from which a
liquid is distilled which drops into the cup.
These plants come from Demerara. They are found growing on the outside
branches of trees, where they get all the light possible. They will
thrive on blocks of wood, also in baskets or pots. If grown on blocks
they require some good live sphagnum moss about their roots; if in
baskets or pots, a little rough fibrous peat and charcoal mixed together
will suit them, but they must have ample drainage as they require a good
supply of water in their growing season. When at rest they should get
just enough water to keep the bulbs in a plump state. We have found the
warm end of the Cattleya house to suit them. These Coryanths require a
good deal of care to grow them well. We used, some years ago, to grow
fine specimens and exhibit them, and they were always a source of great
attraction.
They are propagated by dividing the plants, leaving several old bulbs at
the back of the leading one. This should be done just after they have
started into growth. They must be kept free from insects which are apt
to injure the young leaves as they are thin in texture. Sometimes thrips
and red spiders will attack them, but they must be quickly exterminated.
Lælia purpurata.—A very fine spike of flower of this most beautiful and
chaste Orchid was received by us from J. Buchanan, Esq., of Edinburgh.
This plant has its sepals and petals quite flat, and holds them so till
the last, whereas many of the purpuratas curl up a little after they
have been open a short time. The sepals and petals are white, with a
broad finely-coloured dark lip, of which the front portion is rich
crimson-magenta, and the basal part paler and distinctly veined, the
throat being yellow, beautifully veined with dark crimson. Each flower
measured as much as seven inches across, the petals being two inches
across. Mr. Grossart, the gardener, says, the flowers show well up above
the foliage, which gives it a most striking appearance among the other
varieties.—B. S. W.
[Illustration: PL. 99.
DENDROBIUM FARMERII AUREUM.]
DENDROBIUM FARMERII AUREUM.
[Plate 99.]
Native of India: Moulmein.
Epiphytal. _Stems_ short, clavate, with a thickened bulbiform base,
jointed, deeply furrowed, the internodes almost wholly covered by
membranaceous sheaths, bearing leaves at the apex. _Leaves_ two or
four, lanceolate, ovate, coriaceous, dark shining green. _Racemes_
many-flowered, drooping, lateral, proceeding from near the top of the
stem, just beneath the leaves, the pale green pedicels with a small
concave ovate bract at their base. _Flowers_ bright golden yellow,
showy; _sepals_ oblong-ovate, bluntish, spreading, of a clear bright
golden yellow; _petals_ of the some colour, much broader,
roundish-ovate, almost meeting at the edges; _lip_ concave, roundish,
subunguiculate, with a small blunt spur behind, pubescent on the upper
surface, and denticulate at the edge, of a deep rich orange-yellow,
which contrasts agreeably with the lighter and brighter yellow of the
outer perianth segments. _Column_ small, pale yellow.
Dendrobium Farmerii aureum, _supra_.
Here we have a most charming Orchid, and one that blooms very freely on
short bulbs or stems. The plant is of less vigorous habit than certain
other of the varieties of _D. Farmerii_, some of which grow as
vigorously as _D. densiflorum_. Indeed, excepting by cultivators who are
well acquainted with the plants, it is a most difficult matter to
distinguish them readily from each other. The plant we now describe and
illustrate is a yellow-flowered variety of _D. Farmerii_, the typical
form of which has pinkish sepals and petals and a rich yellow lip. It is
a very lovely species. Our drawing of this rare variety was taken from a
plant in the Victoria Nursery, Upper Holloway, where we have had the
different forms flowering during the months of May and June, many of
them growing on a back wall on blocks of wood, and producing a fine
effect with their spikes of yellow blossoms hanging over the foliage.
Even when grown in pots or baskets they have a pleasing effect, and take
but little space.
_Dendrobium Farmerii aureum_ is a compact evergreen species from
Moulmein. It grows about ten inches high, with dark green shining
foliage. The flower spikes proceed from the top of the old bulb stems,
and are sometimes ten inches in length. The sepals and petals are bright
golden yellow, and the lip rich orange. The plant blooms during March,
April, and May, and lasts about a fortnight in perfection.
We have found the plants do well in the India House, under the same
treatment as _D. Farmerii_ itself. If grown in a pot give good drainage
by filling the pot three parts full with crocks, adding a little rough
fibrous peat and a small quantity of charcoal mixed with it, so that the
plants may be well elevated above the rim, and thus be enabled to throw
out their roots freely, while at the same time the water may pass off
quickly. If they are grown in baskets, the same treatment may be given.
A little water at the roots will suffice, as these plants do not like
too much moisture. The soil must be kept moist during the growing
season, but in their resting season only just sufficient must be given
to keep their bulbs and leaves plump. As soon as they begin to show
flower more water may be supplied in order to encourage the spikes to
come out more freely. If grown on a block a little live sphagnum moss
should be placed about their roots, and this must be kept moist during
the growing season. When they are at rest a little less quantity will do
until they commence to show their flowers.
Mr. Warner’s Orchids.—Those who wish to see Odontoglossums and
Masdevallias grown and flowered as they should be, should pay a visit to
the renowned collection of Orchids at Broomfield, Chelmsford. After
having inspected the principal collections both in Europe and America,
we have not the slightest hesitation in saying that this is one of the
finest displays of flowering Orchids ever brought together. These
Odontoglossums are grown by the thousand, Mr. Warner having sent a
collector to New Grenada, a few years ago, to select and bring home the
best varieties. This has resulted in getting together a collection of
about 12,000 Odontoglots, comprising all the best species and varieties
known to cultivators. On entering the Odontoglossum house we were
enchanted with the sight before us. Let the reader imagine a large house
sixty feet long by sixteen feet wide, with a centre and two side tables,
literally crammed with flowering Orchids, consisting of hundreds of
spikes of Odontoglossums and Masdevallias, intermixed with a profusion
of the beautiful _Epidendrum vitellinum majus_ and other Orchids, and he
will form some idea of the magnitude of this show. Leaving the
Odontoglossum house we entered the Masdevallia house, where there was
also a grand display, among which we noticed particularly _M. Harryana
atrosanguinea_, a fine form with large crimson-magenta flowers,
measuring two and a half inches long by two inches broad; _M.
Dennisoniana_, with richly coloured flowers, two and a half by two and a
quarter inches; and _M. Harryana longiflora_, a variety with immense
flowers, having blossoms three inches by two and a half of a rosy
magenta colour, faintly striped with a darker tint of the same colour.
In addition to these, there was another house about forty feet long
filled with flowering Odontoglossums, Masdevallias, and other things, a
perfect fairyland as viewed from the door. Leaving this house, we came
to the Cattleya house where, although the collection of these plants is
not large, there are nevertheless some fine varieties in bloom, more
especially of _Lælia purpurata_ and the ever varying _Cattleya Mossiæ_.
Altogether we were highly delighted with our visit, and greatly
appreciated the hospitality of our host.—H. W.
[Illustration: PL. 100.
LYCASTE HARRISONIÆ EBURNEA.]
LYCASTE HARRISONIÆ EBURNEA.
[Plate 100.]
Native of Brazil.
Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate, tetragonal, furrowed, monophyllous,
the young ones sheathed with brown membranaceous bracts. _Leaves_
broadly lanceolate acute, narrowed to the base, strongly ribbed or
plicate, rigid, dark green. _Raceme_ two-flowered, radical, erect,
shorter than the leaves, the peduncle furnished with appressed bracts.
_Flowers_ large end attractive, nearly three inches across; _sepals_
ivory-white, waxy in texture; dorsal one oblong, obtuse, broader
upwards, somewhat incurved, the lateral ones spreading horizontally,
falcato-oblong, the lower side produced so as to cover the spur of the
lip; _petals_ obovate, about as long as the dorsal sepal, of an
ivory-white wax-like appearance and stout fleshy texture; _lip_ large,
erect, narrowed at the base where it is enclosed by the lateral
sepals, broader upwards, three-lobed: lateral lobes incurved and
meeting the column, which they exceed, the margin with one or two
broadish lobes primrose-yellow, covered with strongly marked forked
reddish purple veins: front lobe smaller, oblong obtuse, recurved,
undulated, white, with a few finer purple veins at the edge; _disk_
with a broad orange-yellow hairy crest, which is blunt and much
thickened in front. _Column_ adnate for much of its length, and
meeting the base of all the petals and sepals, the free portion
incurved, semiterete.
Lycaste Harrisoniæ eburnea, _Moore_, _supra_.
We trust that the illustration we have now the pleasure to submit to our
readers, may be the means of inducing Orchid Growers to take up the
cultivation of the plants of this family for decorative purposes more
than is done at the present time. They produce fine handsome flowers,
and such kinds as _L. Skinneri_ are most useful for winter decoration.
There is a fine plate representing _L. Skinneri_ in Mr. Warner’s _Select
Orchidaceous Plants_, in which the light and dark coloured varieties are
well shown. There are among them many distinct and varied colours, and
they are all free blooming, lasting for six weeks in beauty; indeed,
when grown in a cool house, they continue still longer in perfection.
Some persons object to the Lycastes on account of the stiff rigid form
of their flowers, while other cultivators selecting the best forms and
varieties, find in them a source of much gratification. W. Lee, Esq., of
Leatherhead, has some wonderful varieties of the _L. Skinneri_ type,
some of them dark red, others mauve-pink or pure white, and there are
besides various other shades of colour; these all blooming at the same
time, and intermixed with plants of graceful foliage, produce the
decorative effect that one looks for in our orchid houses.
The plant our plate represents belongs to a different species, _L.
Harrisoniæ_, one of the older of cultivated Orchids. The drawing was
taken from a specimen bloomed and exhibited by ourselves at the Royal
Horticultural Society’s Show at South Kensington in April last, and
which was deservedly awarded a First Class Certificate for its ivory
white flowers with a slight pencilling of purple on the lip. The typical
_L. Harrisoniæ_ although one of the oldest inhabitants of our stoves is
well worth cultivating more extensively; it has creamy white flowers,
with a purplish lilac lip, the flowers being larger, and the plant more
robust in growth than in the present variety, _eburnea_, which, however,
blooms more freely and retains the purity of its whiteness for some
time. There are some yellow-flowered species, such as _L. cruenta_ and
_L. aromatica_, which are worth growing for their colour and fragrance.
_Lycaste Harrisoniæ eburnea_ is an evergreen plant eight inches in
height, with deep green foliage; the flower spikes proceed from the base
of the pseudobulb and are about six inches in length. The sepals and
petals are of pure ivory-white, and the lip is also white faintly
striped with crimson; the throat yellow, striped with purplish red. It
blooms during April and May, and lasts for several weeks in flower.
We have found this plant do well at the cool end of the Cattleya house.
A cooler situation even than this will do. It must be potted in rough
fibrous peat, with good drainage, and must be well elevated above the
pot so that its roots can work about the soil. A little charcoal
intermixed with the peat helps to keep the soil open; moreover, the
roots like to cling to it, and it prevents the material from becoming
sour. This plant will also do well in a basket suspended from the roof,
as it likes a considerable amount of light to ripen its bulbs and
foliage; this causes it to grow stronger and flower more freely. It
requires the same treatment as _L. Skinneri_ as regards watering during
the growing season, but when at rest must be kept drier.
Orchids at Upper Holloway.—We were much gratified, when recently calling
at the Victoria Nursery, to see the excellent condition of the Orchids
generally, and the fine display of flowers. Some of Mr. Williams’ Orchid
houses are provided with a vestibule, which, from its contiguity to the
outer atmosphere and the frequently open doorway, is cooler and drier
than the growing houses attached, and into these the blooming plants are
brought for display, with the result that they are thus kept much longer
in a state of beauty. The stock here is large and in first-rate
condition, as, indeed, one would expect it to be in the hands of so
skilful a grower. The plan of shading adopted in this establishment is
much to be commended; the canvas, which is of a special construction, is
so fixed that it is kept quite clear of the glass, and a space is thus
provided through which the air is constantly passing. In the case of
cool Orchids this is of great importance, as it acts so as to moderate
any excess of summer heat. We were much pleased to see that Mr.
Williams’ large specimen plants, now in flower, are legitimately “grown
on” and not “made up” as has lately been much the fashion, a practice
which, it may be hoped, the rule now adopted at some exhibitions, to the
effect that “made up” plants will disqualify, will put an end to. Many
fine species were in bloom, but as the object of this note is not to
make a catalogue of them, we will only add that the Cattleyas, Vandas,
Odontoglots, and Masdevallias were blooming very freely and were
represented by many finely grown specimens.—T. M.
[Illustration: PL. 101.
ODONTOGLOSSUM LEEANUM.]
ODONTOGLOSSUM LEEANUM.
[Plate 101.]
Native of New Grenada.
Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate obtuse, nearly two inches long,
pea-green, compressed, diphyllous. _Leaves_ oblong-ligulate, acute,
channelled towards the base. _Scape_ radical, produced in the axil of
a leaf investing the base of the pseudobulb, and terminating in an
erect many-flowered raceme, furnished with small ovate bracts at the
base of the pedicels, and having a few more elongated bracts below.
_Flowers_ stellate, about three and a half inches across, handsomely
spotted; _sepals_ slightly wavy, lanceolate, attenuately acuminate,
narrowed to the base, clear bright yellow, deeper at the tips, dotted
all over with rather small brownish crimson spots, which are here and
there somewhat larger, those towards the apical part being less
crowded by the smaller spots, the dorsal sepal with three red lines at
the base; _petals_ similar in form and colour, the larger less crowded
spots being more evident, and the base marked by three lines of red;
_lip_ ovate-lanceolate, about two-thirds the length of the sepals,
attenuated at the apex, bright yellow, deeper at the base, where there
are a few red streaks, and with a large brownish crimson blotch
towards the front, and a few marginal spots, the disk appressed to the
column at the base, and bearing a thick linear keel, which extends
into two rhomboidal toothletted lamellæ. _Column_ sulphur-yellow, with
a few reddish-brown spots, and a pair of falcate subulate ears or
wings at the apex.
Odontoglossum Leeanum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,
N.S., xvii. 525; xix. 694.
This is one of the most distinct Odontoglots that has come under our
notice; and its prettily-spotted flowers are so attractive that every
grower will be anxious to procure it. We believe, however, that the
plant from which our drawing was made, is the only one known at the
present time. It is in the possession of W. Lee, Esq., Downside,
Leatherhead, in whose honour it has been named, and who is very
fortunate in being the possessor of such a gem. There is little doubt of
its being a natural hybrid. The plant was imported along with many
others, none of which, however, have produced flowers approaching it in
beauty.
_Odontoglossum Leeanum_ is of evergreen habit, with pseudobulbs about
two inches high, of a pea-green colour. The leaves also are of a lively
light green colour, and about ten inches in length. The sepals and
petals are of a pale yellow margined with orange, and spotted with rich
red-brown, the lip yellow, also spotted with the same colour. It blooms
during the winter months, and lasts for several weeks in beauty, forming
a most effective contrast to the white flowers of _O. Alexandræ_ and _O.
Pescatorei_. The plant requires the same treatment as the two species
just named, and blooms in the same way.
We paid a visit to the Downside collection of Orchids in June of the
present year, and were greatly surprised to see the progress that had
been made as regards the erection of new houses for each section of
Orchids, and the pains and trouble which had been taken to make each
house complete as regards ventilation, stages, and tanks for the
reception of rain-water; even the paths are made to do their part
towards the growth of the plants, as well as to provide for the comfort
of those who have to do the work, as well as of the visitors, who may
walk on them without wetting their feet, a paving brick with a scored
surface being used, so that the water thrown down remains in the
depressions of the surface, and gives off by evaporation a continuous
supply of moisture to the atmosphere, which is what the plants require
in the summer season when in full growth.
There was one long house filled with Masdevallias in grand beauty—a
glorious sight, embracing all the best species and varieties that can be
procured. Close by was the Odontoglossum house, with the plants on the
side tables one mass of bloom; and besides these, there was a fine lot
of Odontoglots, including some good forms, blooming in full beauty, in
another house. Here also was the finest Cattleya house we have yet seen,
there being many hundreds of flowers, consisting of _Cattleya Mossiæ_,
of which there were some of the grandest varieties we have met with;
also some fine examples of _C. Warnerii_, rich in colour, intermixed
with _C. Mendelii_ in variety, _C. gigas_, with its bold richly coloured
flowers, and many fine specimens of _Lælia purpurata_ in full beauty. In
the same house was a fine lot of specimen Vandas, placed on the centre
table, they were in fine health, and with their graceful foliage
towering above them, and their distinctly-coloured flowers, altogether
formed a pleasing contrast to the Cattleyas.
The India house was gay with species of _Aërides_ and _Saccolabium_,
among which were some very rare ones, too numerous to mention. There was
also a fine house devoted to _Phalænopsis_, as well as one for
Dendrobes, many of which were in bloom. Next to these was a structure
devoted to a good collection of _Lycaste Skinneri_, and other kinds that
require the same treatment. Much credit is due to Mr. Lee’s gardener,
Mr. Woolford, for the great interest he takes in maintaining the health
of the plants under his care.
Mr. Percival’s Cattleyas.—We have received from R. P. Percival, Esq. of
Southport, a box containing a fine series of _Cattleya Mossiæ_, _C.
Mendelii_, &c. Mr. Percival informs us that he has now (June) as many as
three hundred and thirty-six blossoms of _C. Mossiæ_ open; and taking
the flowers sent us as a sample, they are of a very fine strain, and
must present a gorgeous _coup d’œil_ in the Orchid house. Accompanying
the Cattleyas was a grand spike of _Odontoglossum vexillarium
splendens_, with very large flowers fine in form and deep in colour.—B.
S. W.
[Illustration: PL. 102.
PLEIONE HUMILIS TRICOLOR.]
PLEIONE HUMILIS TRICOLOR.
[Plate 102.]
Native of the Indian Alps.
Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ lagæniform or bottle-shaped, that is, ovate
with the neck narrowed, at the flowering period leafless. _Leaves_
produced subsequently to the flowers, oblong-oblanceolate,
five-nerved, membranaceo-herbaceous, of a dark green colour, paler
beneath, the base enclosed in a tubular sheath. _Peduncles_ short,
one-flowered, furnished with sheathing bracts, the upper of which is
oblong-lanceolate, petaloid, longer than the ovary, and becoming at
length contracted, leaving the peduncle exposed. _Flowers_
proportionately large, showy, four inches across and three inches
deep, produced before the leaves are developed; _sepals_
narrow-lanceolate, spreading, and of a delicate blush or pale rosy
purple tint; _petals_ similar in form and colour, recurved; _lip_
large, obovate, emarginate, closely frilled at the edge, and
distinctly fringed with long hair-like teeth, sulphur-yellow, the
central portion having about six longitudinal fimbriated veins,
alternating with a corresponding number of pale tawny brown lines, the
broad margin wavered by irregular divergent bars and blotches of the
same colour. _Column_ free, erect, winged.
Pleione humilis tricolor, _Reichenbach fil. MS_.
_Pleione_ is a small genus, an offshoot of _Cælogyne_, distinguished,
perhaps, mainly by habit, which we are pleased to bring before our
readers, since the species form a charming group of dwarf-growing
free-blooming plants, easy of cultivation, and blossoming at a
time—autumn and winter—when flowers are most useful. They may, indeed,
be grown on a shelf in any warm house. Several of them are very
beautiful in colour, such as _P. Wallichiana_, which is of a deep rose;
_P. Reichenbachiana_, lilac-purple and magenta; _P. maculata_, white and
crimson; _P. lagenaria_, mauve and white; besides which there are
several others of almost equal beauty. In those we have here mentioned,
however, we get a charming contrast, and they flower about the same
time. In their native country the Pleiones are called Indian Crocuses, a
very appropriate name for them, as they are low-growing and destitute of
leaves when flowering. In our houses this apparent defect can be met by
intermixing them amongst Ferns, setting their flowers just above, and
the Ferns as a carpet or border for them. The variety of _P. humilis_,
figured in the accompanying plate, is a most beautiful one, which was
bloomed at the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, and was named by
Professor Reichenbach. It is quite distinct from those already
mentioned, and it blooms very freely in winter, which makes it a
desirable plant for cultivation.
_Pleione humilis tricolor_ is of dwarf deciduous habit, with dark green
foliage, attaining about six inches high, which is cast off after the
growth is completed: these leaves have about five principal nerves, with
five intermediate ones extending from the base to the apex. The flowers
proceed from the base of the curious flask-shaped pseudobulbs, and grow
on scapes about three inches high, the flowers being large in proportion
to their stature. The sepals and petals are of a pale rose colour, while
the lip is pale yellow, distinctly spotted with dull brownish orange.
The blossoms are produced during January and February, and last about
two or three weeks in beauty. This plant is best grown in a pot with
good drainage, of which, in the first place, the pots should be half
filled; then mix some good fibrous loam and peat, with a little sphagnum
moss and sand, and use this as a compost. They must have a good supply
of water during the growing season, but when the pseudobulbs have
matured their growth, they must be kept nearly dry until they show signs
of flowering, when a little moisture will help them to swell. After the
blossoms have faded, they require potting into fresh material, when they
will soon begin to grow, and send new roots into the fresh soil. We
always pot them afresh every year, since they lose all their roots. If
requisite, several bulbs may be placed in a pot on the top of the soil.
They must never be over-potted, indeed, we think they look better in
small pots.
All the kinds we have mentioned require the same treatment, and will do
well in a cool part of the East India house. We grow them in the
Cattleya house, but they must be near the glass, and shaded from the
bright sun, which soon affects their foliage, and if this happens, the
bulbs will not be so plump and vigorous, and the result will be that the
flowers will not be either so fine, or so numerous, or so well-coloured.
Vanda teres.—We recently received from J. Broome, Esq., Wood Lawn,
Didsbury, Manchester, some fine spikes of blossoms of this most
beautiful _Vanda_, and were surprised to hear that the plant had borne
over two hundred and fifty flowers. What a glorious spectacle! On one of
the spikes there were five of these charming flowers, each measuring
three inches across. We saw this plant last year, and a most wonderful
old specimen it is. It is trained cylindrically, and forms a grand
massive plant, curious, withal, on account of its terete dark green
climbing stems, thinly clothed with leaves, which are also terete, and
of the same colour. No doubt it is one of the most distinct-looking of
Orchids, and one, moreover, that few growers succeed in flowering well.
It requires to be grown vigorously, with all the light that can be given
to it in the growing season, during which period it should be well
supplied with moisture. When at rest in winter it should have very
little water, but should receive all the light and sun that can be
secured for it, in order to cause the stems to ripen. When it shows
signs of flowering, water may be supplied in order to induce the plant
to throw out its flower-spikes more freely and with greater vigour.—B.
S. W.
[Illustration: PL. 103.
DENDROBIUM DRACONIS.]
DENDROBIUM DRACONIS.
[Plate 103.]
Native of Moulmein, Siam, and Cochin China.
Epiphytal. _Stems_ robust, jointed, the internodes nearly covered by
the sheathing base of the leaves, striate, nigro-hirsute, about a foot
in height. _Leaves_ leathery, dark green, oblong-lanceolate, about
three inches long, obliquely notched at the apex. _Flowers_ in short
three to five-flowered racemes, terminal or borne in the axils of the
upper leaves, conspicuous from their fine ivory-white colour and
distinct eye; _sepals_ lanceolate, acute, entire, spreading, the
dorsal one erect; _petals_ also pure white, broader, ovate-lanceolate,
spreading, the tips often recurved; _lip_ three-lobed, the lateral
lobes short, roundish-ovate, white, pencilled with cinnabar-red, the
middle lobe three times longer, elongate-oblong, apiculate, the veins
thickened, the margins crenulate and undulated, the disk minutely
downy, and like the lateral lobes marked with a tuft of longitudinal
cinnabar-red lines; _spur_ funnel-shaped, horizontal, about equalling
the sepals. _Column_ short, greenish.
Dendrobium Draconis, _Reichenbach fil._, _Botanische Zeitung_, 1862,
214; _Id._, _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S., xix., 598.
Dendrobium eburneum, _Parish MS._; _Bateman_, in _Botanical Magazine_,
t. 5459; _Id._, _Second Century of Orchidaceous Plants_, t. 166;
_André_, _Revue Horticole_, 1883, 132, with coloured plate.
Some confusion in reference to the name of this handsome Dendrobe has
arisen in gardens where it has for about twenty years been known as
_Dendrobium eburneum_. This name, a MS. one of the Rev. C. P. S. Parish,
was attached to it in the _Botanical Magazine_ for 1864, and by mistake
attributed to Professor Reichenbach, who had published the name _D.
Draconis_ for the same plant in the _Botanische Zeitung_ for 1862. The
name _Draconis_, of course, takes precedence.
The plant which we now introduce to our readers under its correct name,
is a most beautiful Indian Dendrobe, one which is quite distinct in
growth, belonging to the nigro-hirsute group of which _Dendrobium
formosum_ is an example; it is, however, smaller, and a much better
grower, and, in fact, more closely resembles _D. infundibulum_ and _D.
Jamesianum_, both in its habit and its flowers, which are produced very
freely, as may be seen from the faithful representation of the plum and
flowers which our artist has made. The drawing was taken from a specimen
which bloomed in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, one of a large
importation we received last year as _D. eburneum_, the true name of
which, on submitting flowers to Professor Reichenbach, we learned to be
_D. Draconis_. We have subsequently bloomed others with much larger
flowers. It will become a most valuable plant for decoration, as its
blossoms last so long after being cut, and being white it will be always
in request.
_Dendrobium Draconis_ grows about a foot in height. It is an evergreen
plant, with dark hairy stems, producing deep green foliage and short
racemes of flowers. The sepals and petals are pure ivory-white, and the
lip is also white, with a bright vermilion throat. It flowers in May,
June, and July, and lasts about six weeks.
This plant does well in pans or pots suspended from the roof of the East
India house, near the light, as like all the Dendrobes it requires all
the light possible in order to ripen its stems, but the burning sun must
be kept from it. We have grown it in the stove hanging under a plant of
_Stephanotis_, where there is little shade from the foliage of the
Stephanotis, and with this treatment it has bloomed very freely. The
best potting material for it consists of rough fibrous peat and sphagnum
moss, with a liberal supply of water at the roots in the growing season.
When the growth is completed give just enough to keep the stems in a
plump state. It will grow either in pots or baskets suspended from the
roof, and also on blocks of wood with live sphagnum moss about the
roots, but under the latter circumstances when in vigorous growth the
plants will require more water and attention.
Orchids at Sandringham, the residence of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.—A
short time since we paid a visit to Mr. Penny to see the Orchids at
Sandringham, and were much struck with the many fine specimens we saw in
bloom, the mass of flowers on some of them, and the colour and size of
the blossoms; they gave one the idea of being well cared for. Mr. Penny
is quite an enthusiast among good plants, and appears to have selected
some most beautiful species and varieties of the Orchid family,
especially among the forms of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_ and _O.
Pescatorei_, the fine drooping spikes of which are cut and sent to the
Princess, who is a great admirer of them as decorations, intermixed with
the bright _Epidendrum vitellinum majus_ and _Masdevallias_, of which
there is here also a well-grown set of plants. The _Epidendrum
vitellinum majus_ was conspicuous for its large spikes of bright
orange-scarlet flowers; and we saw some splendid varieties of
_Masdevallia_, with fine bright colours and large flowers. We noticed
some well-grown plants of _Odontoglossum vexillarium_, with the flowers
five inches across, and good in colour; _Cattleya Mossiæ_ in good bloom,
some of the flowers measuring eight inches across, of fine substance,
shape, and colour; fine plants of _C. Mendelii_ and _C. gigas_; some
good plants of _Lælia anceps_, promising well for bloom in the autumn;
and well-grown plants of _L. anceps Dawsoni_. This choice collection
includes many other good Orchids grown for the purpose of cutting and
used for decorating the mansion. The great aim of Mr. Penny is to grow
those kinds that are most useful and lasting for that purpose. We quite
fall in with him in this respect, as there are no flowers that are
better adapted for decorative purposes than those Orchids which last
long after being cut.—B. S. W.
[Illustration: PL. 104.
ONCIDIUM FORBESII.]
ONCIDIUM FORBESII.
[Plate 104.]
Native of Brazil.
Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong obtuse, compressed, sulcate, two
inches long, of a dull brownish green, each bearing one leaf from the
apex. _Leaves_ lanceolate acute, leathery, eight to ten inches long.
_Scape_ radical, bearing a many-flowered panicle. _Flowers_ large,
numerous, very showy, measuring about two and a half inches in both
directions, handsomely marked; _sepals_ obovate, recurved, about an
inch long, deep chestnut brown, with indistinct transverse bands and
marginal indications of yellow, the lateral ones connate; _petals_
larger, about an inch and a half long, and an inch and a quarter wide,
roundish-obovate, the margin undulate, the base suddenly narrowed into
a claw, the central parts wholly deep glossy chestnut-red, the edge
for about a quarter of an inch in width yellow, closely marked by
short irregular transverse bars of chestnut-red; _lip_ with a longish
narrow claw, and large transversely reniform deeply bilobed front
segment, an inch and three fourths broad, which is coloured like the
petals, the claw spotted with yellow and red, crested, the crests
usually consisting of five rugged equidistant warts, the two middle of
which are sometimes wanting. _Column_ with small angulate wings,
banded with lines of violet.
Oncidium Forbesii, _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 3705; _Lindley_,
_Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Oncidium_, No. 60; _Williams_, _Orchid
Grower’s Manual_, 5 ed., 254.
The genus _Oncidium_ is a very large one, and there are many species
well known in cultivation, but the one we now illustrate belongs to a
section in which there are few that are so distinct in colour. The
flowers are not so large as in _O. crispum_, of which there are many
distinct varieties, differing in size and colour—variations which often
depend on the vigour of the plants. The same may be said of _O.
Forbesii_, the stronger the bulbs the finer the blossoms. Our sketch was
taken from a well-grown plant in the collection of E. Bonny, Esq., Downs
Park Road, Hackney, who is forming a choice collection of Orchids.
_Oncidium Forbesii_ is an evergreen species, with pseudobulbs of a
greenish brown colour; the foliage is of a dark green, and the flowers
are chestnut-brown, with the sepals and petals irregularly margined with
bright lemon-yellow. It blooms at different times of the year, and lasts
for several weeks in perfection. We find the plants do well in small
pans or baskets, and also on blocks of wood. When grown in pans or
baskets we have found them grow freely in good fibrous peat, with pieces
of charcoal on the top of the peat, as they like to work their roots in
among the charcoal, and should have plenty of drainage, and but very
little peat earth. When cultivated on blocks they require more water in
the growing than in the resting season.
These plants are not long-lived under our artificial treatment. There is
something wanted that we do not or cannot supply, and hence it is
difficult to keep them for any long period in a thriving condition. They
seem, indeed, to wear themselves out by over-flowering or other causes
which are very difficult to find out. The same thing happens in the case
of some other Orchids. The bulbs of these plants should, if possible, be
kept from shrivelling. They often seem inclined to shrivel after they
have bloomed freely, and sometimes they lose their roots, especially
when they have their flower-spikes left on too long. If the plant is not
in a vigorous condition, it should not be allowed to bloom. We find they
do best at the coolest end of the Cattleya house, kept as near to the
glass as possible, but shaded from the hot sun, with sufficient water to
keep them moist during the growing season.
Insects should be assiduously kept in check, for cleanliness is a great
point in the culture of all Orchids. The plants are subject to the
attacks of white scale and thrips. In all cases every effort should be
made to keep the roots of the plants from being eaten off, as this would
soon cause the bulbs to shrivel and the plants to dwindle away.
Mr. Bull’s Exhibition of Orchids.—We have been particularly pleased with
this grand Exhibition. We thus see what the perseverance, courage, and
enterprise of one man can do in bringing together a magnificent show of
these gorgeous flowers for the gratification of the public—a show which
enables them without any personal inconvenience to gaze upon and admire
the wonderful floral products of distant lands. Indeed, even if the
visitors to Mr. Bull’s exhibition had travelled to their native
habitats, they could not have seen the plants under the same advantages,
for many of them grow on high trees and rocks almost out of sight, and
the different genera are nowhere to be found associated, except
artificially, as Mr. Bull has them in his Orchid house. There in the
month of June we saw some thousands of blossoms of different kinds of
_Cattleya_, _Odontoglossum_, _Oncidium_, _Lælia_, _Vanda_,
_Masdevallia_, _Anguloa_, _Epidendrum_, _Sobralia_, _Cypripedium_,
_Aërides_, _Saccolabium_, _Dendrobium_, _Phajus_, _Cœlgyne_, _Brassia_,
_Calanthe_, _Chysis_, _Cymbidium_, _Disa_, _Lycaste_, _Maxillaria_,
_Phalænopsis_, _Sophronitis_, _Thunia_, and various other genera, groups
of each kind being in many cases arranged in masses of different
colours; the whole being intermixed with Ferns, Palms, and other fine
foliaged plants, the combined effect was grand in the extreme—as those
persons who know Orchids will readily imagine, while those who are not
acquainted with their varied forms and lovely colours would not possibly
be able to form any idea of the wonderful display of beauty produced by
such an arrangement of such materials. We often see when there are
Orchids at Flower Shows that the visitors flock around them, admiring
their beauties of form and colour, but in the flower tent such a
glorious and gorgeous effect as that produced by Mr. Bull’s display is
never realized. We could say much more in respect to this Exhibition,
but space will not permit.—B. S. W.
[Illustration: PL. 105.
MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA ATROSANGUINEA.]
MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA ATROSANGUINEA.
[Plate 105.]
Native of New Grenada.
Epiphytal. _Stems_ slender, short, tufted. _Leaves_ persistent,
leathery in texture, with a nerveless elongate oblong-spathulate
obtuse or somewhat acute blade, which is channelled at the base,
keeled behind, of a dark green colour, narrowed downwards into a short
petiole, three to four inches long, grooved in front, and invested at
the base by long membranous brownish sheaths. _Scape_ erect, about a
foot high, striately pencilled with purple, furnished with a few
appressed sheathing bracts, bearing a solitary flower at the top.
_Flowers_ richly-coloured and strikingly handsome; _tube_ a quarter of
an inch wide and three-quarters of an inch long, dull orange-yellow
stained with rosy purple in front, the mouth more closed than in some
other forms; _dorsal sepal_ upwards of two inches long, narrow nearly
to the base, filiform upwards; _lateral sepals_ deflexed, broadly and
obliquely flacate-lanceolate, acuminate, two and a half inches long,
and nearly an inch wide, of a rich glowing crimson flushed with
magenta; _petals_ and _lip_ small, hidden at the base of the tube.
Masdevallia Harryana atrosanguinea, _Hort. Williams_.
Of the genus _Masdevallia_ a few years ago there were but a very limited
number of species known in cultivation, but it is now becoming a very
comprehensive one, thanks to the perseverance or our energetic
collectors, who have striven hard to bring the plants home, and have in
a great measure succeeded, although with many of them the task of
importation has been very difficult.
The variety we now bring before our readers is one of the best forms of
the _Masdevallia Harryana_ group. The figure was taken from a fine plant
in the collection of R. Warner, Esq., Broomfield, who is a most
successful grower of _Masdevallias_, and blooms them with fine flowers
and brilliant colours. They are cultivated in pits after they have
bloomed in summer, and in autumn are brought back into the Odontoglossum
house, where they complete their growth and bloom in spring. They
require rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, and a good supply of water
nearly all the year round. They must never get dry, as they are found in
shady places, where the atmosphere is always moist. We find them to
succeed well with the same treatment as _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_, but
not in so cool a temperature as some growers keep these plants in. They
do not, however, like to be kept too close, so that a little air must
always be given, avoiding cold draughts, which are injurious to all
Orchids, whether grown in cool or warm houses. The rule applies in this
respect in both cases.
As regards shading none of these plants like the hot sun, but they need
all the light that can be given them, without exposing them to bright
sunshine. The blinds ought never to be let down when there is no sun, as
the shade will draw them up dwindling and weakly, whereas if they have
plenty of light they grow robust, and bring better flowers of a finer
colour. This is the case with those at Broomfield, as Mr. Warner uses a
very thin shading, and being in a fine open country place they get the
pure air and clear light which is so beneficial to them. We believe the
plants delight in this treatment, for we do not often see them doing so
well in close places or in large towns as when they are located a few
miles in the country. Most Orchids, indeed, thrive, fairly well in
towns, provided their wants are attended to, but the treatment of course
should be different, as when grown in close places they require more
ventilation, and all the light that can be secured, whereas when grown
in a country place like Broomfield, observation and experience must
decide as to the necessities of the locality and its surroundings. Even
then the cultivator requires much practice and forethought, in order to
produce the best results, especially as the temperature varies so much
in different situations: for instance, when, on the one hand, the houses
are on a high hill exposed to all weathers, or, on the other hand, are
in a sheltered spot on a hill-side, or in a valley, in all which
localities there will be experienced considerable differences of
temperature and light. The sun, moreover, varies in power. Orchid
growers should find out the peculiarities of place and climate in which
they are placed, and act accordingly. This is one of the great secrets
in the successful cultivation of all plants, not of Orchids only; and in
order to ensure success, all those points must be studied and acted on.
Many growers are fully aware of these requirements, but others are not
so well informed.
_Masdevallias_ are free-growing and free-rooting plants, and are easily
increased by dividing the tufts just as they are about to make their
growth; but it must not be expected that these will flower well until
they get established, which they will do best in small pots after being
divided. The second year the growth will be stronger and as they get
established larger pots may be given to them as required. Rough fibrous
peat, sphagnum moss, and good drainage should be given, and the roots
must be kept moist. Insects should be kept under. They are subject to
attacks of green fly on their young growths and flower spikes, and of
thrips on the leaves, which must be kept under, or the growth will be
crippled.
[Illustration: PL. 106.
MAXILLARIA LUTEO-ALBA.]
MAXILLARIA LUTEO-ALBA.
[Plate 106.]
Native of Colombia.
Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ large, about two and a half inches high,
ovate obtuse, compressed, clustered, bearing at the apex a solitary
leaf. _Leaves_ stalked by the folding of the basal portion, oblong
obtuse, a foot long or more, of a dark green colour. _Peduncles_
radical, about half the length of the leaves, invested throughout with
green sheathing bracts. _Flowers_ large and peculiar in form,
triangular in outline, and measuring about six inches from the top of
the dorsal to the top of the lateral sepal, brownish externally;
_dorsal sepal_ linear-oblong, acute, three inches long, of a tawny
yellow in the upper two-thirds of its length, the basal third white,
_lateral sepals_ of the same form, size, and colours, but twisted;
_petals_ two, erect, or somewhat projecting like two horns, ovate
oblong, about half as long as the sepals, white at the base, with a
few splashes of purple, yellow at the tip, with a blotch of pale brown
of about equal size between; _lip_ concave at the base, hairy, the
margins undulated, three-lobed, the lobes obtuse, the lateral ones
short, erect, yellow, striped with purple, the front one oblong,
emarginate, recurved, the central portion convex, yellow, the margins
paler, whitish. _Column_ short, curved, creamy-white.
Maxillaria luteo-alba, _Lindley_, _Orchidaceæ Lindenianæ_, 20;
_Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematiceæ_, vi.,
516; _Id._ _Bonplandia_, ii., 15, 280.
The _Maxillarias_ form a genus of Orchids not much appreciated by many
growers, but of late there has been greater variety introduced among
them, and they are becoming more popular in cultivation. Some of the
better and more showy kinds are quite worth bringing before our readers,
as they are free-growing plants, and most of them may be kept along with
the cool Orchids.
Our figure of _Maxillaria luteo-alba_ was taken from a plant we flowered
at Holloway, and exhibited at one of the meetings of the Royal
Horticultural Society, and for which we were awarded a First Class
Certificate. We bloomed it many years ago, but we found that Orchid
growers of the present day had many of them not seen it. We find it very
useful for cutting purposes, as it flowers when the plants are small,
which in our opinion is far better than making large specimens. When
they get too large we cut them into several pieces, and grow them on
again for blooming. The flowers having stalks about six inches long, may
be cut without damaging the plants; they are extremely useful for
button-hole bouquets, which are so much in request at the present day.
_Maxillaria luteo-alba_ is an evergreen plant, with dark green foliage,
and grows about eighteen inches high. The flowers proceed from the base
of the pseudobulbs at different times of the year. The sepals and petals
are of a yellowish brown, and the lip yellow margined with white, the
throat being striped with purple.
We find this species succeeds well in the cool house, with
_Odontoglossum Alexandræ_; good fibrous peat suits it well, and it
requires good drainage, with a liberal supply of water at the roots when
it is in vigorous growth, as it is a free-rooting plant. After the
growth is completed it should have only sufficient water to keep the
pseudobulbs in a fresh plump state. A little shade is beneficial to the
foliage of the plant in summer, but it should be grown as fully exposed
to the light and as near to the glass as possible. Under this treatment
it will be found to grow freely.
Renanthera Lowii.—This noble plant, also known as _Vanda Lowii_, has
bloomed very finely in the collection of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild,
at Ferrières, near Paris, this being the finest and best grown specimen
we have seen. The main stem is about six feet high, with four growths
from it, and every leaf is perfect, which is rarely the case. It bore
eleven of its charming pendulous spikes or racemes of flowers, each
spike extended to the length of nine feet; it had a noble appearance.
with its reddish brown flowers, marked by irregular lines of greenish
yellow; but the most curious part connected with the inflorescence of
this plant is, that at the base it produces two blossoms of a tawny
yellow, spotted with crimson, quite dissimilar from the others. The
plant in question is a most remarkable one, and we may say that it is
the finest specimen we have had the good fortune to behold. Great credit
is due to Mr. Bergman for the production of such a specimen. The eleven
spikes were, we understand, cut and sent to the Baroness in London.
Gardening is well carried on at Ferrières; every department is well
kept. There are many thousands of plants grown for purposes of
decoration, which is kept up through the whole year. The mansion is a
splendid structure, and the grounds are beautifully laid out, abounding
with fine trees, and provided with lakes. In fact, it is one of the
finest and best kept garden establishments we have seen, and great
praise is due to those who have the management of it.—B. S. W.
[Illustration: PL. 107.
SACCOLABIUM CURVIFOLIUM.]
SACCOLABIUM CURVIFOLIUM.
[Plate 107.]
Native of India (Nepal and Birmah) and Ceylon.
Epiphytal. _Stem_ dwarf, erect, densely leafy. _Leaves_ crowded,
distichous, linear, obliquely præmorse, with an acute apex, deflexed,
channelled towards the base, pale green. _Racemes_ erect from the
upper axils, six inches long, densely flowered, the peduncles pale
green, bracteate, the pedicels red, six-angled, with a small ovate
bracteole at the base. _Flowers_ bright cinnabar-red, about an inch
across, somewhat concave; _dorsal sepal_ obovate, with a claw-like
base, entire; _lateral sepals_ somewhat broader at the base, and
unequal-sided, all spreading, and of a uniform dense cinnabar-red;
_petals_ of the same form as the dorsal sepal, and of a similar tint
of colour; _lip_ with a cylindraceous obtuse spur over a quarter of an
inch long, to the front side of which is attached a tongue-like linear
lamina, truncately-emarginate at the apex, and having a central paler
orange rib with two knobs at the top of the spur-tube; at the back of
the spur are two short erect lobes, which are convex outwardly, and
with a boss or protuberance on the inner surface; lip more orange than
the sepals, the processes at the end of the spur yellow; _spur_ of the
same colour as the lip. _Column_ short, deep red, semi-terete, the
angle winged upwards, the anther-case tinted with violet.
Saccolabium curvifolium, _Lindley_, _Genera and Species of
Orchidaceous Plants_, 222; _Bateman_, _Second Century of Orchidaceous
Plants_, t. 130; _Lemaire_, _L’Illustration Horticole_, xii, t. 493.
Saccolabium miniatum, _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 5326—fide
Bateman and Lemaire.
The _Saccolabium_ rank among the richest and most beautiful of the
Orchid family; indeed, there are some magnificent species among those
cultivated in our Orchid houses, which we hope to figure as time passes
on. In the present illustration we introduce to our subscribers one of
the small growing kinds, and one of the most distinct which we have seen
as regards its habit and the colour of its flowers. Our figure was taken
from a well-grown plant in the fine collection of W. Lee, Esq.,
Downside, Leatherhead, whom we are glad to observe is collecting and
cultivating, along with the other East Indian kinds, the best species
and varieties of this genus that can be obtained.
_Saccolabium curvifolium_ is a dwarf and compact-growing evergreen
plant, seldom seen more than a foot in height, with foliage of a light
green colour, about four or five inches in length. It is a free-blooming
kind, producing in May and June its bright orange-scarlet flowers, which
continue in a fresh state for weeks. It is a very slow growing plant,
and is seldom seen forming large specimens. Sometimes masses of it are
imported, and these when set upon blocks of wood form charming
specimens. We saw one in the collection of the Comte de Germiny, in
France, which was most beautiful—two feet in height, and well bloomed;
this specimen, which was suspended from the roof of the house, had a
remarkably fine effect.
This plant will do either on blocks of wood or in small suspended pans
or baskets, so that, it gets all the light possible. We find the best
material to cultivate it in is sphagnum moss and a few pieces of
charcoal intermixed, and it must have good drainage; it requires very
little moss, as the roots like to enjoy the moist atmosphere of the
house. The species is found growing on trees where the roots get the
full benefit of the light and air; and if we imitate this as nearly as
possible as regards their roots, we shall not go far wrong. Of course in
our Orchid houses the treatment varies, and consequently the plant will
require a little shade. The temperature required is that of the East
India house.
Stanhopea gibbosa.—We have received from Alfred G. Wallis, Esq., of
Balham, a grand spike of this great beauty. The plant, Mr. Wallis
informs us, is growing in a wire basket about fifteen inches in
diameter, and has borne five spikes of flowers, four of them with two
flowers on a spike and one with one flower. The flowers are large, about
six inches across; the petals are yellow, barred and blotched with
crimson, the sepals assuming a darker tint of the same colour. Mr.
Peacock was also successful in flowering this plant in June of the
present year. It is a great pity Stanhopeas are not more popular among
Orchid cultivators, as they form a very showy group of plants, their
only drawback being the short time they continue in flower, and their
very powerful and unpleasant odour.—B. S. W.
Disa grandiflora.—We received a wonderfully fine spike of this superb
Orchid from Mr. Thomas Speed, the Duke of Devonshire’s gardener, at
Chatsworth. The spike was two feet six inches in length from the pot,
and bore twelve flowers of large size and fine colour—a bright scarlet
and crimson, the lip veined with pink, which gives a nice contrast. It
is a most charming cool-house Orchid that every one may grow who has an
ordinary greenhouse. Mr. Speed is a most successful cultivator of this
fine plant. We saw the first small plant he had to begin with some years
ago, and this plant has gone on improving, and many offshoots have been
taken from it which have also made fine specimens. The _Disa_ really
seems to be no trouble to cultivate. The way in which Mr. Speed treats
it is to grow it in a common greenhouse, where it gets plenty of fresh
air and light, and here it requires nothing but plenty of water in the
growing season. It is grown in sphagnum moss and rough fibrous peat and
loam. There is no doubt that this plant does not get shifted from the
place where it was found to do well. This is a great secret in plant
culture. When a plant is found doing well, let it remain where it is,
unless on trial another place is found to be equally suitable. Few
people grow this _Disa_ well. The reason is, that they keep it in too
warm a house, and coddle it too much. If they would follow Mr. Speed’s
plan, there is no doubt they would succeed, if the plants are kept free
from insects, and provided with sweet material about their roots.—B. S.
W.
[Illustration: PL. 108.
CATTLEYA TRIANÆ FORMOSA.]
CATTLEYA TRIANÆ FORMOSA.
[Plate 108.]
Native of Colombia.
Epiphytal. _Stems_ oblong, club-shaped, furrowed, the lower parts
enveloped in whitish membranaceous sheaths. _Leaves_ solitary,
coriaceous, ligulate-oblong, obtuse, emarginate, deep green. _Scape_
two to three-flowered, proceeding from a terminal oblong compressed
bract or sheath. _Flowers_ large, six inches in depth and seven inches
in breadth, richly coloured; _sepals_ lanceolate, acute, about
three-fourths of an inch broad, blush or very dilute rosy-purple;
_petals_ much broader—two and a half inches, having the margins much
undulated, of the same blush or pallid purple hue as the sepals; _lip_
well displayed, convolute at the base so as to enclose the column, and
of a pallid purplish colour, the apical portion roundish, emarginate,
and expanded, nearly two and a half inches across, the margin
including the portion surrounding the throat, very much undulated so
as to form a crenate-lobate frill, the surface for about two-thirds of
the front of a deep rich magenta-purple, the disk and throat
orange-yellow, the upper edge paler, and the magenta tint passing
backwards in streaks over the disk.
Cattleya Trianæ formosa, _Williams MS_.
We now present to our readers a portrait of a most splendid variety of
_Cattleya Trianæ_, of which them are numerous handsome forms, varying in
colour from rose to crimson and magenta, and also to pure white, with
intermediate tints. During the past five years there have been very
large importations, but none that we have seen surpass the varieties we
have already in cultivation, such as _Dodgsoni_, _Osmanii_,
_Russelliana_, and _Williamsii_. These varieties are most difficult to
improve upon, but probably we shall get other splendid forms among the
large importations as they come to us from the different districts which
the species inhabits. The _Trianæ_ section has given us a grand lot of
varieties for winter decoration especially; there are very many distinct
types among them, and they come into blossom at a time, during the dull
months of winter, when flowers are wanted to make our houses gay. Our
drawing was taken from a very large specimen that has been grown and
bloomed by us for several years, and which we consider one of the most
beautiful varieties in cultivation—we believe our plate will show us to
be fully justified in so doing.
_Cattleya Trianæ formosa_ is a free and strong-growing evergreen kind,
attaining fifteen inches high, with dark green foliage and strong
sheaths. The flowers are of large size and substance, and are thrown
well up so as to have a bold appearance, much more so than many others
of its class. The sepals and petals are of a blush pink, and the lip
rich rose-magenta, being beautifully frilled and edged with a lighter
tint of the same colour, two and a quarter inches in diameter, have the
throat orange veined with a deeper orange. The flowers are produced in
February and March, lasting for several weeks in beauty.
It thrives best in a pot with rough peat and good drainage, and requires
the same treatment as _C. Mossiæ_ and _C. Trianæ_, beginning to grow
after it has finished blooming. These make their flower sheaths in
summer, much earlier than most of the _Cattleyas_, which secures to this
section more light and heat in which to finish off their growth before
winter sets in. Their pseudobulbs must be kept dry during winter, as if
allowed to get wet they will probably rot away; therefore, when their
growth is finished, give only sufficient water to keep the pseudobulbs
in a plump state.
Orchids at Gouville.—The Comte de Germiny, Chateau de Gouville, France,
has a noted collection of Orchids, which we recently had the pleasure of
visiting. We found many grand specimens that interested us exceedingly,
including fine _Cattleyas_, _Lælias_, _Saccolabiums_, _Aërides_,
_Vandas_, _Angræcums_, _Cypripediums_, _Phalænopsis_, &c. We gave a
short notice of this splendid establishment in our second volume, and
now confine our remarks to the specimens we saw in flower. Of _Cattleya
labiata pallida_ there were two wonderful specimens, with over one
hundred pseudobulbs on each; the first had forty-eight expanded flowers
on it, and the other twenty-eight, a most gorgeous sight. Contrasting
well with these were several good plants, in full bloom, of _Epidendrum
nemorale majus_, with their drooping spikes of showy delicate
rose-coloured flowers. These were backed up with a fine specimen of
_Sobralia macrantha_, bearing thirty spikes of its rich purple and
crimson flowers, of a large size. Then came _Epidendrum vitellinum
majus_, suspended on a block, with twelve spikes of its bright
orange-scarlet flowers, which always form a fine contrast with the
surrounding colours. Near this were fine specimens of _Cattleya crispa
superba_, and a specimen of _Cattleya Mendelii_. There were also some
fine _Vandas_ in full beauty, as well as _Oncidiums_ with bright yellow
blossoms, and _Dendrobium suavissimum_, with orange yellow and brown
spotted flowers. A fine specimen of _Epidendrum prismatocarpum_ was
showing fourteen spikes. M. Rondeau, the energetic gardener, informed us
that they had at one time three hundred and ninety expanded flowers of
_Cattleya Mossiæ_, _Mendelii Warnerii_, and others, which must have been
a gorgeous sight; also _Cattleya citrina_, different plants, that
produced fifty-two of their yellow fragrant flowers. It is always a
delight to a lover of good plants to visit a place where gems like these
are the pride of the owner; and in this case we found that the Comte de
Germiny not only has a good knowledge of his plants, but took the
greatest interest in showing them to us.—B. S. W.
[Illustration: PL. 109.
CYPRIPEDIUM MELANOPHTHALMUM.]
CYPRIPEDIUM MELANOPHTHALMUM.
[Plate 109.]
Garden Hybrid.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent. _Leaves_ distichous, coriaceous,
oblong-lanceolate, acute, of a pale dull green colour, chequered with
coarse elongate reticulations of a darker green. _Scape_ (peduncle)
greenish, clothed with purple hairs, having near the apex a short
acuminate hairy bract, which is strongly ciliated. _Flowers_
medium-sized, of a rather showy character, solitary; _dorsal sepal_
broad ovate-acuminate, an inch and a half long, white flushed with
purple towards the base, distinctly marked with green veins, of which
the two pairs on each side the central one are alternately long and
short, while the rest become gradually shorter as they approach the
edge; united _lateral_ ones narrow ovate, whitish with green veins;
_petals_ glossy, linear oblong, dull purple on the upper side towards
the base, and marked with a series of blue warty hairy dots on the
upper edge, the apical portion bright reddish purple or wine-red, the
lower half somewhat greener, both margins ciliate; _lip_ bold, an inch
and three-quarters long, with a somewhat compressed pouch an inch
long, of a dull reddish purple suffused with green—the green colour
most apparent towards the tip and back—and distinctly marked with
darker purple reticulations, the sides veined, pale yellowish spotted
with crimson warts within, their upper angles produced into auricles.
_Staminode_ very prominent, hexagonal, emarginate in front with a
small tooth inside, veined with green in the centre, pale purplish
green at the edge, the surface shortly downy.
Cypripedium melanophthalmum, _Reichenbach fil._, _Gardeners’
Chronicle_, N.S., xiv., 525.
This is one of the numerous hybrid Lady’s Slippers that have been raised
by R. Warner, Esq., Broomfield, Chelmsford. All these are of
free-blooming character, every small growth bringing its quota of
flowers. The foliage of the several forms is differently variegated,
while the flowers of all the kinds are of long duration, which is an
excellent quality in any plant. It will be seen from our illustration
that _Cypripedium melanophthalmum_ is a pretty plant, and one well
worthy of cultivation, since it produces flowers which are valuable for
cutting purposes, the stems being firm and long, which makes it useful
for vases and other decorations for the adornment of living rooms. The
plants are grand for exhibition purposes, as they carry well without
injury by tying each flower-stem to a small stick.
The _Cypripedia_ are of easy cultivation. They may, moreover, be freely
hybridized, and are more readily produced from seed than many other
subjects, as may be seen from the number which have been brought before
the public, by those who make it their study to raise them in this way.
Some persons are more successful in this branch of culture than others.
There is no doubt that it requires a good deal of skill and tact to find
out the best sorts for crossing, and also to effect the best crosses;
moreover, it occupies a good deal of time, but we do not know of
anything more delightful than this self-imposed task of improving the
beauties of nature, and where one can devote attention to it, there must
be a great deal of pleasure in watching the progress of one’s pets and
noting the results of one’s labours when they put forth their blossoms.
_Cypripedium melanophthalmum_ is an evergreen plant, having light
yellowish green foliage with dark reticulations and blotches. The flower
stems grow about six inches high, bearing the interesting flower at the
top; the dorsal sepal is white flushed with purple at the base, and
veined with green; the petals are bright reddish crimson, with darker
veins and black hairy blotches or wart-like spots on the edge; the pouch
is bright crimson with a green base, netted with green and reddish
brown.
It requires the same treatment as _C. barbatum_—that is, it should be
potted in rough fibrous peat, with good drainage, and the plant should
be well elevated above the pot-rim, so that the roots can run over and
also into the soil. These plants require a good deal of water, nearly
all the year round, as they have no thick fleshy bulbs to support them.
It must always be borne in mind that they must be kept free from insects
to ensure successful and satisfactory progress.
Aërides Lawrenciæ.—At Stevens’ Auction Rooms, on the 19th day of
September last, there was a magnificent new _Aërides_ offered for sale,
which realized the large sum of 235 guineas (£246 15_s._), the purchaser
being Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P. It is encouraging to see that
Orchids are more esteemed than ever they were, and that in spite of the
enormous importations which are continually being received, good things
are realising higher prices than ever. This new _Aërides_ resembles in
habit a large growing form of _A. quinquevulnerum_: the flower-spike
measures two feet in length, and bears thirty-two of its lovely
blossoms, which seem to be intermediate between those of _A. odoratum_
and _A. quinquevulnerum_, possessing the strong aroma of the first-named
plant. The flowers are very large, the sepals and petals white tipped
with rosy-purple, the lip white marked with rich amethyst. It has just
been named in compliment to Lady Lawrence.—H. W.
[Illustration: PL. 110.
MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA MINIATA.]
MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA MINIATA.
[Plate 110.]
Native of New Grenada.
Epiphytal. _Stems_ short, tufted, slender. _Leaves_ persistent, of
leathery texture, the blade spathulate, channelled at the base, keeled
behind, tapering down into the petiole, which is invested by whitish
brown membranaceous sheathing bracts. _Scape_ issuing from the bract,
investing the leaf base, radical, about a foot high, stiff, pale
green, thickly striate-blotched with purple, with one or two distant
sheathing bracts, and surmounted by the curved six-ribbed ovary, which
is dotted with purple. _Flowers_ remarkably brilliant in colour;
_tube_ about a quarter of an inch wide and upwards of half an inch
long, orange-yellow, the open tube forming a yellow eye to the flower;
_dorsal sepal_ filiform, recurved, two inches long; _lateral sepals_
deflexed falcate-ovate acute, fully two inches long by one inch wide,
of a bright vermilion-red flushed with scarlet, and having the
principal ribs of a rich deep crimson; _petals_ minute, oblong-obtuse,
white tinged with purple; _lip_ still shorter, the tip recurved
yellow, the disk with a deep furrow between two obtuse ridges.
_Column_ white, shorter than the petals, the winged margin extending
upwards into a toothed hood.
Masdevallia Harryana miniata, _Williams and Moore_, _supra_.
This is a most charming variety of _Masdevallia Harryana_, being quite a
new colour in this section; it is the most distinct and beautiful for
its brightness of hue—one which we have not yet seen developed to such
perfection of brilliancy in any other variety. It may also be noted,
that when mixed with other forms of various colours it blends with them
most charmingly. How exceedingly bright and beautiful it is will be seen
from our figure, in which, however, it has been extremely difficult for
our artist to imitate the natural tint of the flower. Our sketch was
taken from a well-bloomed plant in the large collection of
_Masdevallias_ grown by W. Lee, Esq., of Downside, Leatherhead. It is a
very rare as well as showy plant, and we shall be glad to see more of
it, as it will assuredly be sought after.
_Masdevallia Harryana miniata_ is a dwarf compact-growing plant, with
foliage about eight inches high of a bright dark green colour. The
flowers are scarlet-vermilion with a bright yellow eye. It blooms during
May and June, and lasts about four weeks in full beauty.
This plant will thrive under the treatment recommended for the forms of
the _Harryana_ section in our first volume (Plate 24), where all the
necessary particulars will be found. Mr. Woolford, the gardener at
Downside, is a most successful cultivator, and has under his charge a
house nearly 100 feet long filled with _Masdevallias_, wherein, when we
last saw them, there were many hundreds of expanded blossoms of large
size and high colour. They are potted in the same way that we recommend.
Mr. Woolford seems to diffuse a great deal of moisture about the house
during the summer months, and the soil they are growing in is kept very
moist. If anyone wants to see these lovely plants in perfection and well
cultivated, this is the place at which to find them.
Orchids at The Dell, Staines.—The collection of Baron Schröder is well
worthy of a visit, there being always something to see and to learn. The
Baron takes such great interest in his collection that he will have good
species and good varieties. He does not fill his houses with numbers of
imported plants to take the chance of what he may get, but he secures at
once good healthy established plants of all the choicest and best known
kinds. Of course, there is a chance of getting good forms among the
imported plants, but along with them one finds a great many that one
does not care for, but which have occupied valuable space; besides which
such plants are unsightly in a show house. A few rough imported plants
spoil the appearance of a whole collection, and we know ladies prefer to
see good flowers accompanied by fine green foliage, which always renders
a plant more agreeable to the eye.
We noticed many fine plants here in August last, when but few Orchids
are in bloom: indeed there are always good plants blooming here. A
splendid house has been allotted to _Cattleyas_, of which there are some
grand and noble specimens; we noticed several fine plants of _Cattleya
exoniensis_, also of the best form of _C. labiata_, with some wonderful
specimens of _C. Trianæ_ and _C. Russelliana_, _C. Mendelii_, _C.
Warnerii_, _C. Dominiana_ in two varieties, and many new hybrids. Of
_Lælia purpurata_ there were fine specimens of the best varieties; also
some good forms of _L. elegans_. There were several fine _Vandas_ in
this house. We also noticed _Renanthera Lowii_, showing a vigorous spike
of bloom, and by the side of this was a good specimen of _Cattleya
crispa grandiflora_ with several spikes, one having nine flowers; also
one of _C. gigas_ which bore seven flowers, and had a very large lip,
quite distinct in colour. Associated with this was the rare _Lælia
callistoglossa_ with a rich magenta lip, in full beauty and very showy.
There were other good plants in bloom.
In the Saccolabium house there had been many fine kinds in flower. We
noticed a very handsome _S. Blumei giganteum_ with a spike two feet long
and of large size—the plant and spike we have seen. There were also fine
varieties of _Phalænopsis violacea_ in bloom, and grand specimens of
other rare species, also of _Cattleya Eldorado_, with some good
_Aërides_, _Angræcums_, &c.
There were some handsome Odontoglots in bloom, and others had thrown
some fine flower spikes; also some good plants of _Mesospinidium
vulcanicum_, one with nine spikes of its richly-coloured flowers and
others equally good; this plant produces a fine contrast among the white
_Odontoglossums_, and such effective colours should be sought after,
especially when, as here, associated with fine form.—B. S. W.
[Illustration: PL. 111.
ODONTOGLOSSUM ELEGANS.]
ODONTOGLOSSUM ELEGANS.
[Plate 111.]
Native of Ecuador.
Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong, somewhat furrowed, three inches long,
diphyllous. _Leaves_ ligulate, acute, tapered and channelled towards
the base, of a pale green colour. _Scape_ radical, slender, arching.
_Flowers_ racemed or panicled, stellate, three inches in breadth,
highly coloured, and showy in character, the yellow centre being very
conspicuous; _sepals_ lanceolate, attenuately not suddenly acuminate,
recurved and wavy at the edge, the dorsal two inches, the lateral ones
about an inch and three quarters long, white, yellow towards the tip,
with dark chocolate blotches, which almost cover the surface leaving
only a few broken bars near the base and a patch at the apex; _petals_
spreading at the extreme base, then incurved, and finally having the
tips recurved, ovate-lanceolate attenuately acuminate, the basal part
white with irregular spots and small blotches of chocolate brown, with
a larger spot about midway, exterior to which the petal is sometimes
spotless and sometimes marked with two or three spots; _lip_ having
its basal portion parallel with the column, then turned down at a
right angle, panduriform with a recurved cuspidate apex; at the angle
is a spreading fringe of many (about eight) projecting processes, the
two front ones continuous with the crest along the basal portion of
the lip, yellow with chocolate tips, and three shorter ones yellow
with a chocolate stripe; behind these are five reddish chocolate
stripes which appear like continuations of the teeth; hinder portion
about half an inch broad, pale yellow blotched with brown at the edge
but strongly recurved, succeeding which is a restricted part wholly
covered by a rich brown spot, after which the lip widens and passes
into a recurved cuspidate apex, which is white with one or two
chocolate blotches. _Column_ half an inch long, clavate, with two
subulate horns, white spotted with chocolate, the stigmatic hollow and
its margins stained with chocolate purple.
Odontoglossum elegans, _Reichenbach fil._, _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,
N.S., xi., 462.
The subject of our present portrait is a most beautiful and distinct
Odontoglot, and one with which we believe our subscribers will be glad
to become acquainted. It is an extremely rare plant, and the only
specimen we have seen, was imported with a lot of _Odontoglossum
cirrhosum_. It is doubtless a natural hybrid, of which that species is
one of the parents, as it resembles it both in the shape of its flowers
and growth. This plant was exhibited by H. M. Pollett, Esq., Bickley,
Kent, before the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society,
from whom it received the highest honours. It has bloomed in this
well-known collection for two successive years, the flowers very much
finer and the growth stronger on the last occasion. It is an astonishing
trait in the character of this Odontoglot, that the stronger the plants
become the finer are the flowers, that is, provided they have a proper
house and proper treatment. Mr. Pollett has some small span-roofed
houses in which the plants seem to enjoy their position, as they are
thriving well under his gardener’s care.
_Odontoglossum elegans_ is an evergreen species of compact growth, with
light green foliage about ten inches in height. The pseudobulbs grow
about three inches high. The sepals and petals are cream-coloured,
tipped with yellow and irregularly blotched and barred with chestnut
brown; the lip is long and similar in form to that of _O. cirrhosum_,
having a large golden yellow crest. It blooms during the spring months,
and lasts in beauty for several weeks, its drooping spikes producing
more flowers than are shown in our drawing, as our artist was not able
to show the full spike in his representation, from its being too long.
This particular plant has been distinguished as Pollett’s variety, an
unwieldy form of naming which we prefer not to adopt.
The plant requires the same cultivation and treatment as _Odontoglossum
Alexandræ_ and others of that class, of which we have given full
particulars in our first volume, under Plate 47.
Vanda Sanderiana.—It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce
the flowering of this magnificent novelty, in the collection of W. Lee,
Esq., Downside, Leatherhead, where it may now (September) be seen,
bearing three spikes of its gorgeous flowers. One spike bears twelve
flowers, and another eight. If the reader will imagine a dozen of these
lovely blossoms, each from four to four and a half inches in diameter,
collected together on one spike, he may form some idea of the
magnificence of this grand novelty. In growth the plant resembles a
gigantic _V. cœrulea_, but having much broader and longer leaves, and
stouter stems and flower-spikes than that species. The spikes are
produced from the axils of the leaves in an erect position. The leaves
are from nine to twelve inches long, and about an inch broad, deeply
channelled. The flowers are fully four inches in diameter; the upper
sepal and the two petals are nearly of one size and of a blush-pink,
about the colour of a pale variety of _Odontoglossum vexillarium_; the
lower sepals are much larger and broader than the petals, two inches
across, tawny yellow distinctly and beautifully reticulated with dull
crimson over the entire surface; the lip is dull brownish crimson, and
has three keels along the centre extending from the apex to the base.
The contrast of the crimson markings on the yellow sepals renders this
new Vanda one of the most distinct species we have ever seen. We have
had a sketch of this plant prepared, and it will shortly be presented to
our readers.—H. W.
[Illustration: PL. 112.
CATTLEYA SKINNERI ALBA.]
CATTLEYA SKINNERI ALBA.
[Plate 112.]
Native of Costa Rica.
Epiphytal. _Stems_ obovate-oblong, compressed, furrowed, attenuated
below into a terete jointed stalk. _Leaves_ two, palish green,
spreading, leathery, oblong-obtuse, sub-emarginate. _Scape_ six to
eight-flowered, issuing from a short oblong spathe. _Flowers_
exceedingly chaste and elegant, pure white in colour, measuring four
inches in depth and breadth; _sepals_ plane, lanceolate, acute,
recurved at the extreme tip, half an inch in breadth, pure white;
_petals_ ovate-obtuse, one and a quarter inch in breadth, slightly
undulated towards the tips, also pure white; _lip_ white, the basal
part very closely and narrowly rolled around the column, and there
showing exteriorly on the lower side a slight stain of rose, which,
when unrolled, appears as a small rosy blotch, the front lobe roundish
reniform. _Column_ white, clavate, about an inch long.
Cattleya Skinneri alba, _Reichenbach fil._, _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,
N.S., vii., 810.
The fine genus _Cattleya_ is becoming more and more interesting and
valuable every year, since many new forms and colours are continually
coming before us. We feel great pleasure in being able to figure this
chaste and lovely variety of _C. Skinneri_, which has pure snow white
flowers. It is quite astonishing to find that white forms of so many
different kinds of _Cattleya_ are being brought home by our energetic
collectors. Many, indeed, have turned out to be white-flowered when we
have bloomed them, without any knowledge of the fact on the part of
those that have collected them, the reason being that often they do not
find them in bloom, and it is, of course, difficult to know their
colours unless they are in flower; moreover, it sometimes occurs that
there are not many of the pure white forms. There may be others of a
rosy hue, and it is frequently the case that seedlings come intermediate
in colour. We hope our collectors may be fortunate enough to find pure
white forms of other species in bloom, as they are so charming. The
variation of colour which occurs in some of the species in their native
country, is no doubt due to the intervention of insects, the action
being just the same as that of the hybridizer in our plant-houses.
We bloomed a very fine pure white _Cattleya Skinneri_, an imported
plant, some years ago, and we have since seen several white varieties,
but the figure we now publish was taken from a plant in the collection
of Sir Nathaniel de Rothschild, of Tring Park. The spike, as may be seen
from our plate, was a good one, with well-expanded blossoms, not quite
so large as in the parent _Cattleya Skinneri_, which is of a most
charming rosy purple, and one of the most distinct and showy of Orchids.
There are fine varieties of this species, especially one that has been
grown in collections for many years, and that we have been in the habit
of exhibiting for the past 35 years—even before that there were fine
specimens of it in cultivation. The species was named after the late G.
Ure Skinner, Esq., who imported it from Guatemala, together with many
other Orchids, and whose name will always be associated with this class
of plants, many fine kinds having been named after him.
_Cattleya Skinneri alba_ is an evergreen plant, with light green stems
and foliage. The stems are about twelve inches high, and each produces
two leaves about four inches long. The spikes proceed from an oblong
sheath at the top of the stem in March and April. The sepals and petals
are pure white with the throat of the lip pale yellow. It continues in
bloom for two or three weeks, but it must be kept free from damp, as
white flowers soon become spotted if kept in too cool and damp an
atmosphere; it is always best to have a dry, warm house for plants that
are in bloom, as they then last so much longer. Mr. Hill, the gardener
at Tring Park, must have kept this specimen in a dry, warm house, as the
flowers were most perfect when they reached us.
This plant requires the same treatment as _C. Skinneri_. It is best
grown in a pot or basket, with good fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, the
pots being filled three-parts full of drainage, then filled up with
rough peat, placing some pieces of charcoal amongst it; this will keep
it open and porous, and the roots will run freely among the charcoal. In
the growing season the soil requires to be kept rather moist, but the
plant does not like too much water about its roots at any time. It is
best grown near the light, with a little shade when the sun is hot, the
shading not being required at any other time. We find the warm end of
the Cattleya house to suit it, as it requires more warmth than some of
the other Cattleyas. When the growth is finished in autumn, very little
water should be given, and during winter only just sufficient to keep
the stems plump, until they begin to throw up their flower spikes in
March, when a little more may be supplied to assist the flowers in
opening, and to secure finer blossoms.
They begin to grow after their flowering season is over, which is the
best time for division if it is required, but it is best to avoid
cutting this rare plant as much as possible, as sometimes the divided
pieces will not succeed so well, especially if the plant is not strong
and vigorous. When divided, place them in a shady, moist place until
they get established; then they may be removed to a position more
exposed to the light.
[Illustration: PL. 113.
DENDROBIUM WARDIANUM GIGANTEUM.]
DENDROBIUM WARDIANUM GIGANTEUM.
[Plate 113.]
Native of Burmah.
Epiphytal. _Stems_ stout, pendulous, deciduous, attaining three feet
in length, knotty at the nodes. _Leaves_ oblong-lanceolate, attenuate
at the apex. _Racemes_ two or three flowered, issuing from the nodes
of the matured stems. _Flowers_ large and conspicuous from their
striking colours; _sepals_ oblong-lanceolate, bluntish, white tipped
with magenta-rose, the margins reflexed; _petals_ oblong-ovate,
obtuse, white more deeply tipped than the sepals; _lip_ cucullate, the
base folded over the column, the anterior portion ovate-obtuse,
recurved at the tip, entire, the surface covered with crystalline
processes, the colour golden yellow at the base with a pair of
maroon-crimson spots, the margin and middle portion creamy white, the
apex tipped like the petals with deep magenta; _spur_ short. _Column_
short, depressed, almost hidden in the base of the lip, the
anther-case white.
Dendrobium Wardianum, _R. Warner_, _Select Orchidaceous Plants_, ser.
i., t. 19; _Jennings’ Orchids_, t. 2; _L’Illustration Horticole_, ser.
3, t. 277; _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S., viii, 241, fig. 50.
_Var._ GIGANTEUM.—Habit more vigorous and more erect than in the
ordinary form; stems stouter and less nodose, four to five feet long;
flowers larger, and of stouter substance, otherwise as in the type.
Dendrobium Wardianum giganteum, _Williams & Moore_, supra.
Dendrobium Wardianum Lowii, _Smith_, _Moral Magazine_, N.S., t. 212.
The flowers of the plant we now bring under the notice of our readers
are of the most perfect form, of the richest colours, and also of very
large size. It is altogether a stronger grower than the type of the
species named in compliment to Dr. Ward, of Southampton, and of which a
fine figure is published in Plate 19 of the first series of Warner’s
_Select Orchidaceous Plants_. By a comparison of the two illustrations,
it will be seen that the typical plant has much thinner and more
tapering stems, and that the flowers are of a smaller size than in the
variety now treated upon, though the colour and marking are equally
brilliant in both. The larger form, _giganteum_, also comes from a
different country, the smaller kind having been introduced from Assam,
while the larger one comes from Burmah, which difference may account for
the difference in their growth. Our sketch was taken from a plant in the
collection of D’Alroy Salamon, Esq., of Clapham Park, where it has
bloomed two years in succession. There is in cultivation a variety of
_D. Wardianum_ with white flowers, which has been bloomed during the
last two or three years from imported plants. It is quite interesting to
find that in most of the principal genera white varieties are turning up
to meet the growing taste for white forms of the different Orchids.
_Dendrobium Wardianum giganteum_ is a deciduous plant, sometimes
producing growths four or five feet long, with somewhat knotty joints
all up the stems. The foliage is of a bright green colour, and begins to
fall off after it has completed its growth. The sepals and petals are
white heavily tipped with deep magenta-rose, while the lip is of a deep
orange-yellow at the base, with two blackish crimson blotches, the tip
of the lip being bright magenta-rose. It blooms during the winter and
spring months according to the time of the completion of its growth. We
have seen it in bloom in the month of October, so by having a number of
plants started at different periods, it might be had in bloom for many
months, some of the plants being retarded by keeping them dry in a warm
house—for it is not safe to put them into a cold house, as this often
injures the growth for the following year.
The plants are best grown in baskets or pans suspended from the roof,
where they get all the light, but just keeping them from the burning
sun. We find rough fibrous peat with sphagnum moss and good drainage to
suit them. They must be kept moist at the roots during the growing
season, but when their growth is completed only just sufficient to keep
the stems plump must be allowed them until they begin to show their
flower buds: then give a little moisture at the roots, which will induce
them to bloom finer, and to start into growth after their flowers are
over. Sometimes they will start growing during the blooming season, and
if so this should not be checked.