We find the East India house the most suitable one for them, or they

will grow in any house where the heat is kept up during the growing

season. When at rest less warmth will suffice. They must be kept free

from insects. Sometimes the red spider and thrips will attack the

leaves, but these may be kept under by syringing or using

tobacco-smoke—the latter sparingly, as too much will be very injurious

to the young growths.

Cattleya Trianæ formosa (Plate 108).—In the remarks on this Cattleya,

instead of “the lip rich rose-magenta being beautifully frilled and

edged with a lighter tint of the same colour. The flowers, which are two

and a quarter inches in diameter, have the throat orange veined with a

deeper orange, and are produced,” &c., read “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, the throat orange veined

with deeper orange. The flowers are produced,” &c., &c.

[Illustration: PL. 114.

TRICHOSMA SUAVIS.]

TRICHOSMA SUAVIS.

[Plate 114.]

Native of the Khasya Mountains.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ thin, terete, tufted, from a short rhizome, with a

few sheathing verrucose scales at the base, the apex diphyllous.

_Leaves_ somewhat fleshy, broadly lanceolate acuminate, obsoletely

three-nerved, the base contracted into a sheathing petiole. _Flowers_

in short terminal racemes, fragrant; _sepals_ lanceolate, spreading,

the dorsal one free, the lateral ones somewhat broader, adnate at the

base with the foot of the column, so as to form a short chin, creamy

white; _petals_ erect, lanceolate, resembling the dorsal sepal, creamy

white; _lip_ articulated with the foot of the column, with a short

incumbent claw, the limb three-lobed, the side lobes plane striped

with brownish crimson, the middle one undulated, yellow spotted with

red and bearing five crispy lamellæ or crests, there being also four

such crests on the disk. _Column_ short, semiterete, marginate, the

anther-bell irregularly toothed at the edge, the anthers incumbent

affixed within the margin. _Pollen-masses_ eight.

Trichosma suavis, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1842, t. 21.

Cœlogyne coronaria, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1841, misc. 178.

Eria coronaria, _Reichenbach_, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices

Systematicæ_, vi., 271.

The Orchid, of which we now submit a figure, is a very pretty

free-growing species; it is also distinct from any other Orchid, and one

well worthy a place in any collection. Almost every one who sees it in

flower admires it, not, perhaps, so much for its showy character, as for

its neat pleasing inflorescence and fragrant flowers. There are admirers

of small flowered Orchids as well as of those with larger and more showy

blossoms.

This _Trichosma_ has curious slender fleshy stems, scaly at the base,

and surmounted by a pair of dark green three-nerved leaves from between

which, at the top of this stem, the flower spike is produced, as will be

seen from our figure. The inflorescence forms a short erect spike or

raceme, bearing several very sweet-scented flowers, which have a

pleasing appearance.

_Trichosma suavis_ grows about ten inches in height, and produces its

blossoms very freely. The sepals and petals are of a creamy white

colour, the lip profusely striped with purplish crimson and having a

bright yellow crest.

This plant flowered with us in March, and continued for several weeks in

bloom; but we have also seen it blossoming at different times of the

year, according to the period of the completion of its growth. We find

it does well grown in a pot with rough fibrous peat and good drainage,

and when in vigorous growth it must be kept moderately moist at the

roots. It should never be allowed to get dry as it has no thick fleshy

bulbs on which to draw for support. We find it succeeds well in the

Cattleya house, shaded from the burning sun during the summer season.

Dr. Paterson’s Orchids.—The charming locality of the Bridge of Allan has

long been celebrated for this collection of Orchids. Dr. Paterson is an

enthusiastic lover of this most noble family, for as he truly says,

“There are no plants like them.” There are others of the same opinion,

and we believe there is no class of plants that afford such an amount of

pleasure and interest to the cultivator, for the more one gets

acquainted with them, the more one finds to admire, in their bright

colours and their infinite variety, the length of time they last in

blossom, and their usefulness when cut; besides all this there is the

interest of novelty attaching to them, many new species and varieties

continually appearing. There are, in fact, no flowers to surpass them.

At Dr. Paterson’s there is always to be seen a grand display of Orchids.

The way in which they are cultivated, and the order and cleanliness that

surround them, seem to be made quite the study of their owner. No doubt

cleanliness is one of the principal items in their successful

cultivation. It is marvellous how this collection has sprung up since

our visit in September of last year. Nearly all the best specimens had

then been sold, many of them at high prices, and scattered in different

directions; buyers came from far and near, as there were many unique

specimens of fine species and select varieties. These were sold to make

room for the young plants, which now bid fair to be as fine in a few

years’ time, for they are at present making rapid strides. The East

Indian kinds are in a specially flourishing condition. We noticed a

vigorous plant of _Vanda Cathcartii_, three feet high, and the specimens

of _Saccolabium_, _Aërides_, _Cattleya_, _Lælia_, _Vanda_, &c., are

making fine growths. To enumerate the plants that are doing well would

occupy too much of our limited space, but we cannot conclude this note

without mentioning the cool Orchids, such as _Odontoglossum Pescatorei_,

_O. Alexandræ_, and many other kinds, some in bloom, and others showing

fine spikes and making good pseudobulbs. The specimens of _Masdevallia_

were making good progress. Next to these was _Oncidium Barkerii_, with

its bright yellow flowers. The different kinds of _Pleione_ were also

finely in bloom.

Visitors go from all parts to see this collection, Dr. Paterson being as

pleased to show the plants as others are to see them. The Bridge of

Allan is a charming spot situated among the Perthshire Hills, and is a

place of healthful resort, especially in winter, as the climate is mild.

It is within easy distance of the town of Stirling; it can also be

reached from Glasgow and Edinburgh in very little time, and is well

worthy a visit.—B. S. W.

[Illustration: PL. 115.

CATTLEYA WHITEI.]

CATTLEYA WHITEI.

[Plate 115.]

Native of Brazil.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ clavate, furrowed, monophyllous. _Leaves_ short,

ovate-oblong, coriaceous. _Racemes_ three-flowered, issuing from a

pair of oblong-obtuse compressed sheathing bracts. _Flowers_

medium-sized, very handsomely coloured; _sepals_ ligulate-oblong,

entire, recurved at the edge, of a deep rosy tint with a flush of

olive green, which is more evident on the outer surface and at the

tips, about as long as the lip, the dorsal one longer, the lateral

ones falcately deflexed, all acute with the tips recurved; _petals_

broader (an inch and one-eighth wide), ovate-oblong, acute, undulated

towards the recurved apex, of a bright magenta-purple; _lip_ two and a

half inches long, stipitate, the lateral lobes truncate with the upper

angle acute, pale blush towards the base, where they are rolled

closely over the column, the tip which is recurved tinted with

magenta, the lower side of the tube and throat bright yellow; front

lobe of lip an inch long and an inch and a half broad, roundish

reniform, with the edge neatly undulated, and distinctly

fimbriate-denticulate, the ground colour magenta-rose, veined closely

all over except the extreme edge, which is white, with deep

crimson-magenta, the veins running back in a wedge-shaped figure to

just within the tube, where they pass to crimson; a strong central

line of magenta passes half way down at the back. _Column_ clavate,

semiterete, the edge thin, almost wing-like, whitish with a tint of

blush at the apex.

Cattleya Whitei, _Reichenbach fil._, _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S.,

xviii., 586.

This most beautiful _Cattleya_ is of recent introduction, and is one of

the most rare, chaste and distinct kinds that has been introduced of

late. It is supposed to be a natural hybrid, the result of insect

fertilisation in its native country. The specimen in the hands of

Holbrook Gaskell, Esq., Woolton Wood, Liverpool, in whose fine

collection it bloomed in July last, and through whose kindness we have

been enabled to figure it, is believed to be the only plant ever

imported; and we must congratulate the owner on his being the means of

bringing such a magnificent species to the notice of Orchid growers. It

is very gratifying to find that so many new forms of _Cattleya_, both

species and varieties, have been brought home by our collectors within

the last few years; they are grand acquisitions to our collections, as

there are no other Orchids that make such an effective display. Now that

there are so many and such varied kinds introduced, we shall be able to

have Cattleyas in bloom all the year round, by procuring the different

species and varieties which are of nearly all shades of colour, many of

them being very brilliant and distinct. We are glad to know there are

some kinds that will do in cooler houses and others of them are

small-growing species, which will increase their value to those who have

only small houses in which to grow them.

_Cattleya Whitei_ is an evergreen plant with handsome, good-looking dark

green foliage. In growth it is much like the dark variety of _C.

labiata_, its foliage and pseudobulbs being similar; it produces three

flowers on a spike, the sepals and petals being bright magenta-crimson,

with a flush of brown on the front portion, the lip pale magenta

distinctly veined with intense magenta-crimson, and the throat bright

yellow. It blooms in July, and Mr. Davies, the gardener, tells us that

it lasts two or three weeks in beauty.

This novelty requires treatment similar to that given to _C. Mossiæ_ and

_C. labiata_—namely, to be potted in good rough fibrous peat, with

thorough drainage. It should have the heat of the Cattleya house, with

all the light possible, during the whole year, which will enable the

plant to properly mature its stems and foliage, after which we may

expect good results. A slight shading must be given during hot sunny

days.

Orchids at Melrose, the residence of A. Curle, Esq.—We paid a visit to

this place a short time since and were well pleased with the collection.

The mansion is prettily situated on rising ground, well backed up with

trees, while the view of the ruins of the old abbey in front gives the

place a quaint aspect which renders it specially interesting to

visitors. There is a range of glass houses consisting of vineries, and

greenhouses. Then we come to the Orchid houses, in which there is a

well-grown collection of these plants, which are doing well and making

fine growth. The centre table has a row of good plants, such as _Vanda

tricolor_ Dalkeith variety, also a beautiful _Vanda suavis_ which was

reported to be a fine variety, and some other good Vandas. We, moreover,

noticed a telling plant of _Cattleya Harrisoniana violacea_ finely in

bloom, which, with its violet-coloured flowers, is very showy. There are

some grand specimens of _Cattleya gigas_, _C. Mendelii_, and _C.

Mossiæ_, showing excellent growth, and many other Cattleyas and Lælias

making rapid progress. Suspended from the roof we noticed a plant called

_Lælia pumila spectabilis_, but it was not in blossom; since our visit,

however, we have received a fresh bloom of it from Mr. Sharp, the

gardener, and a most beautiful flower it is, being of good shape, the

sepals and petals dark rose, the lip rich purple and of stout substance.

The foliage is very dark which is the case with some of the varieties of

_L. præstans_, of which there are several in cultivation, this being one

of the best we have seen. In the same house was a good _Vanda cœrulea_

showing fine spikes, and associated with it were some handsome forms of

_Cypripedium Spicerianum_ in bloom. We noticed also some well-grown

specimens of _Dendrobium Wardianum giganteum_ making strong growth,

several plants being five feet high.

In the next house were many fine examples of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_,

_O. Pescatorei_, and others making good pseudobulbs; also Masdevallias

and many other good plants. We noticed a splendid _Zygopetalum Mackayi_,

so called, but we think it was distinct from any we have seen, the

colour being intense, and the lip of a very rich purple.—B. S. W.

[Illustration: PL. 116.

AËRIDES VANDARUM.]

AËRIDES VANDARUM.

[Plate 116.]

Native of India.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ terete, flexuose, rooting, clothed with the

sheathing bases of the leaves, growing two feet or more in height, of

it purplish brown colour. _Leaves_ distant, harsh in texture, four to

six inches long, as thick as the stem, subulate, terete narrowed to an

acute point, with a narrow furrow on the upper side, evergreen.

_Peduncle_ lateral, opposite the leaves, one or two flowered.

_Flowers_ rather large, delicate but durable, white; _sepals_

spreading, the dorsal one ligulate with a stalk-like base, the lateral

ones subcrenulate united to the foot of the column, the margins always

undulated; _petals_ obovate cuneate, undulated; _lip_ tripartite, the

lateral (basal) divisions linear-falcate, toothletted, the middle one

deeply two-lobed, the lobes reniform, concave, crenate narrowed at the

base into a claw, with a small toothed segment on each side and a

sharp keel between; _spur_ extinguisher-formed. _Column_ short,

wingless. _Pollen-masses_ two.

Aërides Vandarum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, 1867,

997.

Aërides cylindricum, _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 4982, non

Lindley; _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S., iii, 537, fig. 115.

There is no doubt that the species of _Aërides_ rank among the most

beautiful of the East Indian Orchids. The one we now introduce to the

notice of our readers is very distinct in its manner of flowering, and

also in its foliage, the general aspect of the plant being much like

that of _Vanda teres_, whence the name given it by Professor Reichenbach

of _Aërides Vandarum_. The flowers are large and the manner of its

growth makes it a very interesting subject. Few cultivators, however,

have seen it in blossom. Our artist took a sketch last March from a

plant blooming at the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, where it flowered

for several weeks.

_Aërides Vandarum_ is an evergreen species and grows about two feet in

height. The foliage is terete and acutely pointed, like that of a small

growing _Vanda teres_ and the stem is of a purplish brown colour. It

produces two flowers on a spike, and these are of a pure white colour;

it blooms in March and April, and lasts three weeks in perfection.

This plant requires the heat of the East India house, with all the light

possible. It will thrive in pots or baskets with sphagnum moss, or even

on rafts of wood, but when grown on these it requires more frequent

supplies of moisture. It should have about the same treatment as _Vanda

teres_, growing well during the summer if provided with plenty of

moisture over the foliage and roots during the growing period, and

having a good rest during winter, when it needs only just sufficient

moisture to keep the stems and leaves from shrivelling. When it begins

to show flower, it should have a little water to plump the stems and

encourage them to throw out the blossoms freely and to develope growths

for the summer season. We find it thrive best suspended near the glass,

so that it can have all the light possible.

Orchids at Eastwood Park, Glasgow, the residence of David Tod, Esq.—This

collection of Orchids is doing well, especially the cool kinds, and the

Cattleyas which latter are special favourites with Mr. Tod, since they

do not require so much heat as some others. There are here many hundreds

of Odontoglots, and we noticed some fine forms in bloom, especially in

the large house, in which was a grand display of _Odontoglossum

Alexandræ_, many of the plants with well furnished spikes. Of _O.

Pescatorei_ there are also some fine examples with vigorous branching

panicles, and other wonderfully fine specimens, having massive

pseudobulbs, which had produced noble spikes of blooms. Mr. Ewart, the

gardener, takes great interest in the plants, which have much improved

during the last two years.

There are two other houses filled with Odontoglots and Masdevallias.

Here many of the Odontoglots are smaller, but they are doing well. We

noticed two very fine specimens of _Odontoglossum Andersonianum_ showing

well for bloom, and these, Mr. Tod informed us, are very fine varieties.

By their side stood the rare _O. Ruckerii_, just coming into flower. The

collection also includes many other rare Odontoglots. In another house,

half-span roofed, there is a numerous collection of miscellaneous

Orchids, including some fine specimens of _Phalænopsis Schilleriana_ and

others. There are also good plants of Cattleyas of most of the leading

kinds, as well as Lælias and Dendrobiums; and fine specimens of

_Cypripedium caudatum_ on the front stage are doing well, and had

produced many flower spikes. In this house _Odontoglossum Roezlii_ grows

very freely, and is in a clean and healthy condition, the plants seeming

to get the treatment they like. Mr. Tod parted with his fine specimens

of this species last year, but the pieces that are left are making good

plants.

Adjoining this house is a most splendid Fernery, beautifully laid out,

and planted with the best Ferns, Palms, Begonias, &c., which are in

vigorous health.—B. S. W.

[Illustration: PL. 117.

LÆLIA HARPOPHYLLA.]

LÆLIA HARPOPHYLLA.

[Plate 117.]

Native of Brazil.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ slender, terete, six inches to a foot high,

invested with sheathing bracts, monophyllous. _Leaves_ ligulate,

acuminate, about an inch in breadth, dark green. _Peduncle_ issuing

from a longish terete sheath, and having raceme about six inches long.

_Flowers_ four to seven in a raceme, rather small in size, but highly

coloured, and very attractive; _sepals_ lanceolate, acute, one and

three-quarter inch in length, and of a bright orange-vermilion;

_petals_ similar in size, form, and colour; _lip_ three-lobed, the

side lobes erect plane, of the some orange colour as the sepals, with

the acute upper front angle whitish and somewhat drawn out, the

margins just meeting over the column, the middle lobe creamy white,

the disk marked with four orange-coloured lines, about twice as long

as the side lobes, linear acuminate, recurved, with a crispy margin;

keels nearly obsolete.

Lælia harpophylla, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,

1873, 542; _Floral Magazine_, N.S., t. 372; _Garden_, xxiii., 116, t.

400.

This, observes Professor Reichenbach, is one of those curious plants

which “are not decided species, and yet they must be named and

registered. It would be _Lælia cinnabarina_, if it had not a stem as

thin as that of a showy _Pleurothallis_, a single acuminate leaf, and

much narrower and straighter parts of the flower.” * * * “Perhaps it is

a mule between a _Brassavola_ and _Lælia cinnabarina_?” Whatever its

origin and direct relationship, there is no doubt that it is one of the

most distinct and beautiful of Orchids, as it affords a colour that is

not only rare, but exceedingly effective. The flowers may be considered

small as compared with the majority of the species of _Lælia_, which,

indeed, are generally large-flowered, and rank among the most gorgeous

and showy of Orchids, but even in this species they measure fully three

inches across. It is a singular fact, that most of the orchidaceous

species with orange-vermilion flowers have blossoms smaller than those

of other colours. We have often noticed this fact amongst the Orchids

that we have met with, and, indeed, it my be observed through nearly all

the genera, that there are no large-sized flowers of this orange or

vermilion colour. We are, however, hopeful that our energetic collectors

may succeed in importing some having this character. It is true the

_Sophronites grandiflora_ bears highly coloured vermilion-scarlet

flowers which may be considered large in proportion to the size of the

plant, and a most charming Orchid it is, but we should, nevertheless,

welcome some examples, at least, of these brilliant and startling

colours among those larger-growing subjects which produce larger

flowers.

Our figure of this charming _Lælia_ was taken from a finely-bloomed

specimen in the well-grown collection of F. A. Philbrick, Esq., of

Bickley, under the care of Mr. Heims, who has succeeded in flowering it

very successfully. It was a very rare plant a few years ago, and then

commanded a high price; but of late years there have been received large

importations of it, and it may now be purchased at a more reasonable

cost. The varieties vary to some extent in the size of their flowers and

in the particular shade of colour, which is found to be the case with

nearly all the imported Orchids.

_Lælia harpophylla_ is an evergreen species, with thin stems and long

narrowish pointed foliage, of a dark green colour; it grows a foot or

more in height, the flower-spike proceeding from a sheath at the top of

the stem, and rising about six inches above it, several flowers growing

together on the spike. The blossom is of a beautiful bright

orange-vermilion, and the lip is edged with white. It is a

free-flowering plant, blooming in March, April, and May, and continuing

its inflorescence for four or five weeks.

We find it to succeed well potted in fibrous peat, to which must be

added good drainage, and a liberal supply of water during the time of

its growth. The soil should also be kept moist through the resting

season, so that the bulbs and foliage may be kept plump, as the bulbs

being very thin, they require a more constant supply of nourishment than

those of plants which have bulbs of a more substantial character. We

have grown these plants in the Cattleya house, as near the light as

possible, for they grow weakly if far off the light, though they require

shading from the burning sun. They must also be kept free from insects.

Lælia amanda (_Cattleya Rothschildiana_).—This fine species, or natural

hybrid, is cultivated under the two names above quoted, as we learn from

a letter which accompanied some flowers of the plant, for which we are

indebted to W. E. Brymer, Esq., Ilsington House, Puddleton, near

Dorchester, and of which our artist has taken advantage to secure a

drawing for the _Orchid Album_. The flowers somewhat resemble in

character those of _Cattleya maxima_, but the stems (pseudobulbs) and

foliage are quite distinct, being two-leaved, while the flowers are more

chaste-looking than those of that species. The plant is very beautiful,

and is a decided acquisition to this class of Lælias, the flowers being

bright rose veined with rosy purple, and produced in October, at a

season when there are but few Orchids in bloom, which makes it all the

more valuable.—B. S. W.

[Illustration: PL. 118.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ COOKSONII.]

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ COOKSONII.

[Plate 118.]

Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong-ovate, compressed, diphyllous.

_Leaves_ ligulate-oblong, acute, channelled and narrowed towards the

stalk-like base, of a cheerful green colour. _Scape_ radical,

supporting a many-flowered raceme exceeding the leaves, and having

small acute bracts at the base of the pedicels. Flowers large and

beautifully spotted; _sepals_ ovate acuminate, the dorsal one rounded

at the base into a short broadish claw, the margins revolute and

undulate, white, with a few bold irregular blotches of brownish

crimson, of which one is placed near the apex, and another forms an

irregular transverse bar across the centre; the internal ones

narrowing towards the base; _petals_ broadly ovate acuminate, narrowed

into a claw at the base, the margins entire, undulated, white like the

sepals, with three or four rounder and smaller spots; _lip_

oblong-ovate, with the shortly cuspidate apex recurved, the margins

toothletted and much crisped, white, with a rich yellow stain on the

disk, and a broad brown-crimson blotch on the anterior portion, the

edges of the produced lobes inflected yellow striped with red, and

broken up into a few short acute teeth; from its base proceed three

blunt yellow ridges, of which the central one stops short with a blunt

point, and the two side ones are continued into acute projecting

yellow horns, having about midway an erect tooth on the upper margin.

_Column_ arcuately clavate, yellowish, winged, the wings white

stripped with brown, toothed in the upper part, the teeth large,

irregular, and set on behind the margin of the brownish prominent edge

of the stigmatic cavity.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ Cooksonii, _Williams and Moore_, supra.

It is with the greatest pleasure that we are now enabled to present to

the notice of our readers an illustration of this most splendid variety,

which is, no doubt one of the best of the spotted forms of the Princess

of Wales’s Odontoglot, _Odontoglossum Alexandræ (crispum)_. We are

greatly indebted to N. C. Cookson, Esq. of Wylam-on-Tyne, in whose

honour it is named, for his kindness in sending such ample materials for

figuring so splendid a variety. We are constantly receiving examples of

charming forms of this beautiful Odontoglot, which is sought after so

much by those who grow cool Orchids, for the plants take no more, or but

little more room or heat than the commonest greenhouse plants. Indeed,

they are quite easily grown when they get the proper treatment, and are

planted in proper material. They must be kept cool during the summer

months; and in winter the thermometer may range from 45° to 55°.

_Odontoglossum Alexandræ Cooksonii_ is en evergreen plant, growing like

_O. Alexandræ_ itself, along with which it was imported. The sepsis and

petals are white, irregularly and heavily marked with brownish crimson;

while the lip, which is of the some colour—white, and spotted with

brownish crimson, bears in addition a golden yellow crest. It flowers

during the summer, and lasts for about six weeks in bloom, requiring the

same treatment as _O. Alexandræ_, which has been fully explained under

Plate 47 of our first volume.

The Orchids at Dunlop House, Ayrshire, the seat of T. D. Cunningham

Graham, Esq., include several wonderful specimens that have been many

years attaining their present size; while it is remarkable to find such

plants in perfect health. We were delighted to find such an example as

may here be seen, of _Angræcum sesquipedale_, which from its size must

have been one of those brought from Madagascar some years ago by the

Rev. W. Ellis. This plant was nearly four feet in height, with two

breaks at the bottom, and six flower spikes, perfect as a specimen, and

such as those who are fond of well-grown plants would consider worth a

long journey to see. Opposite to this were some remarkably fine plants

of _Vanda suavis_, one of which is nine feet high in the main stem, with

seven fine growths of four feet high, and five smaller growths. We

believe we may safely say that this is one of the finest specimens we

have ever seen. _Vanda tricolor_ is nearly equally fine, having the main

stem eight feet high, supplemented by four growths four feet high. There

are besides other fine Orchids in the same house, and some good foliage

plants, of which there is a fine collection. We have often heard it

stated that Orchids cannot be successfully grown unless there is a house

set apart for them; but the fact that these Vandas, Angræcums, &c., are

grown in company with ordinary stove plants, at once upsets this notion,

and proves that any one having a good stove may cultivate in them these

most beautiful Orchids, which, we may add, are nearly always in bloom.

After leaving these grand plants we entered the principal Orchid house,

wherein we also found many well-grown plants. We specially noticed

_Dendrochilum filiforme_, a fine specimen, which had produced a great

number of its drooping spikes. _Vanda cœrulea_ was finely in bloom, as

were _Phalænopsis violacea_, with its pretty violet coloured flowers,

and _P. grandiflora_, a fine plant of a good variety. We were also glad

to see the rare _Cœlogyne ocellata maxima_, a chaste and pretty Orchid.

_Arundina bambusifolia_, was well in bloom, with four spikes of its

light rose sepals and petals, and rich magenta lip. There were many fine

Cattleyas and Lælias making good growths for next year; also

_Cypripedium superbiens_, a fine specimen, and one of the best of the

barbatum section. Next to it was a very large _C. Dominianum_, a pretty

free-blooming hybrid, which continues flowering from the same spike for

some months, a new flower coming on as soon as one goes off. There are

many interesting plants grown at this place, and Mr. Kemp, the gardener,

seems to take great interest in them, which is the way to ensure

success.—B. S. W.

[Illustration: PL. 119.

CYPRIPEDIUM SPICERIANUM.]

CYPRIPEDIUM SPICERIANUM.

[Plate 119.]

Native of Assam.

Epiphytal. _Stemless_, with spreading distichous evergreen foliage.

_Leaves_ few, oblong-ligulate, sub-acute, heeled beneath, and there

purple-spotted towards the base, six to eight inches long or more,

thick and leathery in texture, of a dull glossy green colour.

_Peduncles_ erect, issuing from an oblong compressed basal sheath,

dark reddish-purple, puberulous, eight to ten inches high, the flower

emerging from an ancipitous linear-oblong obtuse bract shorter than

the purplish three-ribbed ovary. _Flowers_ about three and a half

inches across, with a large pouch or lip; _dorsal sepal_ large,

standard-like, the base green, hairy, cuneate, suddenly expanding into

an ovate, bluntly apiculate, transversely oblong lamina, two inches

broad, the sides of which are recurved, auriculæform, white, or in

some forms tinted with pink, the keel or central line being marked

with a well-defined purple stripe; _lateral sepals_ short, connate,

ovate, acute, whitish-green; _petals_ ligulate or linear-oblong,

laterally deflexed, the margins neatly wavy, but most so upon the

upper side, pale yellowish-green, with a median purple line and

numerous purple freckles over the surface; _lip_ large, the pouch

somewhat bell-shaped, with round everted auricles on each side, and a

broad acute sinus in front, glossy, olive green, with the anterior

part dark reddish-brown. _Column_ short, hairy. _Staminode_

subquadrate, obsoletely three-lobed in front, mauve-purple, with a

white border, and yellow markings in the centre.

Cypripendium Spicerianum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _litteris ad cl.

Veitch_, December, 1878; _Id._ _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S. xiii.,

363; _Id._ _L’Illustration Horticole_, t. 473; _Id._ _Xenia

Orchidacea_, t. 231; _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S. xiii, 40, fig. 7

(woodcut); _Hooker fil._, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 6490; _Moore_,

_Florin and Pomologist_, 1882, 179 (woodcut); _Garden_, xvii., 169

(woodcut); xxiii., t. 378 (coloured figure of blush variety).

There is, no doubt, that this _Lady’s Slipper_, which was first received

in England by Herbert Spicer, Esq., of Woodlands, Godalming, in whose

honour it is named, is one of the most interesting and distinct species

that has been introduced of late years. It was also at one time very

rare, and realised high prices, being much sought after in consequence

of its being so different from the other species known in cultivation;

but now that it has been brought home in larger quantities it is more

accessible. The plant may be cultivated in any warm moist house, and is

of free-growing habit, as well as free in producing its blossoms. There

are several slight variations differing in the size and colour or their

flowers. That which we here figure has the dorsal sepal white, while

some plants have a shade of rose colour towards the base. Our drawing

was taken from a plant in the Nurseries of Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. of

Clapton, who received a fine importation about two years ago. Messrs. F.

Sander & Co. have also added to our stock of this species; and we learn

from them that “it grows on almost perpendicular rocks, from which the

plants are loosened with sticks, and so let down, during the months of

May and September. The water runs over these rocks—not in streams, of

course, but sufficient water hangs round the plants to keep the soil and

moss which is about them as wet as water itself. During the winter

months this Cypripedium should not be grown hot.”

_Cypripedium Spicerianum_ is a dwarf evergreen plant, with light glossy

green foliage, six inches or upwards in length, and throws up its

flowers on purplish downy stalks, some eight or ten inches above the

foliage. The flowers are very peculiar, from the singular twisting of

the dorsal sepal, which is white, or in some varieties suffused with

rose, green at the very base, and having a broad purplish stripe along

the centre; the petals, which are prettily waved especially along the

upper edge, are green, with a central stripe and numerous dots of

purple; and the lip is large, and of a brownish-green. The staminode in

this species is very brilliant and conspicuous, being of a beautiful

mauve-purple, with a white border. The plants bloom during September and

October; and when a number of them can be obtained, and their growth

regulated, they may be kept flowering for a much longer time, as each

individual blossom lasts several weeks in beauty.

This interesting novelty requires the same treatment as _C. Stonei_,

that is, to be potted in rough fibrous peat, intermixed with some

charcoal and sphagnum moss; good drainage must also be afforded, as the

roots must be kept moist during the growing season; in fact, they should

never be allowed to get dry, as it has no thick fleshy bulbs or stems to

support it. We find it do well in a warm house with other Cypripeds. Pot

culture is the most suitable for it, but it will succeed in baskets

suspended from the roof, if shaded from the sun.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ.—We have received a splendid variety of this

popular Orchid from J. S. Bockett, Esq., of The Hall, Stamford Hill. The

inflorescence was very distinct, and consisted of flowers of good form

and substance, with the margins beautifully serrated. The sepals and

petals were white flushed with rose, the sepals being in addition

spotted with reddish brown, and the white lip was also spotted with

brown. The flowers were, moreover, nicely regulated on the spike, so

that the entire inflorescence had a particularly good appearance.—B. S.

W.

[Illustration: PL. 120.

DENDROBIUM DEAREI.]

DENDROBIUM DEAREI.

[Plate 120.]

Native of Mindanao, Philippine Islands.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ stoutish, many-leaved, two to three feet high,

marked by numerous furrows, and invested by the sheathing leaf bases.

_Leaves_ densely placed, oblong-ligulate, emarginate at the apex,

leathery in texture, two inches or more in length, sub-deciduous.

_Racemes_ numerous (six to nine) on one stem, issuing from the

uppermost joints, each bearing from ten to eighteen flowers, terminal

or sub-terminal. _Flowers_ three inches across, pure white,

exceedingly chaste and delicate, attached by three-winged ovaries;

_sepals_ lanceolate, acuminate, keeled; _petals_ rhomboid-oblong

obtuse; _lip_ oblong obtuse, apiculate, the anterior part crenulate,

with an obtuse angle on each side towards the base, which is somewhat

cucullate, pure white, like the rest of the flower, but with a small

blotch of pale green on the disk, crossed by about half a dozen green

lines; _spur_ or _chin_ extinguisher-shaped. _Column_ much dilated at

the base.

Dendrobium Dearei, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,

N.S., xviii., 361.

This new species, which was imported last year, has now bloomed in many

collections, and has proved to be one of the most beautiful and chaste

amongst white-flowered Orchids—one that every Orchidophilist will

admire, since it has so many good qualities to recommend it, being

free-blooming, of a pure white, and lasting long in flower; moreover,

each flower can be cut separately for button-hole or bouquet use, and

the plant is also very effective for decorative and exhibition purposes

during the summer months. Thus, by having a goodly number of plants, it

may be brought in for several successive months; and the stronger the

plant is grown the finer will be its flowers. The individual plants vary

somewhat, which may be caused partly by some specimens being weakly, and

in that case they will improve as they gain strength. It appears to be a

very free grower, but time must prove that, and also if the plants are

of long duration or not. Many of our Dendrobes last but a few years, and

then require to be re-imported. Our sketch is from a well-grown plant in

the grand collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., where we saw

several other examples in bloom, some of them being very strong, and

bearing as many as thirty flowers on a single stem.

_Dendrobium Dearei_, named in compliment to Colonel Deare, by whom it

was first brought forward, is partly deciduous, losing the older leaves

after it has bloomed; this is its aspect at present, but when we get it

into a good growing state its foliage may perhaps stand for a longer

time. It produces its flowers in spikes from the top of the stem, and

also from the side towards their upper end, many together on the spike;

they are pure white, with a little delicate green blotch and veins in

the hollowed-out throat. The blooming season occurs during the summer

months, and the individual flowers last for several weeks in beauty.

This species will do either in baskets or pots, filled with rough

fibrous peat, sphagnum moss, and good drainage, to which a few small

lumps of charcoal may be added. It will also thrive on blocks, with live

sphagnum moss about the roots; but cultivated in this manner the plants

require a more abundant supply of moisture during the growing season. It

is a plant that likes to be grown near the light, and the East India

house seems to suit it well. Both those in pots and those in baskets

require to be kept moist at the roots during their period of growth;

and, like other species of Dendrobe, this enjoys a good season of rest

to cause it to flower more freely. The plants must be kept free from

insects, and can be propagated by dividing the clusters of stems,

leaving two or three to each division. After they are separated they

should be put into a shady place until they begin to grow, when they may

be allowed more light.

Masdevallia Chimæra.—We saw a wonderfully fine plant of this curious

Orchid in the collection of the Marquis of Lothian, at Newbattle Abbey,

Dalkeith, N.B. The plant was suspended from the roof of the house, and

bore several finely expanded flowers, each measuring twenty inches

across from the tip of one tail to that of the opposite one. The flowers

were large in all their parts, of a dark purple colour, beautifully

spotted and clothed on the interior surface with dark hairs, which is a

peculiar feature of this section of the Masdevallias. Mr. Priest was

kind enough to send us some flowers of this species for figuring, but

unfortunately they withered before they reached us. It has always been

so when flowers of this species have been sent to us, as they last for

so short a time when cut from the plant.—B. S. W.

[Illustration: PL. 121.

CATTLEYA LABIATA PALLIDA.]

CATTLEYA LABIATA PALLIDA.

[Plate 121.]

Native of Brazil.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ (pseudobulbs) erect, club-shaped, furrowed in age,

eight to ten inches high, monophyllous, evergreen. _Leaves_ oblong

obtuse, leathery in texture, about ten inches long, of a lively green

colour. _Scape_ two-flowered, issuing from a short oblong bluntish

sheath. _Flowers_ large, six to seven inches deep, and six inches

broad, superbly coloured; _sepals_ lanceolate, three and a half inches

in length, plane, recurved at the tip, of a delicate magenta blush,

the lateral ones slightly smaller, of the same colour, with a paler

central band, streaky; _petals_ broadly ovate (two and a half inches

wide), finely undulated at the margin, narrowed towards the base, of

the same colour as the sepals, but with the base of the costa whitish;

_lip_ upwards of three inches long, obovate, the basal lobes connivent

over the column, faintly stained with magenta, the front edge at the

mouth of the tube spreading, of a creamy yellow, and undulated; the

front lobe roundish, expanded, very finely undulated, deeply

emarginate, the blush-tinted edge enclosing a band of creamy yellow,

which becomes narrower towards the apex, where the roundish blotch

(one and a half inches wide) of rich deep magenta runs out nearly to

the margin, behind which, and extending backwards within the throat,

is a radiate series of orange-yellow veins, with magenta coloured

veins on each side within the tube. _Column_ clavate, enclosed by the

base of the lip.

Cattleya labiata pallida, _Hort._; _Williams_, _Orchid Growers’

Manual_, 5 ed., 122.

The fine variety of _Cattleya labiata_ here illustrated, which was

introduced many years since, is still quite rare, indeed, as much so as

the type itself. It is a most beautiful variety, and the plant, though

seldom seen, is a most useful one, since it blooms at a time when there

are comparatively few Orchids in flower, although some other of the

Cattleyas that have been introduced during the last few years blossom at

the same time. The plant from which our drawing was taken bore

forty-eight expanded flowers, and was a grand example of good

cultivation. It was grown in the superb collection of the Comte de

Germiny, at Gouville, France, and was most perfect as regards foliage

and flowers. Mr. Rondeau, the gardener, seemed delighted to show us this

plant, as he might well be, as it made a grand floral picture. We gave a

description of this fine collection after our visit to Gouville, as

noted under Plate 108.

_Cattleya labiata pallida_ is an evergreen plant, with the stems or

pseudobulbs about eight inches in height, supporting one thick bright

green leaf, about ten inches in length, and is one of the most

compact-growing Cattleyas we have. The sepals and petals are of a deep

rose colour, the lip of a yellowish white, with a large patch of bright

magenta, the fore part margined with pale rose, and the throat bright

orange. It blossoms in July, August, and September, and continues in

beauty from three to four weeks.

This plant is best grown in a pot, with rough fibrous peat, perfect

drainage being secured by filling the pots three-parts full with crocks,

and mixing a few lumps of charcoal with the top of the drainage, and

also with the peat, as this keeps the latter more open; the roots,

moreover, like to cling to it, so that it is very beneficial to the

plants. The plants should be well elevated above the top of the pot, and

then the roots will run all over the soil among the charcoal and fibre,

which they delight to grow in. When potted in this way the material

keeps sweet for a much longer time, as the water is directly carried

away and cannot become stagnant about the roots. The great secret is to

have good drainage and sweet material for the roots to work in. If the

soil gets bad remove it, and give the plants a fresh supply without

injuring the roots.

Cattleyas do not like to be kept too moist at the roots even in their

growing season; and when their growth is completed only just sufficient

must be applied to keep their bulbs and foliage plump. We find it

beneficial when Cattleyas are in vigorous growth to syringe the plants

slightly between the pots, and should they have roots outside syringe

these also a little, as it will invigorate them. Care must be taken not

to wet the young growths, as water is apt to rot them, or cause than to

damp off. It is an excellent method in the hot days of summer to pour

water on the tables every morning and afternoon, giving air whenever

there is an opportunity. Let them have all the light possible, using the

blinds during the time the sun is hot, but never allowing the blinds to

be down when the sun is on the decline. A great deal of the success of

the plant depends on getting strong and well matured growth, which also

causes the flowers to come more freely, to open of a brighter colour,

and to last longer in bloom.

We find _Cattleya labiata pallida_ to thrive best at the warmest end of

the Cattleya house. It must be kept free from insects, as cleanliness is

with all plants a great help towards successful development. The thrips

and white scale attack these, and if not removed their foliage soon

becomes disfigured, and the growth is often mortally injured.

[Illustration: PL. 122.

CYPRIPEDIUM CURTISII.]

CYPRIPEDIUM CURTISII.

[Plate 122.]

Native of the Sunda Isles, Asiatic Archipelago.

Epiphytal. Acaulescent. _Leaves_ distichous, coriaceous, oblong acute,

recurved, channelled and equitant at the base, of a dull green, the

upper surface boldly chequered with oblong markings of darker green,

the under side keeled with the surface paler and unspotted. _Scape_

(peduncle) pubescent, dull wine-purple, with a short compressed ovate

bract just below the ovary, which is green striped with brown.

_Flowers_ solitary, remarkable for the small dorsal sepal and large

pouch; _dorsal sepal_ short, ovate acuminate, curving from the base

upwards, greenish with a white edge and about ten greenish-purple

nerves; _lateral sepals_ united, very small, ovate, greenish with

green veins; _petals_ measuring about four inches from tip to tip,

linear-oblong, acute, wavy, recurved at the tips, greenish in the

upper, white in the lower half, indistinctly veined with purple, and

thickly spotted with small purple dots, the margin copiously fringed

throughout with short purple hairs; _lip_ with a large oblong

bluntly-rounded pouch (one and a half inch long) of a dull wine-purple

with a few prominent darker purple veins, the upper edge of the sac

with narrow side angles greenish inside, the basal part with the edges

rolled inwards and dotted with purple. _Staminode_ transversely

oblong, emarginate behind and having in front an inwardly curved tooth

on each side with an apiculus between, pale yellowish green, with

darker green reticulations in the centre.

Cypripedium Curtisii, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,

N.S., xx. 8.

This new species is both distinct and rare. It is, moreover, very

beautiful and one that every lover of Cypripediums will be looking

after. There are some cultivators who do not care for this class of

Orchids, and there are some others who grow all the species and

varieties they can procure, making the collecting of them a hobby. We

can fully understand the pleasurable feelings of these latter, as the

plants are ornamental in foliage as well as in flower, thus always

keeping up a good appearance; they are also very easy of cultivation,

and most of them take but little room to grow in. There are now so many

species and varieties—blooming, too, at different periods of the

year—that a good display of flowers may always be had from them; and

there are some of the species that will do in the Odontoglossum and

intermediate houses, added to which their long-enduring quality scores

as a great point in their favour. We are never without Cypripediums in

bloom.

The specimen we are now figuring was flowered by J. Day, Esq., of

Tottenham, who, we are glad to say, after parting with one of the

largest and most rare collections of Orchids at that time existing, is

now fast forming another collection. We have no hesitation in saying

that Mr. Day has, to a greater extent perhaps than any other amateur

Orchidophilist, a correct knowledge of the genera and species of

Orchids. His first collection was of many years’ standing, and was the

most complete as regards species and varieties that we ever saw; he not

only had the plants under cultivation, but had besides many drawings

taken by artists, and also took pleasure in sketching and painting them

himself. We believe he still takes sketches of all the novelties which

he himself blooms, as well as of some of those flowered by other

growers, being a most proficient artist. All this shows what an intense

love he has for this noble class of plants.

_Cypripedium Curtisii_, as will be seen by our drawing, is an evergreen

plant with charmingly spotted foliage. The flowers are well thrown up

above the foliage; the dorsal sepal is white veined with green, the

petals crimson flushed with green and faintly veined and spotted with

purple, and margined with a dense fringe of purple hairs, while the lip

is large and of a reddish brown hue. This species blooms in July, and

continues in beauty for several weeks. It requires the same treatment as

_C. barbatum_ and others of that class, and from its appearance we

conclude that it will be found to be a free-growing as well as a

free-blooming plant.

Zygopetalum Burkei.—This new species was exhibited by Messrs. Jas.

Veitch & Sons at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, on

November 13th, and was greatly admired both on account of its distinct

character and novel appearance. The pseudobulbs are about three inches

long, carrying long narrow leaves; the sepals and petals are green

transversely barred and spotted with brown; and the lip is white, and

furnished with a crimson ruff or frill. It has been introduced from

Guiana. Altogether this is a most distinct and desirable species, and we

hope shortly to figure it.—H. W.

Cymbidium elegans.—W. McDonald, Esq., Woodlands, Perth, has kindly sent

us a fine spike of this rare and distinct species. The spikes are very

dense, and contain a large number of yellow flowers, which are very

distinct. Mr. McDonald informs us that his plant bears seven spikes of

flowers, a rather unusual number, and a fact which we think worth

recording.—H. W.

[Illustration: PL. 123.

LÆLIA GRANDIS.]

LÆLIA GRANDIS.

[Plate 123.]

Native of Bahia, Brazil.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ (pseudobulbs) club-shaped, furrowed in age, about

eight to ten inches in height, monophyllous. _Leaves_ oblong-ligulate

acute, leathery and rigid in texture, dark green, growing to about ten

inches in length. _Scape_ emerging from an oblong pale green

compressed bluntish bract or spathe, about four-flowered, the racemes

erect. _Flowers_ rather large, measuring upwards of four inches in

each direction without being spread out; _sepals_ lanceolate, reflexed

and much twisted, of a pleasing nankin or fawn colour; _petals_

somewhat broader than the sepals, also convex and curled, finely

toothed at the edge, of the same colour as the sepals; _lip_

three-lobed, the lateral lobes rolled over the column at the base,

spreading in front, where they are beautifully veined with

magenta-rose, the middle lobe rounded with an apiculus, prettily

crispate-undulate, creamy white pencilled over but more sparingly than

the side lobes with delicate magenta lines; thus the whole surface of

the lip is radiately venose with magenta-rose. _Column_ club-shaped,

concealed by the infolding of the lateral lobes of the lip.

Lælia grandis, _Lindley_, in _Paxton’s Flower Garden_, i., 60, fig.

38; _Id._, _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, 1864, 1202; _Flore de Serres_,

vii., 238, woodcut; _Id._, xxiii., 297, t. 2473; _Hooker fil._,

_Botanical Magazine_, t. 5553; _Regel_, _Gartenflora_, t. 698;

_Williams_, _Orchid Grower’s Manual_, ed. 5, 205.

Bletia grandis, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices

Systematicæ_, vi., 424.

We have now the satisfaction of submitting to our readers an

illustration of a very distinct plant, one that is little known, and

which is extremely rare. The flowers are most remarkable in the singular

colour of the sepals and petals, and in the chaste and prettily marked

lip or labellum. _Lælia xanthina_ is often sold for this plant, which it

much resembles in growth, but the flowers are totally different, as may

be seen by a comparison of our present plate with the figure of the true

_L. xanthina_, published in the first volume of the _Orchid Album_

(Plate 23). This comparison will show that the two species are quite

distinct in the form of their flowers, as well as in the colour and

markings of the lip. We are indebted for the opportunity of figuring it

to Baron Schröder, of The Dell, Staines, in whose fine collection it

bloomed in June last, and was very much admired by those who saw it.

_Lælia grandis_ is an evergreen plant, with the stems or pseudobulbs

about eight inches in height, and supporting a dark green leaf about ten

inches in length. The flowers are produced several together from a

sheath at the apex of the stems; the sepals and petals are

nankin-yellow, the lip cream-coloured distinctly veined over the

interior surface with rose colour. The plant blooms in May and June, and

the flowers last in beauty for two or three weeks.

This species is best grown in a pot with rough fibrous peat and sphagnum

moss, and should have good drainage, which is very essential for

securing the healthy condition of the roots of the plant; indeed, unless

a plant makes good roots, and they are kept in a healthy condition,

there is not much chance of its doing well for any length of time. When

Orchids are making their roots, it is important that all insects, and

other destructive pests, should be kept away from them, so that their

root-points may not be eaten away, but kept in a growing state. We have

often seen the roots of Orchids eaten off by cockroaches and wood-lice,

both of which are most destructive to the roots of the plants.

This _Lælia_ will also do well in baskets or pans suspended from the

roof, or will even succeed on a block of wood; but if grown in this way

the plants will require more attention as regards moisture at the roots.

It requires the same general treatment as _L. purpurata_, and should be

grown in similar materials.

Cymbidium affine.—At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society,

November 13th, there was exhibited by A. Wyatt, Esq., of Cheltenham, a

grand specimen of this rarity, bearing two spikes, one with thirteen,

the other with six flowers; it is altogether distinct from the other

species of _Cymbidium_, and seems intermediate between _C. Parishii_ and

_C. Mastersii_. The flowers are produced on upright spikes; the sepals

and petals are white, and the lip white, having a few rosy purple

blotches and stains in the throat and on its anterior part. The style of

growth resembles that of _C. Parishii_, and it has broad foliage as in

that species. It was deservedly awarded a First Class Certificate. Our

artist has taken a sketch of the plant, and we hope soon to be enabled

to present a representation of it to our subscribers.—H. W.

[Illustration: PL. 124.

VANDA SANDERIANA.]

VANDA SANDERIANA.

[Plate 124.]

Native of Mindanao, Philippine Islands.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ short, tufted, densely leafy. _Leaves_ distichous,

recurved, rigid and leathery in texture, broadly ligulate, channelled,

obliquely cut away at the acute apex, evergreen. _Racemes_ axillary,

many-flowered. _Flowers_ huge (fully four and a half inches across),

and from the parts lying in one plane having a _primâ facie_

resemblance to those of _Odontoglossum vexillarium_; _dorsal sepal_

roundish, obovate (one and three-quarter inches by two inches), of a

delicate rosy blush on both surfaces, slightly stained with

buff-yellow at the base; _lateral sepals_ divergent, but overlapping,

obliquely and broadly obovate (two and a quarter inches by three

inches), pale nankin on the outer surface, the inner of a deep

greenish yellow, with about nine longitudinal prominent veins of a

bright purplish crimson, extending from the base to within a quarter

of an inch of the tip, and connected by transverse lines of the same

colour, breaking off into dots towards the margin; _petals_ much

smaller than the sepals, obovate-cuneate (one and a quarter inch by

one and a half inch), the principal portion rosy blush like the dorsal

sepal, but the lower edge tinged with yellow, and bearing a few purple

spots; _lip_ small, less than an inch broad, spurless, the basal part

(hypochil) concave, pale purplish red, ribbed exteriorly with

nankin-yellow, the front lobe (epichil) shortly stalked, bluntly

heart-shaped, with the tip strongly recurved, chocolate-purple, with

three prominent ridges or crests extending from base to apex, where

the middle ridge just falls short of the two outer ones. _Column_ very

short, pale yellowish, almost touching the sides of the concave basal

lobes of the lip. _Ovary_ hexangular, pink.

Vanda Sanderiana, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S.,

xvii., 588; _Id._ xx., 440, figs. 67 (habit), 68 (inflorescence).

Esmeralda Sanderiana, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_.

N.S., xvii., 588 in note.

We have no hesitation in stating that this is the most wonderful Orchid

that has been introduced for many years—one which all growers will be

delighted to possess, as it belongs to a most noble section of the

Orchid family, of which there have long been many beautiful species in

cultivation. That which we now illustrate, however, as regards size, far

eclipses its congeners, since it produces the largest and most

extraordinary flowers of any that have yet been brought to light. The

Vandas are conspicuously beautiful in their foliage as well as in their

flowers, and the introduction of this magnificent species will, we

cannot doubt, be the means of inducing Orchid growers generally to take

a more lively interest in their cultivation. What can be more charming

than a fine variety of _Vanda cœrulea_, or _V. suavis_, or _V.

tricolor_, all of which, moreover, bloom at the same time, and some of

which blossom three times in the year; this, indeed, may be the case

with _V. Sanderiana_, for if we may judge from the remnants of spikes

which have bloomed in their native country, and are found on the

imported plants, we may reasonably expect the cultivated plants to

flower quite freely.

This will be a scarce Orchid for some time to come, if our collectors

are not more successful in getting it home, for hundreds of plants have

unfortunately been lost on the voyage, and we learn from Mr. Sander that

case after case has arrived with all the contents dead; thus of the

numerous importations a few plants only have reached England alive. Mr.

Sander further informs us that this magnificent Orchid comes from

Mindanao, a large southern island of the Philippine group, “where it

grows, high up on old trees perched upright between the branches in

situations which are not very shady. It requires a good heat and much

moisture. It flowers in October in its native habitat; and the blooming

of Mr. Lee’s plant would seem to indicate that in Europe also the plant

will be autumn or early-winter flowering. This, however, has yet to be

proved, as the time of the flowering of Orchids in their native country

rarely corresponds with that of their blooming in this country, the

difference, in many cases, being as much as six months.”

Our drawing was taken from a fine plant, imported, it appears, by

Messrs. Low & Co., and now in the choice collection of W. Lee, Esq.,

Downside, Leatherhead, who has had the good fortune to bloom this

magnificent species for the first time in Europe, under the care of Mr.

Woolford. This plant produced three spikes of its gorgeous flowers, one

spike having twelve blossoms, and another eight, which, we think, shows

that it will bloom freely. Each flower is considerably over four inches

in diameter; the dorsal sepal is, like the petals, of a blush-pink

colour, but is distinctly larger than the latter, which have a dash of

greenish yellow and a few crimson spots along their lower edge; the

lateral sepals are also much larger and broader than the petals, being

fully two inches in diameter, of a rich greenish yellow, distinctly and

beautifully reticulated with purplish-crimson over the whole of the

interior surface; the lip is dull brownish crimson, and has three keels

along the centre, extending from the apex to the base. The plant blooms

in September and October, and continues in blossom during several weeks.

We suppose this _Vanda_ will require the same treatment as _Vanda

suavis_, but time alone can prove this. We recommend it to be grown in

the East India house, in a basket, with sphagnum moss and good drainage,

and hung up as near the light as possible, since it appears to be a

plant requiring that mode of treatment. We have one growing in this way

suspended near the glass, and it is making fresh roots, but it does not

seem to be fast growing. The fine specimens that have reached this

country are from two to three feet high. We find it to keep healthy

planted in crocks until the roots make a good start, after which some

live sphagnum moss is placed in the pot or basket, and these being

provided with plenty of drainage, the roots cannot possibly have any

stagnant moisture hanging about them.

[Illustration: PL. 125.

CATTLEYA MOSSIÆ HARDYANA.]

CATTLEYA MOSSIÆ HARDYANA.

[Plate 125.]

Native of La Guayra.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ oblong, club-shaped, furrowed in age, and invested

in the lower part by whitish membranaceous sheaths. _Leaves_ leathery,

ligulate-oblong obtuse, recurved at the tip, deep green. _Scape_ about

two-flowered, issuing from the broad compressed leafy sheath, both

scape and pedicels tinted with reddish purple. _Flowers_ large,

exceedingly attractive from their peculiar striate coloration, the

colours very irregularly distributed, no two corresponding parts being

alike in marking; _sepals_ lanceolate, slightly recurved, purplish

blush, or very dilute lilac-purple, irregularly and striately blotched

in the direction of the veins with rich magenta-purple; _petals_

broad, ovate, undulated, irregularly striate-blotched with

magenta-purple on the very dilute lilac-purple ground, in the same way

as the sepals; _lip_ obovate, emarginate, with a densely frilled edge,

the basal lobes enfolding the column of a deep rosy magenta on the

outer surface, the middle lobe with a golden blotch on the throat and

disk, the front portion striately marked with rich deep magenta-purple

outside which is an irregular zone of white, more or less traversed by

pale purple veins, the extreme margin being pale purple; otherwise as

in the type.

Cattleya Mossiæ Hardyana, _Williams and Moore_, supra.

This is the most extraordinary variety of _Cattleya Mossiæ_ that has

ever come under our notice, and, moreover, it is not only most distinct

but most beautiful. Its peculiar coloration is constant, for we have

received flowers of it in two successive seasons, and the colour and

style of marking have not appeared to vary in the least. We believe it

has bloomed three years in succession. Our figure was taken from the

fine plant in the noble collection of G. Hardy, Esq., Timperley,

Cheshire. This plant we believe is unique, there having been only one

example with striped flowers obtained from the whole importation, and

that was secured and first flowered by Mr. Hardy, in whose honour it is

now named. We know of no other like it, and we must congratulate the

owner on his good fortune in obtaining and blooming a variety with such

wonderfully variegated flowers.

There are many other fine species of Cattleya in this collection, and

these bloom magnificently, and are grown to great perfection. They are

cultivated in good-sized houses, and have plenty of light, which is a

great necessity to these plants, and they also get the proper degree of

heat and of moisture, and the annual rest, together with perfect

cleanliness, all which seems to be thoroughly understood by Mr. Hill,

the gardener, for the plants appear in the same vigorous state of health

year after year, and still go on improving.

_Cattleya Mossiæ Hardyana_ is like the type in its habit of growth,

having similar evergreen foliage, and producing its gorgeous flowers in

the some way. The sepals and petals are of a pale blush-rose colour,

curiously blotched and veined with rose-purple, while the lip is a

bright rose-purple, margined with dark rose, and the throat

orange-yellow. It blooms during May and June, and lasts about three

weeks in perfection.

The plant requires the same mode of treatment as that given to the other

forms of _Cattleya Mossiæ_.

Orchids in Vineries.—We frequently hear it remarked that Orchids cannot

be cultivated in this or that garden for want of a suitable house or

houses to grow them in. Now, we have repeatedly alluded to the fact that

Orchids do well when cultivated in houses in which other classes of

plants besides them are grown. We met with a convincing illustration of

this in November last, when calling upon John Heywood, Esq., of the

Grange, Stretford, near Manchester. Here we found houses allotted to

Orchids, and amongst them one cool plant-house in which there were many

fine Odontoglots, and some good specimens of _Epidendrum vitellinum

majus_, &c. We, however, wish chiefly to draw attention to the fact,

that we also found here two span-roofed Vineries, in which there were

good crops of Grapes, such as Muscat, Black Alicante, and others; and

beneath these Vines, standing on the curbs, or suspended from the roof,

was growing a collection of _Dendrobiums_, occupying the whole length of

the two houses, and among them many fine specimen plants, with well

ripened bulbs, and which promise well for bloom. We particularly noted

many well-grown plants of _D. Wardianum giganteum_, _D. Devonianum_ with

very strong bulbs, and _D. crassinode_. There was a fine plant of _D.

Ainsworthii_, which is still rare, and is one of the best hybrids yet

raised, as it bears fine handsome flowers, and is free in producing

them. _D. thyrsiflorum_ and _D. densiflorum_ were also well represented;

and there were fine plants of _D. nobile_, one of the most useful for

winter decoration, promising well for bloom. Mr. Elphinstone, the

gardener, informed us that these plants had been grown in the same

houses for some time past; and they are found to succeed well with the

treatment given to the Vines. Any one, therefore, having good Vineries

may use them for Orchids as well as for Grapes, as they are at the

Grange, thus making a double use of the houses, and saving expense.

Besides the cool Orchid house already mentioned, there is a good house

of _Cattleyas_, _Lælias_, &c.; and another full of fine _Vandas_, and

such other Orchids as _Phalænopsis_, _Aërides_, _Cypripedium_,

_Odontoglossum vexillarium_, and many others that require a similar

temperature.—B. S. W.

[Illustration: PL. 126.

WARSCEWICZELLA WENDLANDII DISCOLOR.]

WARSCEWICZELLA WENDLANDI DISCOLOR.

[Plate 126.]

Native of Costa Rica.

Epiphytal. _Stemless_, ebulbous, producing only a tuft of leaves and

flowers from the crown of the roots. _Leaves_ cuneate,

oblong-ligulate, acute, somewhat plicate, broad and channelled below,

amplectant at the base, of a light green colour. _Scapes_ solitary,

issuing from the leaf axils, about half as long as the leaves, and

furnished in the upper part with a two-valved bluntish spathe, which

is rather shorter than the united ovary and pedicel. _Flowers_

moderately large, measuring from four to five inches in their broadest

diameter, stellately expanded, interesting from the peculiar form of

their lip, and pleasing from the contrast of their colours; _sepals_

lanceolate, “white,” the dorsal one erect, the lateral ones somewhat

deflexed; _petals_ of the same form and colour, spreading, somewhat

twisted; _lip_ projected forwards, ovate-cordate, the apex recurved,

about an inch and a half broad, the edges multilobulate and much

undulated, white, the centre plane, with at large oblong blotch of

violet-purple marked longitudinally by about seven darker purple

lines, the base constricted, white, with a short chin behind; frill or

ruff small, with about seven to nine violet-purple stripes,

semilunate, gradually diminishing backwards till lost in the chin or

mentum. _Column_ white, thickened upwards, semiterete.

Warscewiczella Wendlandi, _Reichenbach fil._, in litteris.

Zygopetalum Wendlandi, _Reichenbach fil._, _Beitrage zu einer

Orchideenkunde Central-Amerikas_, 74.

— _Var._ DISCOLOR, sepals and petals yellowish green.

Warscewiczella Wendlandi discolor, _Reichenbach fil._, in litteris ad

cl., Smee.

Both by Reichenbach in his various writings, and by Bentham in the

recently published _Genera Plantarum_, the group named _Warscewiczella_

is included under _Zygopetalum_. Putting aside the question of minute

botanical details, we prefer, in this case, to be rather guided by

habit, since habit is so important a factor in all that concerns

cultivation. Thus, while the species and varieties of _Zygopetalum_

produce pseudobulbs, those of _Warscewiczella_ are ebulbous, and this

difference necessitates a material distinction in the mode of

cultivation to be adopted for the well-being of the two groups.

The variety of _Warscewiczella Wendlandi_, which we now illustrate, is a

well marked form as regards the distinctive colours of the sepals and

the labellum or lip; it is a small plant of compact growth, taking but

little room, and blooming very freely. Our drawing was taken from a

healthy specimen in the interesting collection of A. H. Smee, Esq., of

the Grange, Carshalton, who is trying many experiments in Orchid

culture, some of which we have no doubt will succeed, and throw light on

obscure points of management. The present time offers a good opportunity

to make experiments with Orchids, as it can be done without the risk of

incurring any serious expense should they fail, for many kinds of

Orchids are cheap, and of course those which are costly would not in

this way be exposed to risk.

_Warscewiczella Wendlandi discolor_, the particular form here

represented, is an evergreen plant, with light green foliage, which

arises from a short stem scarcely forming a pseudobulb, and grows to the

height of some six or eight inches. The flowers proceed singly from the

axils of the leaves, and have the sepals and petals of a yellowish

green, while the broad squarish lip, which is white at the edge where it

is deeply cut and much crisped, bears a large violet blotch in the

centre. The perfume is very delicious. The plant flowers during August

and September, and lasts for about two weeks in beauty.

This plant is allied to the genera (or sub-genera) _Bollea_ and

_Warrea_, and requires the same kind of treatment as is successful with

them. We have seen them grown in different ways, and thriving well, but

they are plants that require careful treatment, and must never be

neglected. It is necessary always to give them close attention as

regards the supply of moisture at the roots, for they have no thick

fleshy pseudobulbs to support them should the artificial help fail. They

grow in tufts of small short crowns scarcely forming bulbs, and it is

from these that the leaves are developed. Being small growing plants, we

find they do well on blocks of wood, with the roots surrounded by living

sphagnum moss, the blocks being suspended from the roof. They must not

have too much sun; indeed, as the leaves are of a thin texture, they

require shade, but with all the light that can possibly be given them

without exposing them to burning sunshine. We find the cool end of the

East India house to suit them, and here we give them a good supply of

moisture at the roots during the summer season. They must always be kept

moist, and should not even during winter be allowed to get dry, for they

are nearly always growing, and so require a continual supply of

sustenance. If grown in pots or in pans, they will require less moisture

than when on blocks. One thing must always be borne in mind, and that is

to keep them free from insects.

Epidendrum vitellium.—A very fine spike of this charming species was

received by us from H. Shaw, Esq., of Buxton; it was eighteen inches in

height and bore twenty-one of its orange-scarlet flowers, of good size

and stout substance. This was certainly the best spike that has ever

come under our notice. Mr. Shaw calls it _E. vitellinum giganteum_. The

plant it appears has borne five spikes equally as good as the one which

was sent to us. There is no doubt that it is a gigantic form of the old

species, much finer than some of those called _majus_, which generally

flower in spring and summer while this one blooms in December which fact

alone makes it a valuable acquisition, as we have so few Orchids of this

colour blooming at that time of year, December and January.—B. S. W.

[Illustration: PL. 127.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ STEVENSII.]

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ STEVENSII.

[Plate 127.]

Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate-oblong, compressed, generally in age

becoming tinged with purple, diphyllous. _Leaves_ ligulate-oblong

acute, channelled towards the base, of a bright light green colour,

often with one or two accessory ones from the base of the pseudobulbs.

_Scapes_ radical, issuing from the axils of the accessory leaves, and

supporting a many-flowered raceme, or, in very vigorous plants, a

panicle of flowers, having small acute bracts at the base of the

pedicels. _Flowers_ large, and handsomely-spotted; _sepals_

lanceolate-acuminate, undulately recurved at the edge, white, marked

with three large oblong blotches of pale cinnamon-brown, the two lower

bands transverse; _petals_ broader, ovate acuminate, the margins

toothed, much undulated, the surface freely spotted all over,

especially towards the margins, with the same tint of pale

cinnamon-brown, the spottings forming smaller roundish or oblong dots,

which are sometimes confluent, while numerous smaller ones occupy the

base; _lip_ oblong-ovate acuminate, with a deeply cordate base, and a

toothed undulated margin, the disk occupied by a broad patch of

yellow; the other parts white, with one large conspicuous blotch of

brown near the apex, and a few smaller ones behind it, the base marked

with numerous small crimson dots, radiately cristate, with two of the

lamellæ elongated, and most of them marked by a crimson line.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ (crispum) Stevensii, _Williams and Moore_,

supra.

We have had an almost endless variety of finely spotted forms of

_Odontoglossum Alexandræ (crispum)_, but this, of which we now publish a

figure, is one of the most densely spotted forms that have come under

our notice. It is also very distinct, not only in the tone of its

colouring but also in the character of its markings, as will be seen by

the accompanying plate. For the opportunity of figuring it we are

indebted to His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, in whose grand collection

of odontoglossums and other Orchids, at Trentham Hall, Staffordshire, it

has been bloomed by His Grace’s most efficient gardener, Mr. Stevens, in

whose honour it is named, and who cultivates these plants in great

perfection, many wonderful examples having been exhibited by him at the

London Shows. He has, moreover, always been particularly fortunate in

obtaining good varieties of this invaluable decorative species, the

flowers of which are turned to good account in the dinner-table and

other floral decorations at the Hall.

_Odontoglossum Alexandræ Stevensii_ is one of the bold-habited

strong-growing forms of this plant, and as regards its pseudobulbs and

foliage resembles any other of the more vigorous forms; like them, too,

its flower spikes may eventually branch out into panicles. The

individual flowers are of large size, and finely crisped and toothed;

the sepals and petals are white, heavily spotted and blotched with pale

sienna-brown, and the lip is white, having a large blotch of the some

colour on the anterior part, and numerous smaller spots towards the

base, where the yellow disk is prominent, and adds life to the

colouring. This plant produced its blossoms in March, and continued for

six weeks in beauty. Like all the forms of _O. Alexandræ_ it begins to

show its flower spikes as soon as the growth is completed.

This variety requires the same course of treatment as that given to this

class of plants generally, and which is commonly designated and

understood as “cool-house” treatment.

Calanthe Veitchii and C. Vestita.—We are always ready to record, for the

information of our subscribers, anything that strikes us as likely to be

interesting to them, whether the subject be an old plant or one of more

recent introduction. Recently, when visiting the garden of H. Gaskell,

Esq., of Woolton, Liverpool, and inspecting his collection of Orchids,

we were much pleased with the sight of a house full of Calanthes. On

entering the house, the charming appearance of their lovely and graceful

flower spikes was almost beyond conception. The spikes were more than

five hundred in number, overhanging each other, and so arranged that

their rosy and white flowers ware intermixed, thus producing an effect

which was indeed most beautiful. In the case of _C. Veitchii_ many of

the spikes were over four feet in length, and those of _C. vestita_ were

equally good. It is, indeed, difficult to describe or even to form any

idea of the lovely effect they produced; they must have been seen to be

fully appreciated. These Calanthes are invaluable as decorative plants,

blooming as they do during the dull winter months—a time when the

presence of flowers, especially if of cheerful colours, to enliven the

too often dreary sunless periods, is doubly welcome.

There were, besides, many _Lælias_, _Cattleyas_, _Odontoglossum_,

_Phalænopsis_, and a host of other good Orchids, many of them in their

full blaze of beauty, and many others with their spikes showing for

succession. Mr. Gaskell’s collection is making rapid strides in respect

to cultivation, a state of things we are at all times pleased to see and

to commend, inasmuch as it always gives one pleasure to see either

Orchids or other plants well cared for, its they are at this place.—B.

S. W.

[Illustration: PL. 128.

PILUMNA NOBILIS.]

PILUMNA NOBILIS.

[Plate 128.]

Native of Colombia.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ elongate-oblong, compressed, narrowed to the

top, three to four inches or more in length, clustered, monophyllous.

_Leaves_ broadly oblong, acute, narrowed to a cuneate base, keeled.

_Scape_ radical, from four to six inches high, about four-flowered,

with two or three oblong acute scarious bracts below the raceme.

_Flowers_ half expanded, white, with two orange-coloured spots in the

centre, the club-shaped furrowed ovary decurved; _sepals_

linear-lanceolate acuminate, undulated, narrowed to the base, pure

white; _petals_ similar to the sepals both in size, form, and

colouring; _lip_ indistinctly three-lobed, subquadrate, the rounded

side lobes meeting over the throat, the front lobe larger, retuse, one

and three-quarter inch broad, having on each side of the throat an

orange-coloured blotch, the blotches meeting to form a central eye,

and a slightly elevated line at the narrow base; the claw adnate to

the base of the column, and then involute, so as to enclose the upper

part of this organ. _Column_ clavate, terete.

Pilumna nobilis, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Linnæa_, xxii., 843; _Id._ in

_Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, iii., 541.

Pilumna fragrans grandiflora, _Linden_, _Catalogue_.

Trichopilia fragrans nobilis, _Linden et André_, _L’Illustration

Horticole_, 3 ser., t. 94.

This small genus was established for the Orchid known as _Pilumna

fragrans_, a species bearing considerable resemblance to our present

subject but having smaller flowers. The great authorities—Reichenbach,

Bentham, &c.—now refer these plants to the genus _Trichopilia_, but we

have hesitated to follow them, as they appear sufficiently different

from the Orchid growers’ point of view to be allowed to enjoy the

distinct appellation which was originally given to them by Dr. Lindley,

the greatest of English authorities on Orchidaceous plants.

This pretty epiphyte, then, may be taken to represent a small genus of

interesting and useful—because free-blooming—plants. The particular

species now illustrated and described, is a very lovely plant, and can

be recommended as one of the best to be grown for decorative purposes,

the flowers being extremely useful for bouquets and button-holes. They

are pure white in colour, and have a delicious fragrance, and these are

qualities which will always cause them to be held in favour.

This _Pilumna_ is a species of free-growing habit, and very free in

producing its flowers. It requires cool treatment, and takes but little

room; moreover, it can be purchased at a moderate price, so that any one

that has a small house will be able to obtain it, and when obtained to

manage it. Thus it will be apparent that it is a most useful plant. Our

drawing was taken from a plant which was cultivated in the Victoria and

Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway.

The _Pilumna nobilis_ is an evergreen Orchid, and is furnished with dark

shining pseudobulbs four to six inches or sometimes more in height, and

dark green leaves about six inches in length. The flowers proceed from

the base of the pseudobulbs, three to four together in a loose raceme,

and are of a pure milk-white, with a pair of clear orange-coloured

spots, which impart a peculiar brightness to the throat; these flowers,

which are very fragrant, are produced during the autumn months, and each

lasts about two weeks in perfection.

We find the plants to thrive when grown in pots or baskets, with rough,

fibrous peat and good drainage. They need a moderate amount of moisture

during the period of growth, but when at rest less may be given, merely

enough to keep the bulbs in a plump state. They will thrive well in the

Odontoglossum house.

Lælia anceps.—We were very much surprised when calling on R. P.

Percival, Esq., of Southport, to see the well-grown specimens of _Lælia

anceps_ to be met with in his admirable collection of Orchids. On the

side stage of one house there were 230 spikes of this charming Lælia

just ready to burst their flower buds, some being open, and presenting

to view their fine richly-coloured lips, and their rose-coloured sepals

and petals. Some of the spikes, too, bore as many as four full-sized

flowers. This group must have formed a most gorgeous sight during the

dull time of year, namely, during November and December. Some of these

plants, moreover, were producing as many as thirteen spikes, others a

lesser number. This species is, as it deserves to be, a great favourite

with Mr. Percival. There was among them a fine specimen of _L. anceps

Percivaliana_, a most beautiful form, producing fourteen spikes of its

chaste flowers, the sepals and petals of which are blush-white and the

lip rosy purple.

There were many other fine Orchids to be seen here. We must congratulate

Mr. Percival on being so successful with his Cattleyas, which, when in

bloom, must have been a grand sight, especially the varieties of _C.

Trianæ_, _C. Mendelii_, and _C. Mossiæ_, which, between them, were

producing many hundreds of flower-sheaths. Of _C. Percivaliana_ there

were five plants throwing up their spikes, and they looked very

promising and distinct; doubtless, as in the case of other types of

Cattleyas, there will be many forms of this new species.—B. S. W.

[Since the above was written Mr. Percival has exhibited one of these

plants at South Kensington, and obtained for it a First Class

Certificate. The flowers are not so large as in _C. Mossiæ_, but the lip

is very richly coloured—a velvety crimson-purple with a border of pale

rosy purple.]

[Illustration: PL. 129.

ONCIDIUM LANCEANUM LOUVREXIANUM.]

ONCIDIUM LANCEANUM LOUVREXIANUM.

[Plate 129.]

Native of Dutch Guiana.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ forming a very short woody annulated rootstock

(ebulbous), from which are protruded the thick greenish roots.

_Leaves_ elliptic-oblong acute, leathery, slightly keeled, somewhat

recurved at the point, a foot to a foot and a half in length, dull

deep green speckled with purple, the speckling most strongly marked on

the under surface and on the younger parts. _Panicles_ rigid,

short-branched, on green peduncles, which spring from the base of the

leaf, and are blotched with purple, and invested with scarious

ovate-acuminate bracts, the lower ones being larger and much

lengthened out. _Flowers_ showy, fragrant like vanilla; _sepals_

oblong-obovate, narrowed below, concave, keeled, wavy at the edge,

yellowish green externally, internally brighter yellow-green and

spotted irregularly with reddish brown, a broad blotch of brown

occupying the base; _petals_ similar to the sepals in size, form, and

colour; _lip_ one and a half inch long, three-lobed, lateral or basal

lobes magenta-purple, darkest at the centre, triangular-oblong, with

three crests diminishing upwards on the disk between them; the middle

or anterior lobe clawed, transversely-oblong, emarginate, the anterior

half of the claw and the broad anterior lobe itself whiter. _Column_

short, white, with a pair of magenta-coloured oblique oblong side

wings, and a red anther cap.

Oncidium Lanceanum Louvrexianum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’

Chronicle_, N.S., xvii., 218.

We now present to our subscribers the figure of a most beautiful Orchid

which belongs to an extensive genus, the species of which vary much in

their growth, bulbs, foliage, and flowers, the latter including almost

every gradation of size and many shades of colour. The Oncidiums are

among the most useful of plants for decorative purposes, as every one

must know who grows Orchids. _Oncidium Lanceanum_ is quite distinct as a

species from any others with which we are acquainted and is remarkable

for having a rich rosy violet lip; the typical form we hope to be able

to figure at some future time. The variety _Louvrexianum_, as will be

seen from the annexed illustration, differs from the type in having the

lip white. Our plate was prepared from an excellent drawing of a plant

which flowered in the fine collection of orchids belonging to Mons. D.

Massange de Louvrex, of Marche, in Belgium—one of the best collections

in that country, and one also in which the plants are well cultivated,

and many unique specimens are to be seen.

_Oncidium Lanceanum Louvrexianum_ is an evergreen plant like the type.

It grows to a foot or more in height, and has light green foliage which

is spotted all over with a darker green and purple. The flowers are

produced on an upright scape a foot or more in length, which springs

directly from the rhizome at the base of the leaf. The sepals and petals

are greenish yellow blotched with brownish crimson, and the lip being

white forms a pleasing contrast with the brown-crimson of the sepals and

petals. It blooms during the summer months, and lasts several weeks in

beauty.

We bloomed this variety many years ago, but it is still a rare plant;

indeed we now very seldom see _Oncidium Lanceanum_ itself well grown,

for it is found difficult to cultivate by our present Orchid growers.

Many years ago one frequently met with fine specimens of it exhibited at

our London shows, and others were to be met with in collections in

different parts of the country. We still hope to see it again taken in

hand by Orchid cultivators, for it is beautiful both in foliage and in

flower and altogether makes a distinct and handsome specimen. The manner

in which these plants fail—and it is one which is very annoying—is that

the leaves go spotted, a condition which is not only detrimental to

their well-being, but renders them unsightly, and thus cultivators get

tired of their plants and discard them, while others, who keep the

foliage good from year to year, are proud of their success. We believe

the spotting to be caused by giving the plants too much heat and not

sufficient air, when, if the foliage is also kept too moist, it will

spot; the leaves, it will be noted, are of a thick fleshy texture, and

when once they get spotted it is very difficult to restore them to

health. If a suitable place can be found for it, and one in which it

succeeds well, by all means let it be kept there. We have found these

plants do well grown in baskets, with good drainage, so that the roots

can be benefited by being suspended in the atmosphere of the house—in

fact they do not like their roots to be too much covered over, but they

should have a little live sphagnum moss or very good fibrous peat. This

compost should never be allowed to get into a wet or soddened condition;

but if this should occur clear all the old material away, and employ

fresh, putting some good lumps of charcoal, more of this than of moss or

peat.

The plants may also be successfully grown on blocks of wood and

suspended from the roof. We have found them succeed in an intermediate

temperature ranging about 60° by night in winter, and a trifle

more—about 65°—by day; in summer the heat may range to little higher,

but not very much. With the heat give all the light possible, avoiding

exposure to sunshine, as this will scorch the fleshy leaves, to prevent

which we find it quite advisable to shade during the sunny part of the

day.

See further observations relating to _Oncidium Lanceanum_ under Plate

130.

[Illustration: PL. 130.

THUNIA MARSHALLIANA.]

THUNIA MARSHALLIANA.

[Plate 130.]

Native of Moulmein.

Terrestrial. _Stems_ reed-like, erect, glabrous, cylindrical, about

two and a half feet high, becoming smaller upwards, swelling into

roundish tuberous knobs beneath the soil, clothed above with

distichous leaves, and terminating in a dense raceme of flowers.

_Leaves_ oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, semi-amplectant, about six

inches long, five to seven nerved, of a pale green colour, glaucous

beneath. _Racemes_ terminal, nodding, dense, and many-flowered, the

bracts large ovate-lanceolate, acute, concave, shorter than the

ovaries, pale yellowish green. _Flowers_ large and delicately

beautiful, white with orange-red veins; _sepals_ and _petals_

lanceolate-oblong acute, spreading, nearly equal, about two and a half

inches long, pure white; _lip_ white, with the lower part convolute

around the column, produced behind into a retuse falcate spur and

having in the centre five veins or ribs, fringed at the edge; the

front part or limb flattened out, roundish, yellow with numerous

forking veins of a deep orange-red colour, occupying the whole area,

the disk traversed by five yellow raised veins, and about five shorter

ones on each side, all pectinately fringed with crystalline hairs, the

margin toothed and beautifully crisped, the extreme edge being white.

_Column_ enclosed by the lateral lobes of the lip (which are yellowish

striated with red near the front) terete below, widened above, with

two prominent toothed wings near the tip forming a kind of hood.

Thunia Marshalliana, _Reichenbach fil._, _Linnæa_ xli., 65; _Regel_,

_Gartenflora_, t. 1098.

The _Thunias_ form a small genus of very beautiful Orchids, which have

the further recommendation of being easy of cultivation. They are

deciduous in habit, losing their stems and leaves after they have

bloomed and completed their growth. That which we now figure, _T.

Marshalliana_, is a most distinct and showy species. Our sketch of which

was taken from a well grown plant belonging to W. Cobb, Esq., Silverdale

Lodge, Sydenham, who has a well selected and finely grown collection of

Orchids. This plant was indeed a marvel of cultivation, and did great

credit to Mr. Catt, the gardener.

_Thunia Marshalliana_, like its congeners is a free-growing plant,

furnished with tall red stems. These stems are of annual duration only,

and grow from two to three feet in height, perishing as soon as the

flowering and growth is completed; they are thickly clothed with

distichous leaves, which are of a pale glaucous green colour, and three

inches or more in length. The flowers are produced in large terminal

spikes, and have the sepals and petals white, and the lip white,

beautifully veined and fringed with deep orange colour, margined with

white. The plant generally blooms in June and July, and continues

flowering on for several weeks; it makes a fine decorative subject, as

well as a fine plant for the exhibition table. We have more than once

seen some noble specimens shown at the Whitsuntide National Show of the

Royal Botanic and Horticultural Society of Manchester.

We figured the charming _Thunia Bensoniæ_ in our second volume at Plate

67, where will be found a full account of the treatment given to that

beautiful species. _T. Marshalliana_ requires a similar mode of

cultivation, and is propagated in the same manner.

Oncidium Lanceanum, a very handsome variety of which is figured on the

preceding Plate, was first discovered in Surinam by John H. Lance, Esq.,

by whom it was brought to England in the year 1834. In a letter quoted

by Dr. Lindley in the _Transactions of the Horticultural Society of

London_ (2 ser. ii, 100, t. 5.), Mr. Lance states that he first found it

growing on the trunk of a large Tamarind tree, near the Government

House, and that he subsequently met with a number of the plants in

different parts of the colony, generally attached to the stems or

branches of Tamarind, Sapodilla or Calabash trees. With him it failed to

grow in rotten wood and light earth, but grew well when fastened to the

branches of the Orange, the Soursop, the Mammee, and even the

_Brugmansia arborea_, producing vigorous stems with upwards of twenty

blossoms on each.

The scent of the blossom Mr. Lance goes on to state “is extremely

fragrant, and is retained after the flower is dried, only becoming

fainter and more of a spicy flavour than when fresh. The plant remains

in full beauty from ten or twelve days—a long period in that climate;

and I found that it always required a shady situation, and a living stem

to grow upon, without which it would not produce its flowers in the

highest perfection.” Dr. Lindley, in one place, compares the fragrance

to that of the Garden Pink, and in another to that of Vanilla.

[Illustration: PL. 131.

ODONTOGLOSSUM NEVADENSE.]

ODONTOGLOSSUM NEVADENSE.

[Plate 131.]

Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ large, oblong-ovate, compressed, about three

inches high and two inches broad, diphyllous. _Leaves_

lorate-lanceolate, keeled, very much narrowed to the base, of a dark

green. _Scapes_ radical, bearing drooping racemes of from twelve to

fifteen blossoms. _Flowers_ large and pleasingly coloured; _sepals_

spreading in a narrow triangle, lanceolate, slightly grooved in the

centre, clear bright chestnut, with a narrow even edge of yellow;

_petals_ smaller, lanceolate, spreading, an inch and a half long, of

the same colour as the sepals but with more distinct yellow tips, and

about two forked bars of a pale yellow colour at the base, opposite

the lateral lobes of the lip, the margin slightly wavy; _lip_ white,

three-lobed, the lateral lobes erect, crescent-shaped, spotted with

chestnut, the broad rounded front lobe deeply fringed,

cuspidato-acuminate, the base cuneate, channelled, the disk with a

bifid crest, and three obcuneate conical brown spots. _Column_ erect,

half-an-inch long, galeate, spotted with red, and having two short

horn-like lateral auricles.

Odontoglossum nevadense, _Reichenbach fil._, _MS._ in _Horto

Lindeniano ac Mendeliano_; _Id._ _Xenia Orchidacea_, ii., t. 191,

figs. 1, 2; _Id._ _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S. xv., 136; _André_,

_L’Illustration Horticole_, 3 ser., t. 45.

The _Odontoglossum nevadense_ is a very distinct and also a very rare

and beautiful species which was first discovered in 1868, by Mr. G.

Wallis, when travelling for Mr. Linden in the Sierra Nevada of New

Grenada. It is not often met with, as there are very few plants of it in

cultivation, so far as we know, but we may hope that our energetic

collectors will be fortunate enough to meet with and send home a further

supply of so lovely a plant. We are indebted to Dr. Boddaert, of Gand,

Belgium, for the materials which have been used in preparing our

illustration, the plant from which our plate was copied having been

grown in his fine collection of Orchids; this was the best specimen of

the kind which we have seen, and was, when in bloom, an object of

attraction of which Dr. Boddaert might well be proud.

In this _Odontoglossum nevadense_ we have a compact-growing evergreen

species, with small pseudobulbs, and light green foliage; it grows about

ten inches in height, and produces its spikes of elegant flowers during

the spring and summer months. The sepals and petals are reddish-brown,

margined and tipped with yellow; the lip is white, its side lobes

spotted with brown inside. It lasts about six weeks in beauty.

This species is best grown in a pot, with rough fibrous peat as a

compost, and good drainage. It should have the same treatment accorded

to it as that given to _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_ as regards water, and

the temperature of the Odontoglossum house. Dr. Boddaert grew his

specimen with the rest of his Odontoglots, and found it to succeed well

under this _régime_, the plant continuing to increase in size and in

value.

The following New Orchids were exhibited at the meeting of the Royal

Horticultural Society at South Kensington on February 12th, and were

severally awarded First Class Certificates:—

Cattleya Percivaliana alba.—A most chaste and beautiful variety of this

novelty, having pure white sepals and petals, and a white lip marked

with a blotch of yellow in the throat. Exhibited by R. P. Percival,

Esq., Birkdale, Southport.

Lælia anceps Williamsiana.—A new variety of _Lælia anceps_, exhibited by

Messrs. F. Sander & Co., of St. Albans. The sepals and petals are pure

white, of good form, and stout substance; the lip white, having a yellow

patch at the base, and a yellow throat striped with deep crimson-purple.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ (crispum) aureum.—A very striking novelty, with

clear yellow flowers. The sepals and petals are of a deep lemon yellow,

the sepals spotted with brown, and the lip having one or two spots of a

similar colour. Exhibited by F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Bickley.

Odontoglossum Pollettianum.—This plant was much admired on account of

the distinct markings of the flowers. The sepals and petals were white,

tinged with purple, and heavily spotted with reddish brown; the lip

being wedge shaped, as in _O. Andersonianum_. It is, doubtless, one of

the many natural hybrids between _O. Alexandræ_ and _O. gloriosum_.

Exhibited by H. M. Pollett, Esq., Bickley.

Oncidium anthrocene.—In growth this plant somewhat resembles _Miltonia

Warscewiczii_ (_O. Weltoni_), but it is quite distinct in the character

of its flowers, and in its branched inflorescence. The sepals and petals

are much undulated, brown, faintly barred with yellow towards the base;

the lip is yellow, spotted with brown, and very distinct. Exhibited by

Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans.

Oncidium Jonesianum.—A new and distinct species, having terete foliage

eight to twelve inches long. The flowers are about two inches across,

greenish yellow, with reddish brown spots, the lip white spotted with

red. Exhibited by A. H. Smee, Esq., Wallington.