Chapter IV: Part 4

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ pyriform, three to four inches in height,
smooth, bearing two leaves at the apex. _Leaves_ persistent,
cuneate-oblong, acute, stalked, somewhat plicate, a foot and a half
high including the stalk, and four inches broad. _Peduncle_ pendulous,
produced from the base of the pseudobulbs, one and a half to two feet
long, nigro-asperate; _bracts_ cuneate-oblong obtuse, much shorter
than the pedicels. _Flowers_ showy, in loose racemes of two dozen or
more, yellow with a brown lip; _sepals_ ligulate obtuse, somewhat
keeled outside, light ochre-yellow; _petals_ linear-ligulate, of the
same colour as the sepals; _lip_ three-lobed, concave, the side lobes
semi-ovate, acute in front, of a beautiful maroon-brown with
ochre-coloured veins, the middle lobe creamy white at the edge, with a
large brown disk, short, transversely oval with an apiculus, and
having three light yellow rather prominent toothletted keels extending
from the base to the anterior lobe, and “six confluent rows of green
retuse many-angled cells, reminding one of human molar teeth” in front
of them. _Column_ light ochre-yellow, streaked with brown, winged in
front, the anther-bed with a retuse membranous border.

Cœlogyne Massangeana, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,
N.S., x., 684; _Floral Magazine_, 2 ser., t. 373.

The plant which we now bring under the notice of our readers belongs to a rather extensive genus of Orchids, some of the species of which are very beautiful, while others are not worth cultivating as decorative plants. That which is now before us, is, however, an exceedingly handsome and very remarkable species, which was imported from Assam, by MM. Jacob-Makoy & Cie., of Liège, Belgium. Our illustration was taken from a very fine plant, which produced no fewer than eight of its long pendulous racemes of flowers, some of these having as many as twenty-seven blossoms on them. This grand specimen was grown in the notable collection of Mons. D. Massange, at the Château de Baillonville, near Marche, in Belgium, in whose honour the species was named by Professor Reichenbach. We had the pleasure of seeing this extraordinarily fine plant, growing under pot-culture, in M. Massange’s Cattleya house, and since then we have received the materials from which our artist has made the capital representation which accompanies these remarks. In regard to its botanical affinities it stands near to the Bornean _Cœlogyne asperata_, which is sometimes called _C. Lowii_.

One remarkable feature of this _Cœlogyne Massangeana_ is the extraordinary shortness of time which it takes to develope its rather ample spikes of flowers; these are often pushed up from the pseudobulbs in their corkscrew-like fashion, and become extended to their full length in a very few days, the buds swelling off at once, and the flowers very soon appearing in full beauty, in which state they continue for four or five weeks.

We have seen a wonderfully fine example of this plant in the grand collection of R. Smith, Esq., Brentham Park, Stirling; this was suspended from the roof, and bore several fine flower-spikes. Mr. Smith regards this as one of the most beautiful Cœlogynes in cultivation. When we saw the plant, it was overhanging a wonderful specimen of _Cattleya exoniensis_, a grand variety, and there were also many other fine Cattleyas in the same house.

_Cœlogyne Massangeana_ is a free-growing evergreen plant, with stout pseudobulbs from three to four inches in height, each supporting a pair of light green plicate leaves, which are about eighteen inches high, and about four inches broad. The flower-spikes are produced from the base of the pseudobulbs, and, when the plants are in vigorous health, they frequently attain the length of eighteen inches, or sometimes two feet. The sepals and petals are of a light yellow-ochre colour; the lip rich brown, its upper part or side lobes creamy yellow, lined with brown. The plant flowers at various times of the year. We have more than once had it in bloom twice in one year, and it continues for several weeks in a state of freshness and beauty.

In its native country, Assam, this species is found growing on the branches and stems of trees. Here, provided it receives proper treatment, it is a very free-growing Orchid, and is also easy of increase, as it often produces two growths from one bulb. It will thrive either in a basket or in a pot, but, when in bloom, it should be suspended from the roof in order that it may be seen to the best advantage, to accomplish which, if it be grown in a pot, some wire may be fixed around the rim by which to hook it up. When growing it may occupy any part of the Cattleya house, but it should be placed so that it can obtain plenty of light. When hung up near the glass it must be shaded from the burning sun. With us it thrives well in good fibrous peat, and we have found it to be a free-rooting plant, requiring to be kept moist during the growing season; indeed, we never allow the plants to become too dry, but just supply them with sufficient moisture to prevent them from shrivelling. Every effort must be made to keep the foliage clean, and free from insects, in respect to which the cultivator should adopt and act up to the golden maxim—“Prevention is better than cure.”

Cymbidium eburneum.—In our remarks on this plant, under Plate 25, we have inadvertently referred to it as producing but one flower on a scape. This, however, is not quite correct; as, although the scapes each usually bear but a solitary blossom, we have known them to produce two, or sometimes even three flowers.—B. S. W.

LÆLIA ELEGANS ALBA.
[Plate 30.]
Native of Brazil.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ terete, somewhat club-shaped, about eighteen inches
in height, the weaker ones bearing one, the stronger two, leaves at
the apex. _Leaves_ solitary or in pairs, ligulate-oblong, from six
inches to a foot in length, very thick and leathery in texture, of a
bright green colour. _Scape_ two to three-flowered, issuing from a
terminal oblong compressed bract, about three inches in length.
_Flowers_ white and crimson-purple, large and very handsome, about six
inches in expansion; _sepals_ oblong lanceolate, acute, plane, pure
white; _petals_ rather shorter than the sepals, broadly-lanceolate,
undulated at the margins, pure white; _lip_ three inches long,
three-lobed, the lateral lobes rolled over the column, the front
portion spreading, undulated, and marked within the edge with a blotch
of crimson-purple, the middle lobe roundish, flabellately expanded,
crispato-undulate, of a rich crimson-purple, the colour breaking out
near the tip into crimson veins on a purplish ground, and extended
into a claw-like base through the pale yellowish disk. _Column_ about
as long as the convolute base of the lip, enclosed.

Lælia elegans var. alba, _Williams_, _Catalogue_ 1881, 68.

We have here one of the most beautiful of this charming class of Orchids, and one which no Orchid fancier can fail to admire. The showy blossoms of the forms of this species offer many shades of colour, those of the variety before us being exceedingly chaste and delicate. The accompanying figure is a good representation of this charming variety, and was prepared from a sketch of a well-grown specimen which bloomed in the fine collection of W. Lee, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead, under the care of Mr. Woolford, the gardener.

This Lælia grows about eighteen inches high; it is furnished with bold thick foliage of a pleasant green, and produces its blossoms in June and July, continuing for about three weeks in beauty. The sepals and petals are of a pure white, while the lip is of a rich magenta-crimson, the two colours making a well-marked and charming contrast. This delicately beautiful variety is extremely rare.

_Lælia elegans alba_ is like the Cattleyas in its growth, with the exception of the stems being more slender, most of them producing two short leaves about six inches in length. The plants require the same temperature and the same material in which to grow as the allied Cattleyas, and also about the same amount of water during the growing season. The rest required is also the same as for Cattleyas. There are some of the species, such as _L. albida_, _autumnalis_, _majalis_, _pumila_, and others, which will thrive better in a cooler temperature. They are all subject to insects, which should be diligently looked after. White scale is sometimes troublesome, and if allowed to remain on them will disfigure the foliage by causing yellow spots. Thrips will also attack them, and increase very fast if they are not kept under by adopting the usual remedies.

Shading Orchids.—This is a subject of the greatest importance in Orchid culture, and one that is often overlooked until it is too late—the mischief being done. What is required is a strong durable material that will wear well, and, where rollers are used, stand the strain upon it. It must also be understood that shading does not consist of merely daubing upon the glass some opaque material, such as paint, summer cloud, whitening, or the like, which though all very well as palliatives in positions where rollers cannot be used, such as at the ends and sides of a house, are greatly to be deprecated as a shading for the roof, for this reason, that in our English climate we are so subject to sudden changes of the weather, that were such a permanent shading to be used, we should frequently, especially during dull weather, have our plants in comparative darkness when they should be getting all the light possible. This cannot fail to lead to bad results and produce a sickly growth. Some growers use thick canvas; indeed, we have done so ourselves many years ago, but, by experience, we have found out the ill effects of it, for when we employed this kind of shading, we found the plants under its influence became weak and sickly, producing small puny flower-spikes. A lighter shading was then employed, and the difference was marvellous; the plants assumed quite a different aspect. It was at this time that we were exhibiting at Chiswick the fine specimens of East Indian Orchids—Aërides, Saccolabiums, Vandas, Dendrobiums, and many others—such as we seldom see equalled now. Since then we have used thinner shadings, with the best results. Our Vandas thus treated have always been strong and healthy, with broader foliage, producing their flower-spikes as often as three times a year, with the flowers of a good colour, lasting a long time in perfection; in fact we are never without flower, always having a good display. We refer more particularly to the suavis and tricolor section of the genus. Some people imagine Vandas do not flower till they attain a large size, but such is not the case if they are properly grown, and thin shading is used. Our experience leads us to the belief that all Orchids, with a few exceptions, require a thin shading, that is to say, one that, while warding off the direct rays of the sun, will allow the light to enter through it. To arrive at this result we use a strong, durable, cotton netting, woven in small squares, close enough to exclude the rays of the sun, while the light penetrates it with but little interruption. This netting stands exposure to the weather much longer than canvas, and on that account is cheaper in the long run. We have used this material for some years; in the case of Cool Orchids, Mexican, and East Indian kinds, with the best results, the netting being attached to rollers with appropriate gear. For the cool Orchid houses we employ raised blinds, upon which we hope to speak further shortly. The blinds can be managed with but little trouble. In the winter we take them off the house and put them in a dry place until they are required again in the ensuing spring.—B. S. W.

CALANTHE VEITCHII.
[Plate 31.]
A Garden Hybrid.

Terrestrial. _Pseudobulbs_ fleshy, conical, bluntly angular, four to
six inches in height. _Leaves_ deciduous, about two from the apex of
each pseudobulb, lanceolate, narrowed both towards the base and apex,
plicate or plaited, of a bright green, produced before the flowers.
_Scapes_ radical, downy, invested in the lower part with sheathing
bracts, and each supporting a tall showy raceme of flowers, sometimes
reaching three to four feet long. _Flowers_ abundant, each subtended
by an ovate bract, of a very attractive and pleasing tint of rich deep
rosy pink, darker in some varieties; _sepals_ oblong lanceolate, the
dorsal one erect, the lateral ones spreading, deep rose-pink; _petals_
of the same form and colour, patent, directed upwards; _lip_ adherent
to the column, round which it is rolled at the base, front part
clawed, and expanded into a squarish four-lobed limb, rich rose-pink,
deepening almost to crimson around the creamy white eye or centre, the
spur straight, downy. _Column_ small, terete, downy at the back.

Calanthe Veitchii, _Lindley_, _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, 1859, 1016;
_Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 5375; _Bateman_, _Second Century of
Orchids_, t. 106; _Jennings_, _Orchids_, t. 48; _Floral Magazine_, t.
280; _Williams_, _Orchid Growers’ Manual_, 5 ed., 109.

This Hybrid is one of the most distinct and charming of Orchids, as well as one of the most useful for winter decoration. Our illustration was prepared from some admirably grown materials which were kindly sent to us from the rich collection of William Leach, Esq., of Oakley, Fallowfield, near Manchester, where we have seen as many as one hundred flower spikes of one of the most highly coloured forms of this somewhat variable plant in full beauty; and, intermixed as they were with the white _Calanthe vestita_, the effect produced was exceedingly pleasing and attractive. Mr. Swan seems to have hit upon the most successful method of cultivating these very charming plants, for some of the spikes bore as many as forty flowers. He evidently knows also how to arrange the plants to advantage, namely, by placing them in rows among the foliage of the East Indian Orchids, so that the Calanthes, blooming as they do without their leaves, have their beauty enhanced by the foliage of the associated plants, especially that of the Aërides and Vandas.

_Calanthe Veitchii_ is of deciduous habit, losing its foliage just as it comes into flower. We have, however, occasionally seen it with leaves accompanying its flowers, though its natural habit is to lose them. It produces flower spikes from three to four feet or more in length, and sometimes bears as many as fifty flowers on one spike. The plants are free-blooming and continue in flower for two months. The sepals and petals, as well as the lip, are of a rich rosy pink colour. A gay appearance may be kept up throughout the dull months of winter by having a sufficient number of plants and starting them successively into blossom.

These Calanthes are very accommodating, since they will thrive well in baskets suspended from the roof, as well as in pots suspended by wire in the same way as the baskets; they will also thrive in pots standing on the tables, where room is not an object. If grown in baskets, they will require more water in their growing season. We prefer them grown in this manner where there is room, as they look so pleasing with their spikes hanging gracefully from the roof. Where hundreds of spikes have to be produced, as for instance is the case with Mr. C. Penny, of Sandringham Gardens, for decorating the Prince of Wales’ table, the effect produced is charming, and even for filling large vases they form a most elegant adornment.

They are of easy cultivation when they get the treatment they require. Like all other deciduous and bulbous plants their blooming season follows that of the completion of the growth of the bulbs, and their growing season commences when they have finished blooming, after which they will soon begin to throw up their young growths. When this is observed, let them be fresh potted. We have found it best to do this every year, as they lose all their old roots annually. We shake the soil away and cut off all the roots, and repot them, when, as soon as they begin to grow, they will send out their new roots into fresh soil. The material we use for potting is good rough fibrous loam and leaf mould, with a little rotten manure, mixing them well together, and giving good drainage with a layer of rough peat and moss on the top of it. In potting, fill the pot up with the soil and place the bulb on the top, just making it firm; it will soon root and support itself. If planted in baskets, it is necessary to place some rough fibrous peat round the sides and at the bottom to keep the soil from washing out; fill the basket up with the same kind of compost as that recommended for the pots, with drainage at the bottom; place the bulbs upright in the basket, about three in number, on the top of the soil, and finish by giving a little water. After the plants get into growth and are making roots freely, they should always be kept moist until they have finished their growth, when a less copious supply will suffice; and after they have bloomed they may be kept dry for a time until they are ready for potting. When the plants are in vigorous growth a little manure water may, with advantage, be applied to their roots once or twice a week, but it must be well diluted before being used, as, if given too strong, it might destroy the roots.

We find the East India house to suit these Calanthes best, or they will thrive well in a house where stove plants are grown. They are propagated by separating the pseudobulbs at the time they are potted, and as they generally make two growths from one bulb the increase is comparatively rapid. Like other orchidaceous plants, they must be kept free from insects.

ONCIDIUM HÆMATOCHILUM.
[Plate 32.]
Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ none or obsolete, the leaves and
flower-scapes springing directly from the axils of the scaly bracts
which surround the crown. _Leaves_ solitary, flat, oblong, acute,
leathery in texture, dull green spotted with reddish brown, nine to
twelve inches long. _Scape_ radical, deep red, supporting a dense
panicle of green spotted crimson-lipped flowers. _Flowers_ about an
inch and a half across, showy on account of their rich colouring and
markings; _sepals_ oval-oblong, yellowish green, thickly marked with
irregular transverse bands of rich reddish brown; _petals_ oblong,
spathulate, wavy, similar in colour to the sepals, but less heavily
marked; _lip_ clawed, with a pair of auricles at the base, the claw
and auricles deep magenta-rose colour, the front expanded portion
roundish or transversely reniform, of a deep sanguineous crimson, and
having the margin yellow, closely mottled with deep rose-crimson, the
disk furnished with a flexuose crest shaped like the letter W, and
thence raised into an eminence with a toothlet on each side. _Column_
short, with rounded wings curved downwards and somewhat lobed.

Oncidium hæmatochilum, _Lindley_, in _Paxton’s Flower Garden_, i., t.
6; _Id._, re-issue, t. 26; _Id._, _Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Oncidium_,
No. 132; _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices
Systematicæ_, vi., 783.

Oncidium luridum purpuratum, _Loddiges_, _List_—_fide_ Lindley.

This is undoubtedly one of our oldest Orchids—one that we recollect to have seen in bloom with the Messrs. Loddiges, in their noble collection of Orchids, about thirty years ago. We have always been under the impression that it was one of the prettiest of the spotted Oncidiums, but, although we have occasionally bloomed it, since then we have seen it in very few collections. We were accordingly very greatly pleased to meet with a remarkably fine example of it in the collection of G. W. L. Schofield, Esq., of Rawtenstall, near Manchester, from which our illustration was taken. The plant bore two flower-spikes, one of which was three feet six inches in length, bearing forty fine blossoms, and was a most beautiful example of the species; the other was shorter, and from this our drawing was made, as our page would not afford space for the representation of the larger spike. Our readers will, however, be enabled from the description and figure to form a good idea of the beauty of this rare species when well grown. Mr. Schofield is a great lover of good Orchids, and apparently intends having a fine collection of them, as he has had houses built for the different classes; his gardener also takes great interest in the plants, and consequently they are closely looked after and well cared for.

The _Oncidium hæmatochilum_ is a very compact-growing plant, with leaves from nine to twelve inches in height, and two and a half inches broad, of a dark green colour, spotted with brown. The sepals and petals are of a greenish yellow, mottled with crimson; the lip is of a rich crimson, edged with yellow, and spotted round the margin with magenta-rose colour. It flowers in November, the blossoms continuing for several weeks in perfection, and is a plant that will no doubt become popular, as it blooms at a time when flowers are in request. The specimen we are describing was grown in a basket in the Cattleya house, in peat and moss, which form an unexceptionable compost for it, with good drainage, and a moderate supply of water in the growing season. It is best suspended from the roof where it may obtain plenty of light, but it does not like bright sunshine, and consequently must be shaded in sunny weather.

The Oncidiums are a class of Orchids among which occur some most showy and beautiful species; while almost every colour we could mention is to be found represented among them. They come from different regions, and in consequence their treatment must vary. Some of them rank among our finest exhibition plants, as well as amongst the best for the decoration of our stoves and Orchid houses. We often see fine specimens of Oncidiums in our grand old collections of plants where there is no pretence at growing a collection of Orchids, but where they are merely cultivated for cutting purposes. What is more airy and elegant for vases than the inflorescence of _Oncidium flexuosum_, or even _O. sphacelatum_, or that of many others we could mention if space would allow? What more brilliant than such species as _O. varicosum_ and its variety _O. Rogersii_, _O. ampliatum majus_, _O. tigrinum_, _O. Marshallianum_, or _O. macranthum_?

Dendrobium Findleyanum.—This plant is now (January, 1882) finely in flower in the collection of J. C. Bowring, Esq., Windsor Forest. It must be a grand specimen, as Mr. Clinkaberry, the gardener, informs us that it has one hundred and ninety-two expanded blossoms. We have never before heard of such a well-flowered specimen as this; indeed, large plants of this species are somewhat rare. It is a most curious grower, and very remarkable for its long tapering compressed and deeply nodose stem-like pseudobulbs. The flowers are large, white, tipped with rosy pink, in the same way as those of _D. Wardianum_, and they are produced in great profusion. It is a plant that takes but little room, and should be in every collection.—B. S. W.

CATTLEYA SUPERBA SPLENDENS.
[Plate 33.]
Native of Brazil in the region of the Rio Negro.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ slender, subterete, furrowed, with distant nodes,
nearly a foot in height. _Leaves_ in pairs, ovate or ovate-oblong,
obtuse, barely four inches in length, of a deep bluish green colour
and stout coriaceous texture. _Scape_ four to five-flowered, issuing
from a terminal oblong obtuse compressed sheathing bract, of a pale
brown colour, which is about two inches long and three-quarters of an
inch broad. _Flowers_ richly coloured, nearly six inches in breadth;
_sepals_ elliptic-lanceolate, plane, about two and a half inches long,
of a deep rich purplish rose colour; _petals_ of the same colour
somewhat broader and longer, rhomboid, more or less undulated at the
margin in the upper half; _lip_ about two inches long, three-lobed,
the basal lobes elongately connivent into a tube acute in front, of a
rich magenta-crimson, white at the base, middle lobe transversely
rounded, broader than long, emarginate, narrowed into a claw, the
front portion of the same rich crimson colour, the disk and interior
of the tube yellow, the former traversed by five elevated golden
yellow lines. _Column_ enclosed.

Cattleya superba splendens, _Lemaire_, _Illustration Horticole_ xvi.,
t. 605; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower’s Manual_, 4 ed., 127; 5 ed., 132.

The plant we are now about to describe is one of the most magnificent members of its genus, so far as regards the brilliant colouring of its flowers. This may be seen by a reference to the accompanying illustration, which was taken from a fine plant that flowered at the Victoria Nursery, and was subsequently purchased by William Lee, Esq. of Downside, Leatherhead. The plant was seen to great advantage when suspended in a basket from the roof of the Orchid-house, and in this position was greatly admired, by _connoisseurs_ on account of its rich and brilliant colours. The plants of _Cattleya superba_ vary considerably in the colour of their flowers, those of the original or type form being well represented in the first series of _Warner’s Select Orchidaceous Plants_ (t. 24), where a most beautiful spike with six of its really superb flowers is shown.

The variety which we now introduce to the notice of our readers—_Cattleya superba splendens_—is one of distinct character, and of unparalleled beauty. It comes from a different country, viz., the Rio Negro region of Para instead of Guiana. The plant is of compact growth like _C. superba_, and generally flowers during July and August; the stems (pseudobulbs) are ten to twelve inches in height; the leaves are produced in pairs, and are longer and more pointed, and its splendidly coloured flowers are produced four or five together in the spike from the top of the stem when it is making its growth. The individual blossoms are as much as five inches across, and are well expanded, the sepals and petals being of a bright but delicate rose colour, and the lip white at the base, the front and side lobes rich magenta-crimson, the disk and interior of the tube being of a bright golden yellow. The plant continues in blossom for three or four weeks if the flowers are kept from damp; indeed, all Cattleya blooms retain their freshness for a longer period if kept dry, especially the large light-flowered forms of _C. Mossiæ_, _C. Trianæ_, _C. Mendelii_, &c., which soon become spotted if the atmosphere surrounding them is much charged with moisture.

_Cattleya superba_ is not in general well cultivated, but we have seen some specimens which were grown with extraordinary skill and success in the select collection of O. Schneider, Esq., of Cromwell Grange, Fallowfield, near Manchester. These specimens, as many as nine in number, were suspended in baskets from the roof of the warm house. They were grown from imported plants, and we have noticed them in the same position growing and blooming freely for the past three years, and, as they succeed so well, we should certainly recommend their being retained in the same situation. It is a golden rule for cultivators that when a particular kind of plant is found to thrive in a certain position, it should be kept there, so long at least as the conditions are suitable. In the instance just referred to the plants were suspended close to the glass, where they enjoyed a great abundance of light, and this was possibly the secret of their success. Other important considerations are that the plants do not like to be disturbed and will not bear cutting up.

It is necessary at all times to keep sweet healthy material about the roots by removing the old effete soil and replacing it by that which is fresh and sound. We find rough fibrous peat and charcoal to suit it, but this must be accompanied by good drainage. We have seen them thrive well on blocks of wood, but when grown in this way they require more water. If cultivated in baskets they also need a good supply during the season of growth. In winter less will suffice, merely enough being given to keep the bulbs in a plump condition. As soon as they show signs of growth, more water should be given, but it is necessary to avoid wetting the young growths, as this often causes them to damp off, and when this is the case the succeeding growth will be weakly and unable to develop blossoms.

The plants should be kept free from insects; sometimes thrips will attack the young growths, but it should be speedily removed, as, if allowed to remain, it will soon make great havoc.

PAPHINIA CRISTATA.
[Plate 34.]
Native of Trinidad and Guiana.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ small, clustered, oblong-ovate, compressed,
somewhat furrowed, bearing one to three leaves at the apex, and
leaf-like scales at the base. _Leaves_ oblong-lanceolate, plicate,
submembranaceous, spreading, about eight inches in height. _Scapes_
proceeding from the base of the pseudobulbs, pendent, two or
three-flowered, clothed with loose brown membranaceous bracts.
_Flowers_ smooth, spreading, whitish on the outside, beautifully
marked with purple lines within, about three and a half inches across;
_sepals_ lanceolate acute, fleshy, pale straw colour, almost entirely
covered by thin transverse lines of chocolate-purple; _petals_ similar
in form and colour, but somewhat narrower; _lip_ much smaller than the
foregoing, fleshy, tripartite, almost entirely of a rich purplish
black, ovate in outline, shortly unguiculate, with four stalked glands
on the reddish orange purple-spotted claw, the lateral lobes
sickle-shaped, the middle lobe rhomboidal, terminated by a tuft of
club-shaped fimbriæ; disk crested, bidentate, with a few deep yellow
spots down the centre. _Column_ club-shaped, semiterete, greenish at
the base, the upper portion auriculate, with a projecting tooth on
each side, deep yellow.

Paphinia cristata, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1843, misc. 14;
_Lyons_, _Treatise on Orchidaceous Plants_, 203; _Van Houtte_, _Flore
des Serres_, iv., t. 335; _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 4836;
_Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, vi.,
614; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower’s Manual_, 5 ed., 265; _Bateman_, _2nd
Century of Orchidaceous Plants_, t. 117.

Maxillaria cristata, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, t. 1811.

_Paphinia_ is a genus of very limited extent, and of which but few species are at present known. That now before us is a very old and familiar species, one of the best known amongst them, and a singularly handsome little plant. It was the _Maxillaria cristata_ of early Orchid days, and considerable quantities of it were formerly imported, but it has now become very rare. We have flowered several plants during the past year at the Victoria Nursery, where they were greatly admired by those who saw them. It is a plant which comparatively few persons interested in Orchids have met with in blossom, and of which our plate gives a very correct representation. The flowers are remarkably curious, not only for their structure, but also for their colouring, as will be seen by reference to our illustration. The plant has, moreover, a very peculiar mode of throwing out its flower-spikes.

We have also flowered _Paphinia rugosa_, another very singular and pretty plant, after the same style, but differing in colour, and well worth cultivation. They occupy but little space in the Orchid-houses, and are best grown in small pans suspended near the glass where they have the full benefit of the light, but must be shaded from the sun since their thin-textured leaves would suffer injury from too complete an exposure.

_Paphinia cristata_, is a low-growing plant, with small shiny pseudobulbs, and light green plicate foliage about eight inches in height. It is a free-blooming species, generally producing three flowers on a scape which proceeds from the base of the pseudobulb after that has completed its growth. The flowers last in beauty for about a fortnight, and are produced at different periods of the year. The sepals and petals are nearly covered with transverse parallel lines of dark chocolate-purple on a creamy yellow ground; the lip is coloured in a similar manner, and furnished with some curious tufted fringes.

These plants are not so easy to cultivate as some other Orchids; but, by bestowing on them a little extra care and attention, they may be kept in a thriving and healthy condition. We find them to grow best in small pans, nearly filled with drainage, and a lump of charcoal on the top of it; place the plant on the top of this with but little rough fibrous peat or live sphagnum moss about the roots, and so that it is elevated a little above the rim, as it has the peculiarity of throwing its flower-spike downwards.

This species is a native of Guiana, and of the adjacent island of Trinidad. In the latter it is found growing on decayed branches of trees in the neighbourhood of the mud lake. In the former it occurs in the warmer parts of Demerara, and, consequently, must be cultivated in the warm house, and kept in a moist atmosphere during the season of its growth; when at rest, however, a smaller quantity of water will suffice, but it should never be allowed to shrivel, as, when once its condition becomes bad, it is very difficult to restore its health.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ flaveolum.—Whoever expected ten years ago to see a yellow-flowered _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_ (?) No one, we should think, unless it were by a great stretch of the imagination. However, here is one from the fine collection of G. Hardy, Esq., of Timperley, Manchester. The flowers in every respect resemble those of _O. Alexandræ_, except in their colour, which is a bright canary-yellow. The spike before us bears fifteen expanded flowers, and is one of the greatest surprises we have had the good fortune to meet with for a long time. It is true that distinct varieties of this “the Queen of Orchids” are turning up almost every day, but one seldom has a chance of seeing an entirely new break of colour of this sort. We believe that a variety with yellow flowers bloomed some time ago in the Broomfield collection, but the colour was not so decided in Mr. Warner’s plant as it is in the case now before us.—B. S. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ANDERSONIANUM.
[Plate 35.]
Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ligulate-pyriform, costate, two or three
inches high. _Leaves_ broadly linear, acute, about a foot long, of a
light green colour, two from the top of each pseudobulb, with
occasionally another from its base. _Scape_ radical, spreading, more
or less drooping, supporting a branching raceme about two feet long.
_Flowers_ resembling those of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_, but smaller,
prettily spotted; _sepals_ ovate-oblong, acute, slightly crispy,
creamy white, heavily and irregularly blotched on the lower half with
bright chestnut-brown, the attenuated upper half unspotted; _petals_
similar in form and colour, the blotches which are also on the lower
half smaller, and more thickly placed; _lip_ from a cuneate base,
pandurate, narrow in front, apiculate, distinctly wavy and toothed,
creamy white, yellow at the base, with fewer and smaller brown spots;
disk deep yellow, with a prominent crest dividing in front into two
divergent horns. _Column_ greenish towards the base, brown in front,
the wings and anther-case white.

Odontoglossum Andersonianum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’
Chronicle_, 1868, 599; _Id._ 1872, 41; _Floral Magazine_, 2 ser., t.
45.

The charming _Odontoglossum Andersonianum_, supposed to be a wild mule between _O. Alexandræ_ (_crispum_) and _O. præstans_ or _O. gloriosum_, is one of the many prettily spotted Odontoglots which have been introduced into our collections during the past few years, and among which new varieties are continually appearing. One of the best forms of this plant which has come under our notice is that represented in the accompanying plate, prepared from a very beautiful specimen which bloomed last year among many other fine Odontoglots, well cultivated in the collection of Messrs. William Thomson & Sons, of Clovenfords near Galashiels.

The _Odontoglossum Andersonianum_ is a compact-growing plant, with pyriform pseudobulbs two to three inches high, pale green leaves, and gracefully drooping branched flower-spikes about two feet in length. The sepals and petals are at first creamy white, spotted with purplish brown, the lip being also white, but less heavily spotted. The plant is of free-blooming habit, the flowers continuing fresh and perfect for a period of five or six weeks. It is exceedingly difficult to recognize this form until it produces its blossoms, as its growth is remarkably similar to that of _O. Alexandræ_. Indeed there are many forms and varieties of this particular group which it is impossible to recognize until their flowers are seen; and, though cultivators may sometimes feel assured of the identity of individual plants, the production of flowers not unfrequently proves them to be mistaken.

_Odontoglossum Andersonianum_ requires the same treatment as _O. Alexandræ_ and other cool Orchids, also the same amount of water. The plants must have good fibrous peat to grow in, and plenty of drainage, as they need to be freely supplied with water all the year round, and this, if allowed to become stagnant, would prove very injurious to them. The material in which they are grown must also be clean and sweet; and though they must never be over-potted, sufficient space should be allowed for their roots. We have sometimes seen Odontoglots in pots far too large for them, and though this may tend to make the plants more important-looking, yet it will eventually spoil them, as the larger amount of soil becomes soddened with water, and this produces rotting of the roots.

Raised Blinds for Orchid Houses.—During the summer months we have found Raised Blinds very beneficial to the growth of Orchids, especially to those requiring cool-house culture. When the hot summer’s sun is shining upon the glass, it is very difficult, where Raised Blinds are not employed, to keep the temperature sufficiently low. The glass roof of the structure upon which the sun is shining becomes very hot, even when shaded with ordinary blinds; but if Raised Blinds are used a current of air is allowed to pass over the entire surface of the roof, and the glass is kept comparatively cool. The effect of this is to decrease very appreciably the internal temperature of the house; and the moisture, which would otherwise be dried up by the burning heat of the sun, produces a nice humid genial atmosphere in which Orchids delight. Having thus far referred to the advantages to be derived from the use of this method of shading, we may now explain briefly the mode of construction. Supposing that the house to be furnished with Raised Blinds is an ordinary span-roofed structure, it is necessary in the first place to provide a second ridge elevated about six inches above the top of the existing one. This should not consist of a solid plank, but of a strip of timber sufficiently strong to bear the weight and strain of the blinds and roller, and should be supported on blocks of wood placed at intervals in order to allow the current of air from below to find an outlet, which would not be the case if a solid ridge-board were adopted. Having arranged for the ridge, the next thing is to provide supports for the rollers; either wood or iron may be used for this purpose, but we have found iron to be the lightest looking and the most durable. Where the length of the rafters does not exceed say eight feet, half-inch rod iron will be found to be strong enough, and this should be cut into proper lengths, with the lower end turned up in a semi-circular form, so as to catch the roller when it descends, and prevent it from running off the supports. These supporting rods should be fixed to the bars or rafters of the house, about six inches above the woodwork, by being welded to vertical iron stays, which latter should be flattened out at the base, and provided with holes so that they can be screwed to the rafters or bars of the roof. In this way a strong support for the blinds to roll upon will be formed; the blinds themselves can be attached to the elevated ridge in the ordinary way, and the gearing usually employed for the purpose will be found to answer well for pulling them up or down. Many Orchid growers have already adopted these Raised Blinds with very beneficial results.—B. S. W.

CYPRIPEDIUM POLITUM.
[Plate 36.]
Garden Hybrid.

Epiphytal. Acaulescent. _Leaves_ radical, distichous, coriaceous,
oblong, acute, palish green thickly chequered with dark bottle-green
markings, the under side dull reddish purple. _Scapes_ solitary in the
leaf axils, pubescent, purplish, terminating in a lanceolate sharply
keeled bract, from which the solitary blossom emerges. _Flowers_
medium-sized, peculiar in form, rather showy; _dorsal sepals_
ovate-acute, ciliate, the inner surface polished, suffused with
reddish purple in the lower part, whitish towards the tip, traversed
by numerous green veins of which the alternate ones are longer and
stouter than the rest, all of them distinctly marked on the outer
surface; _lateral connate sepals_ smaller, ciliate, greenish white
with green veins, rather shorter than the lip; _petals_ linear-oblong,
about two and a half inches in length, glossy, deflexed (more so than
in the figure), ciliate with a fringe of unequal black hairs, bright
wine-red, greenish towards the base, where it is marked with several
Indian-purple warts most abundant near the upper edge, exterior
surface green; _lip_ narrowly pouch-shaped, nearly as long as the
petals, suffused in front with the same purplish red tint, and marked
thickly with green veins at the sides and back, the basal auricles
erect, obtuse, interior surface green, dotted with wine-red, the
incurved margins of the claw greenish yellow, with reddish spots.
_Staminode_ transverse, yellowish green, with two large exterior teeth
in front and a small inner tooth, light brown with green markings.

Cypripedium politum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,
N.S. xiv., 525.

This new Lady’s Slipper is one of a batch raised some few years since by Robert Warner, Esq., of Broomfield, near Chelmsford, who has been successful in producing several very good forms by the process of hybridisation. The plants are of dwarf habit, free-growing, and free-blooming, each small growth bringing forth its flower. This _Cypripedium politum_ has been flowered for several years past by Mr. Warner, and thus its characteristic features and its constancy are well ascertained. There are also some other distinct kinds obtained through the same cross, some of which we hope to figure on a future occasion. We should expect that the cross was made between _C. barbatum superbum_ and _C. venustum_.

_Cypripedium politum_ is a plant of compact habit and of free growth. The leaves are of a distinct and well-marked character, as will be seen in the very accurate portrait furnished by our artist. They are oblong, acute, about five inches long, and somewhat over an inch broad, of a beautiful light green, barred and chequered with a very deep or bottle-green, which gives it a very pleasing appearance; the under-surface is stained with a deep reddish wine-purple. The downy flower-scapes are also purple, some six to eight inches in height, each supporting a solitary flower, in which the dorsal sepal is ovate, polished, flushed in the lower part with purplish red and spotted with purple at the base, the upper part white, and the whole traversed by bright green veins which are alternately long and short. The petals are oblong, broadest at the apex, of a bright wine-red, polished, with black hairs along the margin, and Indian-purple warts near the upper edge, greenish towards the base and along the lower edge. The pouch-shaped lip is nearly as long as the petals, purplish red with a coppery tinge, glossy, veined with green at the sides and back. The flowers are produced during January and February, a season when they are much in request for decorative purposes. The Cypripediums are very useful for furnishing a supply of cut flowers, as they will keep fresh for several weeks in water, and will last for at least six weeks on the plant.

These interesting plants are of easy cultivation, and occupy but little space, hence they may be accommodated in every small collection, and may be grown without much expense. The species and varieties forming the _barbatum_ group, to which this plant belongs, all require similar treatment. They may be grown either in the Cattleya or East India house, and are best cultivated in pots. Some of our Orchid-growers prefer to plant them in sphagnum moss, others in peat; for ourselves, we prefer to use good fibrous peat, ample drainage being provided. We have seen them thrive well in fibrous loam. The plants must be kept above the rim of the pot, as they root freely over the surface of the rough material. Since they have no fleshy bulbs to support them, and their growth is continuous almost throughout the year, they require to be liberally supplied with water at the roots; for this reason the pots must be well drained.

Insects require to be constantly searched for. The scale sometimes appears upon the plants, but may easily be subjugated by sponging the surface with clean water. Their greatest enemy, however, is the red thrips, which must be hunted up and destroyed if the health of the plants is to be maintained, but it may be easily kept under if promptly, perseveringly, and vigorously attacked.

Dendrobium macrophyllum.—We have received two splendid spikes of this magnificent Dendrobe, with flowers of an unusually fine colour, from a well grown specimen, such as we might expect from so experienced a grower as Mr. Penny, of the Royal Gardens, Sandringham, who has been one of the most successful exhibitors of specimen Orchids at our London shows, where he has, with the large collections staged by him, carried off nearly all the leading prizes. We hope at some future period to be able to figure this fine Dendrobium, the sepals and petals of which are of a rose-magenta colour, and the lip of the same colour, with a purplish crimson throat. We received with the Dendrobe a fine spike of the white-lipped form of _Odontoglossum Hallii_ in grand condition, the sepals and petals being of a very bright golden yellow with rich markings of a brownish crimson colour. This variety forms a splendid contrast with the white-flowered _O. Alexandræ_ and _O. Pescatorei_, of which kinds there is a fine collection at Sandringham. The Prince of Wales is a great admirer of these as well as of other good Orchids.—B. S. W.

CYPRIPEDIUM CHLORONEURUM.
[Plate 37.]
Garden Hybrid.

Epiphytal. Acaulescent. _Leaves_ radical, distichous, coriaceous,
oblong acute, closely tessellated with dark hieroglyphic markings on a
light green ground, the under surface reddish purple. _Scapes_
solitary in the central leaf-axils, pubescent, reddish purple,
one-flowered, with a very short ovate bract. _Flowers_ large, with
expanded petals, rather attractive in colour; _dorsal sepal_ broadly
ovate, bright yellow-green with white margin, and a narrow purple
central stripe, on each side of which are about four strongly marked
dark green longitudinal veins, connected by finer transverse veins;
_lateral (connate) sepals_ small; _petals_ oblong, broader upwards,
two and a half inches long, and three-fourths of an inch wide, with
green longitudinal veins, and a dark purple central line, on one side
of which (the upper half) they are washed with wine-purple, and have a
yellowish buff margin, and a few black warts near the base, where they
are ciliated; on the other (lower) half very slightly tinted with
purple, the cross veins more apparent, and the margin green; _lip_
rather large, shortly pouch-shaped, heavily stained with wine-purple,
and freely marked with bold reticulations of a darker purple, the
upper angles yellowish at the margins. _Staminode_ transversely
reniform, pale green, with dark green feathery markings in front.

Cypripedium chloroneurum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’
Chronicle_, N.S., xiv., 525.

This is one of the most distinct of the new hybrid Lady’s Slippers that have been recently introduced to the notice of Orchid-growers; it will also be appreciated as one of the most useful, being of a neat free-growing and abundant-blooming habit of growth. The Cypripediums are everybody’s plants, that is to say, any one who has a place adapted for their cultivation can manage them without difficulty. Many growers make them their especial care and study, procuring every species and variety that can be obtained, and thus forming a very interesting and diverse group.

Our present subject was raised by Robert Warner, Esq., in whose collection at Broomfield it has been blooming very abundantly, and it was from Mr. Warner’s plant that our drawing was taken. The variety resembles the one figured on plate 36 in being of free-blooming habit, and also in being very attractive in regard to its foliage as well as its flowers. Many hybrid Cypripediums have been raised in this country of late years by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, and also by other growers. Some of these have proved to be very beautiful and effective subjects, and no doubt there are others coming forward that have not yet bloomed. Many splendid novelties may yet be gained by crossing those kinds that have flowers of distinct forms and colours, and, as many of the varieties bloom simultaneously, the hybridiser will find abundant opportunities for carrying out his plans.

These plants appear to be easily raised from seeds, and to reach the flowering stage sooner than most other seedling Orchids.

Some of the Cypripediums thrive well in a cool house, and by fertilising these with the best of the stove species, a new set of cool-house forms would probably be obtained. Such a result would be one of considerable importance to Orchidists, as no doubt, if varieties of a different character to those we already possess could be obtained, some of our enthusiastic growers would take up their cultivation in good earnest. At present the majority of the Lady’s Slippers require a warm house.

_Cypripedium chloroneurum_ is a dwarf compact-habited plant, with evergreen foliage about six inches in length, beautifully variegated with closely chequered markings of dark and light green. The flowers are produced in January and February, and continue on for several weeks. The colours are distinct and attractive, the broad flat dorsal sepal being of a bright lively pale green striped with darker green nerves and bordered with white, the petals suffused with purple on the upper half and marked with black marginal warts, and the purplish lip freely ornamented with bold dark purple reticulations, altogether presenting a remarkably effective appearance.

This novel hybrid grows freely when potted in rough fibrous peat with good drainage. When in vigorous growth it requires a liberal supply of water at the roots. Propagation is accomplished by dividing the plants after they have finished blooming and are ready to start into fresh growth; they can then be divided with safety by cutting off a back growth with a leading shoot in front of it, but care must be taken in cutting that the remaining portion of the plant is provided with an eye so placed as to break and form a new growth. When this young growth has been made, the divided plant may be shaken out from the old soil and potted. The offshoots should be placed in small pots until the following year, when, if they have made good growth, they may require to be repotted. They must be kept moist and in a plump condition, as they have only slender resources of their own to rely upon, but they root freely. As the plants get established they will require larger supplies of water, for which reason good drainage must be secured.

Aërides Leeanum.—This novelty has bloomed in the collection of G. W. L. Schofield, Esq., of New Hall, Hey, Rawtenstall, near Manchester, producing four flower-spikes. It is a beautiful object, its spikes of richly-coloured rosy pink blossoms hanging gracefully from the plant. It is very distinct from any other species of _Aërides_, and will doubtless become a great favourite. One of its great recommendations is that it blooms in the winter, which is not the case with the generality of these plants, their usual flowering season being during the spring and summer months. _A. Leeanum_ is a small growing plant, but produces its spikes of blossoms very freely; and requiring, as it does, but a limited space for its accommodation, it will be a most useful introduction for amateur cultivators.—B. S. W.

DENDROBIUM BIGIBBUM.
[Plate 38.]
Native of Tropical North-east Australia.