Chapter V: Part 5

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ long, slender, erect, fusiform, one to two
feet in length, closely invested between the nodes with dry light
brown sheaths, the older ones swollen at the very base. _Leaves_
oblong-lanceolate, sub-acuminate, five ribbed, of a deep green colour,
and a somewhat coriaceous texture, a few only (five or six) being
developed towards the extremities of the stems. _Racemes_ erect or
curving, six to twelve flowered, nearly a foot in length, usually
produced from the upper nodes of the old leafless stems, but sometimes
from the apex of the younger leafy stems. _Flowers_ large, showy, rich
rosy purple; _sepals_ oblong acute, flat, of a rich purplish magenta,
the lateral ones united at the base into a short blunt spur below the
setting on of the lip, above which spur is a gibbosity, occasioned by
a similar swelling at the base of the lip (whence comes the specific
name _bigibbum_); _petals_ large, roundish, spreading, recurved, of
the same colour as the sepals; _lip_ three-lobed, the lateral lobes
incurved, the retuse middle lobe somewhat reflexed, rich
crimson-purple veined with darker purple, the base decurrent and
gibbose, and the disk with three white papillose crests. _Columns_
compressed, grooved, the back united with the sepal.

Dendrobium bigibbum, _Lindley_, in _Paxton’s Flower Garden_, iii, 25,
fig. 245; _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 4898; _Walpers’ Annales
Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 302; _Warner_, _Select Orchidaceous
Plants_, 2 ser. t. 8; _Van Houtte_, _Flore des Serres_, xi., t. 1143;
_Bateman_, _Second Century of Orchidaceous Plants_, t. 169;
_Williams_, _Orchid Growers’ Manual_, 5 ed., 165.

This plant belongs to one of the most noble and popular, one of the most showy and beautiful genera of the whole family of Orchids, and one among the flowers of which nearly every colour occurs—bright yellow, pure white, rich crimson, bright purple, soft mauve, rich orange, nankeen, and many others being found among the many and various habited species of Dendrobes.

_Dendrobium bigibbum_, the subject of our plate, is a species of a remarkably beautiful and showy character, which, until within the last few years, has been somewhat rare. In 1876, however, we received a large consignment from our collector, Mr. Goldie, who was then on his way to New Guinea, and who met with it growing on an island in Torres Straits, it having hitherto, we believe, been found only on the mainland of Australia. These plants were very fine, some of the specimens being of enormous dimensions, with stems quite two feet long, and from one and a-half to two inches in circumference. The specimens from which our figure of one of the most charming forms of this species which we have yet seen, was prepared, were kindly sent to us from the fine collection of the Marquess of Lothian, at Newbattle Abbey. Dalkeith, where it bloomed in September last in full beauty, amongst many other notable Orchids which are well cultivated by the intelligent gardener, Mr. Priest, who takes great delight in the careful management of his plants.

This species of _Dendrobium_ is partially deciduous, the fully ripened stems sometimes losing the whole of their foliage, while the young growths retain their leaves until the following year. It grows from one to two feet in height, and produces its racemes of flowers sometimes from the top of the young growths, and sometimes from the old stems, in the latter case often bearing many spikes on the same stem. The flowers are of a rich rosy purple, and last in perfection for a considerable period. It is a most useful subject for associating with a button-hole bouquet, single flowers being shown off to great advantage by placing a light-looking fern frond behind them. The racemes of flowers last a long time after being cut if placed in water, and are most useful in all floral decorations. By growing several plants, successional blooms may be had at different periods.

This Tropical Australian species is best grown in a warm house, as the plants require a good amount of heat—70° to 80° while growing—and plenty of light, but the burning rays of the sun must be kept from them. They thrive best when planted in pans or baskets amongst rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, and suspended from the roof of the Orchid house. During the summer season they require a liberal supply of water, but in winter should have only sufficient to keep the stems plump. The plant will also succeed on blocks of wood, but, if grown in this way, it will in hot weather need watering twice a day, and once a day at other times. Some cultivators have been unsuccessful with this species, but we have found it to thrive well in a house where Crotons, Dipladenias, Stephanotis, etc., are grown; the Dendrobes seem to enjoy the moisture transmitted to them by the stove plants which are generally syringed in warm weather, and the dew arising from this operation appears to suit the Orchid. The syringe is also useful in subduing the red spider, which will sometimes attack the young growth. Insects often infest those kinds of _Dendrobium_ that are grown in strong heat, but they must by this and other means be kept under.

Such treatment suits almost all the popular Dendrobes, namely, _D. Devonianum_, _D. Wardianum superbum_, _D. chrysanthum_, _D. superbum (macrophyllum)_, _D. crassinode_, etc.; and the plants are found to be much stronger by reason of hanging near the glass well exposed to light, in which position they can be syringed on warm days—this moistening not only invigorating their growth, but being also a means of keeping insects under control.

PHALÆNOPSIS STUARTIANA NOBILIS.
[Plate 39.]
Native of the East.

Epiphytal. Acaulescent, the plants clinging to their supports by stout
flattened roots. _Leaves_ coriaceous, distichous, ligulate-oblong,
acute, channelled, equitant at the base, the upper surface marbled
with transverse grey blotches which disappear with age, the under
surface purplish red, similar in size to those of _Phalænopsis
Schilleriana_. _Scape_ radical, bearing a many-flowered (120 or more)
branching panicle of very handsomely and peculiarly spotted blossoms.
_Flowers_ nearly three inches across, expanded, cream-coloured at
first, becoming white; _sepals_ oblong, or ovate-oblong, about an inch
in length, the dorsal one white, the lateral ones white along the
upper side, the lower side being yellow thickly spotted with
cinnamon-red; _petals_ much broader, narrowed near the base, white;
_lip_ three-lobed, with a four-horned yellow callosity at its base,
the lateral lobes oblong, rounded, the middle lobe oval, with an
anchor-like extremity, the apex terminating in a pair of narrow
recurved laciniæ, all the lobes yellow at the base, white upwards and
handsomely spotted with rich cinnamon-red. _Column_ clavate, white.

Phalænopsis Stuartiana, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,
N.S. xvi., 748, 753, fig. 149; Moore, _Florist and Pomologist_, 1882,
49, t. 559.

_Var._ NOBILIS; flowers larger in all their parts, marked with fewer
and larger spots; front lobe of the lip rhombic.

Phalænopsis Stuartiana _var._ NOBILIS, _Reichenbach fil._, in
_Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S. xvi., 748.

There can be no doubt that the species of _Phalænopsis_ rank amongst our finest Orchids, on account of the purity and soft tinting of their blossoms and the profusion in which they are produced. Unfortunately, at present, we only possess a limited number of them. During the last few years, indeed, many new kinds, which are giving a fresh interest to the genus, have been introduced by our collectors; and, although it is barely possible that any new introduction should surpass the old species, yet it is gratifying to know that there are yet to be found distinct and novel kinds of great beauty. _P. Stuartiana_, which we now bring under the notice of our readers, is a very fine and well-marked species, recently imported from the East by Messrs. Low & Co., of Upper Clapton, and named by Professor Reichenbach in honour of Mr. Stuart Low, who is one of the largest importers of this class of Orchids. Our plate, which represents the variety called _P. Stuartiana nobilis_, was sketched from a plant now in the fine collection of William Lee, Esq., of Downside, Leatherhead, who purchased it when in full beauty from the Messrs. Low, and we have to thank Mr. Lee for his kindness in allowing the drawing to be made. It is to be hoped that collectors may find more of it in its native country, although we believe it to be very rare, and, like many other recent discoveries to be probably a natural hybrid produced by insect fertilisation. We have no doubt that there are yet many fine forms of _Phalænopsis_; and if we could but obtain the scarlet one, which some years ago was reported to have been seen by a collector who was not able to bring it home, what a grand acquisition that would be!

_Phalænopsis Stuartiana nobilis_ resembles _P. Schilleriana_ in the young growth, its newly developed leaves being of the same shape and colour and similarly spotted, but the older leaves assume more of the character of _P. amabilis_; while the flowers, instead of being mauve-coloured, are pure white, with the inferior halves of the lateral sepals yellow and boldly spotted with cinnamon-red, as also is a portion of the lip, the side lobes of which bear smaller and more closely set spots. We have little doubt that this plant is a wild hybrid between _P. Schilleriana_ and _P. amabilis_, as though the young leaves come spotted, they afterwards change to the colour of those of _P. amabilis_, as already described.

This plant requires the same treatment as _P. Schilleriana_, and is best grown among sphagnum moss in baskets suspended from the roof, care being taken to give it a good supply of water during the growing season. It should have the heat of the East India house, and should at all times be kept moist at the roots, for if allowed to become dry, it will loose its lower leaves. If the plants are in a healthy and free-growing condition, flowering does not injure them; but, if at all sickly, they should not be allowed to blossom until they regain strength and vigour, as they are naturally free-flowering plants, and under such circumstances might bloom themselves to death. The moss about their roots must be sweet and in a living state; when it becomes decayed it should be removed, the roots washed, and the plant replaced in clean live moss with fresh free drainage, so that the water, of which a considerable quantity is required, may never become stagnant. Shading is an important element in the successful cultivation of these plants; therefore the sun, when at its full power in summer, must never be allowed to shine upon them, but in winter a little sun-heat is beneficial, and they then require all the light which it is possible to give them. Neither drip, nor water in any other form, must be suffered to reach the hearts of the plants, as it causes them to rot.

Insects are troublesome at times. The thrips, if allowed to multiply, will greatly disfigure the plants, causing damage by depriving them of the juices which should go to sustain their vigour. When free from such pests, and in a healthy condition, the leaves of the Phalænopsids have a pleasing appearance; and, if they are well looked after, it will not be difficult to keep them clean, the more especially as being of large size, they can be readily operated upon.

ODONTOGLOSSUM KRAMERI.
[Plate 40.]
Native of Costa Rica.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ nearly orbicular, much compressed, ancipitous
or sharply two-edged, one and a-half inch in diameter, pale green.
_Leaves_ solitary, oblong-lanceolate, acute, keeled, six to eight
inches long, one and a-half to two inches broad, light green, with a
smooth even surface. _Scapes_ radical, four to six inches long,
shorter than the leaves, three to five flowered, drooping or
ascending, flexuous, pale green, with small appressed bracts and
longish peduncles. _Flowers_ one and a-half inch or more across, and
delicately coloured; _sepals_ oblong acute, rosy lilac with a white
margin; _petals_ about equalling the sepals in size, and similar to
them in form and colour; _lip_ with a short stout neck, deeply
hollowed in front, with two erect calli, the lateral lobes semi-ovate,
narrow, deflexed, the much larger middle lobe three-fourths of an inch
broad, roundish reniform, emarginate, bearing at the base a pair of
erect lamellæ, the unguis or neck yellow spotted with red, the front
lobe deep rosy lilac, marked near its base with two semi-circular
bands of white and purplish rose. _Column_ short, thick, white in
front.

Odontoglossum Krameri, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_,
1868, 98, with woodcut; _Hooker fil._, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 5778;
_Bateman_, _Monograph of Odontoglossum_, t. 24; _Williams_, _Orchid
Growers’ Manual_, 5 ed., 236; _Floral Magazine_, t. 406 (as O.
Kremeri.)

This is a most charming small-growing Orchid, with remarkably pretty delicately coloured flowers. It is at the present time very rare in collections, and, in fact, had become almost lost to cultivation, but fortunately during the last year a small number of plants was imported into this country and distributed. Our drawing was made from a plant which formed part of this importation, and which produced its chastely coloured blossoms in the Victoria Nursery. Many years ago we remember to have seen a fine lot imported by the late George Ure Skinner, Esq., but since then it has until last year disappeared from our notice. We are, however, glad to see it again making its appearance in our Orchid-houses; for, as will be seen by reference to our illustration, it is a plant of a most distinct and pleasing character, and will be a real acquisition to the group of Odontoglots, of which numerous highly popular species are at present in cultivation.

_Odontoglossum Krameri_ is a plant of compact-growing habit, with small flattened light green pseudobulbs, each producing from the top a solitary leaf of a pale green colour. The plant generally attains about ten inches in height. The flower spikes or peduncles are freely produced from the base of the pseudobulbs after they have completed their growth, several flowers being produced on each peduncle. The sepals and petals are of a rosy lilac colour, margined with white; the lip is also rosy lilac, but of a darker shade, flushed with yellow and marked and spotted with purple at the neck, and having two semi-circular bands of dark purplish rose and white near the base. The plants continue in bloom for several weeks.

We have found this species to thrive well in the Cattleya house, planted in small pans or pots with good peat and sphagnum moss. It might possibly do in a cooler structure, but we have as yet only cultivated it in the Cattleya house, and this treatment has been found to suit it. It requires to be kept moist during the growing season, but when at rest should have only just sufficient water to keep it in a plump condition. The plant possesses one great advantage—that of blooming during the autumn months, when such flowers are so much in request. It has also another good quality—that of occupying but a small space, so that any cultivator who has a spare niche in his Orchid house can grow it without any inconvenience.

Cattleya Trianæ.—R. B. Dodgson, Esq., of Blackburn, has kindly sent us a wonderfully fine series of flowers of the different varieties of _C. Trianæ_, including some of the grandest that have yet come under our notice. Of two or three of these our Artist is preparing plates, which will be issued in due course in the _Orchid Album_. The variety named _C. Trianæ Dodgsoni_ bears most beautiful flowers, which are quite distinct from all that we have previously seen, the sepals and petals being large, and of a pure white, while the lip is of a rich magenta colour, with the throat rich orange, white in the upper part. _C. Trianæ Osmani_ is also a very fine variety, the flowers being rich in colour, the sepals and petals rosy pink, and the lip large, of a bright magenta colour; it is in fact altogether a wonderfully fine flower. There were several other varieties sent, including one which we have selected as the original _C. Trianæ_; this we shall first bring under the notice of our readers, and the other two will follow.—B. S. W.

Mr. Dorman’s Orchids.—When visiting this grand collection last month (March) we noticed the rare _Epidendrum Wallisii_ in flower. Mr. Coningsby, the gardener, informed us that the flowers on this plant had been open since November, and they still looked fresh. _Lælia flava_ was also good. _Galeandra Devoniana_, a plant one seldom sees in bloom, was quite at home here, flowering and growing luxuriantly. _Lycaste Skinneri alba_, with its pure white flowers looked very charming; this was an extra fine variety, with flowers as large as any we remember to have seen. In addition to these there were many fine things in flower, which space will not permit us to mention. Mr. Dorman’s Orchids are looking remarkably well, and are well cared for, both employer and gardener being enthusiastically fond of them.—H. W.

ANGRÆCUM EBURNEUM.
[Plate 41.]
Native of Madagascar and Bourbon.

Epiphytal. _Stem_ erect, leafy, producing roots from the lower part
and from between the bases of the lower leaves. _Leaves_ distichous,
ligulate, very oblique at the apex, coriaceous, of a shining green
colour, striated, about two inches broad, carinate below and
overlapping each other at the base. _Peduncles_ axillary, furnished
with dark sheathing scales, and bearing an erect spike of numerous
large flowers of peculiar form and appearance, all pointing in one
direction and placed alternately back to back in a distichous or
two-ranked manner. _Flowers_ of a thick fleshy texture, green, with a
broad conspicuous white lip; _sepals_ and _petals_ lanceolate, pale
green, the dorsal sepal and the petals reflexed, the lateral sepals
patent; _lip_ large, broadly cordate, cuspidate, ivory white, the
centre concave, and bearing a cleft acuminated ridge; _spur_ tapering,
considerably longer than and parallel with the dorsal sepal, dark
green. _Column_ short, thick, greenish white.

Angræcum eburneum, _Du Petit-Thouars_, _Orchidées des Iles Australes
d’Afrique_, t. 65; _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, t. 1522; _Hooker_,
_Botanical Magazine_, t. 4761; _Paxton’s Magazine of Botany_, xvi.,
90, with woodcut; _Bateman_, _2nd Century of Orchidaceous Plants_, t.
111; _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, 1873, 216, fig. 46; _Williams_, _Orchid
Grower’s Manual_, 5 ed., 88, with woodcut.

Angræcum superbum, _Du Petit-Thouars_, _Orchidées_, tt. 62-4.

Limodorum eburneum, _Bory_, _Voyage_, i., 359; t. 19.

A grand Orchid which was first introduced to this country from Madagascar by the Horticultural Society of London, through their collector, Mr. Forbes, in the third decade of the present century, that is, more than fifty years since. It is, without doubt, one of the finest of the species, and when well grown forms a noble plant, its long spikes of attractive flowers, in company with its bold and characteristic foliage and its majestic habit of growth, imparting to it an aspect of dignity which no one can fail to recognise. Indeed, the magnificent appearance it has when placed on the central stage of the East India house is quite sufficient to win for it the favour of Orchid fanciers.

Wherever space can be given to it, it should always be grown, as it blooms during the winter months and continues in perfection for many weeks longer than any other of its family that has come under our notice. Our drawing was taken from a very fine specimen, producing three well developed spikes, in the collection of D. B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks, Kent, who is a great lover of Orchids, and is forming a nice collection of them.

_Angræcum eburneum_ is, as we have before noted, from Madagascar, and consequently requires the heat of the East India house. It is of comparatively easy cultivation. The strap-shaped leaves grow to about eighteen inches in length, and are of a pleasant glossy, light green colour; the flower spikes are produced from the leaf axils on each side of the stem, and extend to the length of eighteen inches, bearing many flowers of which the broad cordate lip is of a conspicuous ivory white. The plants will sometimes produce as many as four spikes at one time. The blooming period is in December, January, and February.

There is in cultivation another variety of _Angræcum eburneum_, called _virens_, but is not nearly so handsome and effective a plant as the type, its flowers being of a greenish white, but the spike has a somewhat more graceful contour, and the foliage is of a dark green colour, so that it also is worth cultivating where room can be found for its accommodation.

The Angræcums form a very interesting genus in the great Orchid family; and although amongst those that have bloomed in this country there are not many that we consider to be worth growing as ornamental plants, yet some, on the other hand, are very beautiful, and these we hope to be able to figure in due course. There have been several new introductions of late, and no doubt there are many yet to be acquired. We are glad to notice that Sir Trevor Lawrence is getting up a collection of all the best kinds, but it is found that some of them are difficult to obtain, and they are none of them so readily imported alive as many other Orchids are. They are mostly found growing on trees in their native country, different species being met with on the same trees. It was very interesting to hear the late Rev. W. Ellis talk of these plants, of which many years ago he brought home living specimens of some of the most beautiful of the species, such as _Angræcum sesquipedale_, _A. Ellisii_, and others.

_Angræcum eburneum_ is best cultivated in a pot as it is a large growing plant, and produces thick fleshy roots. We find sphagnum moss to suit it well, but it must have good drainage as it requires a liberal supply of water during the summer months, for if it be allowed to shrivel the bottom leaves wither and decay; in the winter, on the other hand, it should have merely sufficient to keep the moss damp and the plant in a plump condition. It requires the same general treatment as the large growing Vandas, such as _Vanda suavis_, _V. tricolor_, and others. The plants are not subject to the attacks of insects, their thick fleshy leaves appearing to have no attraction for these pests.

Cattleya Trianæ.—We have received from E. Wright, Esq., Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, a very fine form of this splendid _Cattleya_; the flowers were six inches in diameter, the sepals and petals broad and of a rosy pink colour, the lip of a rich magenta and beautifully fringed, having the throat bright orange colour and the upper part rose-pink. It is altogether a desirable and charming flower. The varieties of this species are very useful, as they bloom in winter, when there are but few other Cattleyas in flower.—B. S. W.

DENDROBIUM SUPERBUM [MACROPHYLLUM].
[Plate 42.]
Native of the Philippine Islands.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ (pseudobulbs) stout, cylindrical, striated, the
nodes of the flowering ones marked by the persistent scarious
sheathing bases of the fallen leaves, drooping, and often attaining
considerable length. _Leaves_ alternate elliptic-oblong, acute or
obtuse, subcordate at the base, nervose, thin in texture, two-ribbed.
_Flowers_ very numerous, usually in pairs from the joints of the
stems, which form long floral wreaths; _sepals_ lanceolate, plane, the
lateral ones produced at the base, of a deep rich purplish magenta,
varying in intensity in different forms; _petals_ broadly
oblong-ovate, somewhat undulated, of the same colour as the sepals;
_lip_ pubescent, cordate-ovate, acuminate, convolute at the base, so
that with the extended front lobe it assumes something of the shape of
an oblique-mouthed funnel, the margin denticulate, the basal portion
of an intense sanguineous purple, appearing like two deep blotches;
the front lobe purplish magenta, marked with longitudinal ribs,
connected with finer transverse veins of a deeper purple, and having a
transverse three-lobed callosity. _Column_ short, included.

Dendrobium superbum, _Reichenbach fil._ _MSS._; _Id._, _Walpers’
Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 282; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower’s
Manual_, 5 ed., 180.

Dendrobium macrophyllum, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1839, misc.
46; 1844, misc. 62; _Id._ _Sertum Orchidaceum_, t. 35; _Pescatorea_,
t. 40; _Paxton’s Magazine of Botany_, viii., 97.

Dendrobium macranthum, _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 3970;
_Planchon_ in _Flore des Serres_, viii, t. 757.

This is a magnificent Orchid, especially in the case of its finer varieties, whether superior on the score of size or colouration. It was first bloomed by the Messrs. Loddiges in 1839, in their wonderful plant emporium at Hackney, having been introduced by them from the Philippine Islands. A grand variety called _giganteum_, having flowers of immense size, is figured in Mr. R. Warner’s _Select Orchidaceous Plants_ (1 ser., t. 26); and in respect to colour, the form of which we now give an illustration, is one of the richest and most effective we have yet seen. The materials from which our figure was prepared were obligingly sent to us by Mr. C. Penny, gardener to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, at Sandringham. It will be at once seen that the specimen in question was a well-grown example, and we understand that the plant yielded two similarly well furnished wreaths, bearing as many as forty blossoms. Besides this there are many other Orchids of superior merit to be seen in the collection at Sandringham gardens, these plants, the magnates of the vegetable world, being highly appreciated both by the Prince and the Princess of Wales.

The Dendrobiums are among the most beautiful and charming of our Indian Orchids, many of the species being of a most graceful habit of growth, and by their brightly coloured flowers imparting a remarkably picturesque character to our Orchid houses. Some of them, moreover, have delicately fragrant blossoms. In very many cases they bloom most profusely, and with their long pendent stems look well suspended from the roof of the house. Our present subject belongs to this latter class, and is one of the most showy and beautiful of the species.

_Dendrobium superbum_, which is more commonly known in gardens as _Dendrobium macrophyllum_, is a deciduous plant, losing its foliage just as it begins to blossom. It is a noble object when growing, producing stems from two to three feet long, furnished along each side with flowers growing in pairs; these flowers are four inches across, with sepals and petals of a lively magenta-rose, and a lip similar in colour, but with a purplish crimson throat. It blooms during February and March, the individual blossoms lasting about a fortnight in beauty. It thrives best when grown in a basket, and suspended from the roof. If hung up when in blossom, amongst the foliage of the other plants, the flowers are shown off to greater advantage, as it naturally blooms without foliage. It grows well in the East India Orchid house, and requires a good amount of heat and moisture during its growing season. After growth is completed it will do well in the Cattleya house during the dormant period, and when it begins to show its flower buds a little water may be given to induce the buds to swell and develop fine flowers. When the flowering season is over it may, if required, be placed in fresh sphagnum moss. It is a free growing plant, and thrives best suspended near the glass in the full light, but shaded from the burning sun. It is, indeed, absolutely necessary to give it all the light possible; and, in summer, a slight syringing when the house is closed will tend to keep the red spider and thrips in check.

Dendrobium Hillii.—There is in the collection of R. Wyatt, Esq., Lake House, Cheltenham, a very fine specimen of this cool Orchid, which has been bearing numerous spikes of blossom, some of the spikes being as much as twenty inches in length. The specimen was a most beautiful object, with its long racemes of creamy white blossoms, which proceed from the apices of its thick fleshy pseudobulbs; it has, moreover, dark green foliage. This plant was growing in the conservatory, and had continued in bloom for about two months, so that it is a most useful subject for winter decoration. It is a very old Orchid, but is worth cultivating, especially as it will grow in a conservatory or in any cool house. There was also in the same collection a very fine variety of _Cypripedium villosum_, one of the best we have seen, the flowers being wonderfully bright in colour, and of large size. Of _Lycaste Skinneri_ there was a well-grown plant, with very fine flowers, the sepals and petals being broad and pure white, and the front portion of the lip bright magenta, with the throat white.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ FLAVEOLUM.
[Plate 43.]
Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate, compressed, one or two leaved.
_Leaves_ elongate, oblong-lanceolate, acute, of a bright green colour.
_Scape_ radical, supporting a many-flowered raceme (or panicle) of
showy flowers, each subtended by a small ovate-oblong acute bract.
_Flowers_ large, differing from other known forms of the species by
their yellow colour, about three inches across; _sepals_
ovate-lanceolate, acute, slightly wavy at the edges, pale
sulphur-yellow; _petals_ ovate, much undulated at the margins and
irregularly toothed, of the same pale yellow as the sepals; _lip_
oblong, the apex truncately rounded and cuspidate, the margins
undulated and fimbriated, and the basal angles rounded and produced,
all of a bright yellow colour, marked near the centre with about three
conspicuous round reddish brown spots, and at the base with fine
radiating lines of the same colour, in front of which are two
divergent bars or crests. _Column_ arcuate, club-shaped, pale yellow
behind, dull brown on the inner face, and furnished with the usual
toothed wings at the edge.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ flaveolum, _supra_.

Odontoglossum crispum flaveolum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’
Chronicle_, N.S. xiii., 41, 232.

This very distinct variety is one which will become very useful in the decoration of our cool Orchid houses, for as the white-flowered varieties of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_ and other species are now so numerous, that now before us, being yellow, will produce a good contrast, which we must have in order to make a pleasing display. Our drawing was taken from a fine example in the collection of G. Hardy, Esq., Pickering Lodge, Timperley, near Manchester. We may add that Mr. Hardy’s is one of the largest and best collections in the North of England, since he spares neither trouble nor expense in procuring the best varieties that can be obtained. As a proof of this we may refer to the recent Manchester Whitsuntide flower shows, where Orchids are one of the prominent features, and where Mr. Hardy’s collection has frequently taken high honours.

_Odontoglossum Alexandræ flaveolum_ is a compact free-growing plant, like _O. Alexandræ_ itself, and produces fine drooping flower spikes which we have seen bearing fifteen expanded bright creamy yellow flowers, these continuing in beauty for several weeks. This variety is all the more useful because of its blooming in the winter months when so many of our white Odontoglots are also in flower. The plant requires the same treatment as others of its class. It was found growing on the branches of trees intermixed with _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_, and no doubt, as is probably the case with others of the so-called new varieties, it has originated by intercrossing with some allied species, which may have been growing near to it, and has been flowering at the same time. We hope shortly to give an illustration of the original or typical form of _O. Alexandræ_.

The best material in which to grow the Odontoglots is fibrous peat; they must have good drainage because they want plenty of water during the growing season, in fact the material should always be kept moist. The plants must never be over-potted, but just sufficient root room must be permitted them to secure healthy progression; over-potting, indeed, often becomes dangerous. We find that live sphagnum moss placed on the top of the peat is a great help in their cultivation, as it holds water, and there is always some degree of moisture arising from it; moreover, when it is kept in a healthy growing state it has a very neat and pleasing appearance.

Odontoglossums at Trentham.—The _régime_ adopted at Trentham for growing Cool Orchids, such as Odontoglots, is to give them water most profusely, the cold rain-water which falls from the roof being used summer and winter, and to allow fresh air to circulate freely amongst them at all times, night and day, except in very severe weather. The natural water at Trentham, as does any other water containing lime, will, after a time, kill the Sphagnum used for potting purposes, and this is most inimical to the plants, which never thrive so well as when the Sphagnum keeps fresh and in a growing state. In respect to the Sphagnum Moss used for Orchid growing, it does not appear to be generally known that amongst the different species the best for potting Odontoglots and similar plants is a dense-growing compact kind, whose very compactness gives it a sponge-like consistency, and enables it to suck up and retain water freely. This is what the Odontoglots like.—T. M.

Odontoglossum Roezlii.—A fine example of this showy Orchid has reached us from D. Todd, Esq., Eastwood Park, near Glasgow. The spike was a particularly fine one, bearing well-developed flowers, of which the sepals and petals were white, the lower part of the latter being of a dark magenta, and the lip white, coloured with lines of crimson on the disk. Mr. Todd grows these plants remarkably well, and deserves great credit for his felicitous treatment of them, as few persons are so successful in their cultivation. There is a very good collection of Orchids forming at this place, Mr. Todd being an admirer of good kinds. At the Glasgow exhibitions his fine collection forms one of the greatest attractions of the show.—B. S. W.

LÆLIA ANCEPS DAWSONI.
[Plate 44.]
Native of Juquila in Mexico.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong-ovate, four to five inches long,
compressed and two-edged, with prominent angles on the flattened sides
so as to render them tetraquetrous, clothed with large membranaceous
scales. _Leaves_ one or two from each pseudobulb, oblong-lanceolate
acute, coriaceous, smooth and glossy on the surface, of a rich deep
green colour. _Scape_ rising from between the leaves at the apex of
the pseudobulb, two to three feet long, ancipitous, clothed with
carinate bracts, and bearing about three large and charmingly
beautiful blossoms. _Flowers_ large, measuring about four and a-half
inches across; _sepals_ lanceolate, acuminate, white; _petals_ ovate,
acuminate, white; _lip_ prominent, three-lobed: the lateral lobes
convolute over the column, white at the margin, stained with rosy
purple exteriorly, and marked with numerous bright purple branched
lines within the closed portion, where there is also a yellow ridge
lined with purple which passes out into the base of the front lobe in
the form of three yellow crests; the front lobe oblong acute, recurved
at the tip, the base white, the rest of the lobe (about three-fourths
of its surface) of a deep rich magenta-purple, evenly but narrowly
bordered with white. _Column_ enclosed.

Lælia anceps Dawsoni, _Anderson_, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, 1868, 27;
_Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, 1873, 254; _Warner_,
_Select Orchidaceous Plants_, 2 ser., t. 34; _Jennings_, _Orchids_, t.
6; _Floral Magazine_, t. 530; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower’s Manual_, 5
ed., 202.

Lælia anceps Dawsoniana, _Rand_, _Orchids_, 296.

This is one of the most chaste and beautiful Orchids of its class. The type, _Lælia anceps_, has flowers of a rosy lilac and deep purple colour, while the one before us is pure white with the exception of the lip, which is of a rich sparkling purple, and makes a splendid contrast.

This variety was imported many years ago by the Messrs. Low & Co., of Clapton. There have been several other white forms flowered lately, but none to equal the one represented in our plate, the drawing of which was taken from a very fine specimen bearing four spikes, growing in the rich collection of R. B. Dodgson, Esq., of Blackburn; it was the finest plant we have seen in bloom, and the production of so grand a specimen reflects great credit on Mr. Osman, the Gardener, for his skill in cultivation.

_Lælia anceps Dawsoni_ is, like the type form, of compact-growing habit. The pseudobulbs are from four to six inches in height, and the foliage of a light green colour. The flower spike is developed at the tip of the pseudobulb after it has completed its growth, and attains to about two feet in length, generally bearing two or three blossoms at the end; the sepals and petals are pure white, of good form and substance, and the lip is of a dark rosy purple edged with white, the disk orange coloured, the lower part of the throat pale orange veined with crimson, and the upper part white. It generally blooms in January and February, and continues in perfection for two and three weeks.

This variety must be very rare in its native habitat, as we have received importations on several occasions purporting to be this white form, but after the plants have been grown on and flowered, they have invariably proved to be the type with rosy-coloured flowers. This is also the experience of other importers of Orchids.

The plant is best grown in a pot or basket suspended from the roof, where it can obtain all the light possible, which induces it to grow with greater vigour and to flower more freely. It thrives well in the Cattleya house with a moderate supply of water in the growing season, but when at rest less water will suffice. We have found good rough fibrous peat to be the most advantageous material in which to grow it, allowing ample drainage; and when fresh potting material is required the operation of supplying it should be performed just as the plant begins to grow, which is after the blooming season. Always bear in mind that the plants must be kept free from insects.

Propagation is effected by dividing the plant just as it begins to break into growth. In performing the operation two or three pseudobulbs should be detached from the plant, having a leading bulb; when taken off at this stage the plants soon become established.

Dendrobium Wardianum.—A fine variety of this grand Dendrobe comes from D. Alroy Salamon, Esq., Clapham Park. The specimen has very large flowers, four and a-half inches in diameter, and of great substance. The sepals and petals are one and a-quarter inch broad, of a pure white, heavily tipped with rich magenta; the lip is very large, and also heavily blotched with magenta, the throat being rich orange with two dark brown eye-like spots. These flowers were from an imported plant, and we are curious to see whether it will produce equally fine flowers from the home made growths. If so we shall hope to figure it at some future time, as in the state in which it has just bloomed, it is certainly one of the finest and best forms of this splendid species which we have met with. It is also a free grower.—B. S. W.

Dendrobium Falconeri.—Mr. Priest, Gardener to the Marquis of Lothian, has sent us some fine flowers of this favourite Dendrobe. He informs us that the plant from which the flowers were taken has 150 blossoms upon it. This must be a remarkably fine specimen, and well cultivated, to produce flowers in such profusion.—H. W.

CATTLEYA TRIANÆ.
[Plate 45.]
Native of Colombia.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ oblong, club-shaped, furrowed, about a foot in
height, clothed with whitish membranaceous sheaths. _Leaves_ solitary,
coriaceous, ligulate-oblong, recurved at the tip, of a deep green
colour, six to eight inches long. _Scape_ two or three-flowered,
proceeding from a terminal oblong compressed brownish bract or sheath,
about two inches long. _Flowers_ large, variable in colour, from white
to a dilute delicate tint of rosy purple in the typical form, the lip
being of a rich magenta; _sepals_ three inches or more in length,
oblong-lanceolate, plane, of a delicate blush or pallid tint of rosy
purple; _petals_ of the same colour, rhombeo-ovate, retuse, crispulate
at the anterior edge; _lip_ convolute at the base, where it is of a
pale purplish mauve, the front lobe obovate, rounded and crimped in
the anterior part, where it is bilobed, wholly covered with
crimson-magenta, exceedingly rich and brilliant, the disk marked with
a broad rich orange-yellow bilobed blotch. _Column_ club-shaped,
bearing at the tip a pair of sickle-shaped wings.

Cattleya Trianæ, _Linden and Reichenbach fil._, in _Mohl and
Schlechtendal’s Botanische Zeitung_, xviii., 74 (1860); _Reichenbach
fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 315.

Cattleya labiata Lindigiana, _Karsten_—fide _Reichenbach fil._

Cattleya labiata Trianæ, _Duchartre_, _Journal de la Société Impériale
d’Horticulture_, 1860, 369—fide _Reichenbach fil._

Epidendrum labiatum, _var._ Trianæ, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers’
Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 315.

This very charming species of _Cattleya_ was first obtained from Colombia for European gardens, in 1856, by Mr. Linden, to whom we are indebted for so many choice introductions amongst exotic plants. It is one of the best and most useful of the species, especially for winter decoration, and though very variable as regards the tinting of the flowers in the many distinct forms which have been imported, it is always of a brilliant and strikingly beautiful appearance, owing to the rich colouring displayed on the lip. The shades of colour in the several kinds varies from pure White through blush white and pale pinkish rose to a pale shade of deep rose, the upper lobe of the lip being of a rich magenta-crimson.

There are, as we have just said, many forms of _Cattleya Trianæ_. That which we now figure we consider to be a very good representative of the typical form of the species. Our drawing was taken from a very fine specimen grown in the beautiful collection of R. B. Dodgson, Esq., of Beardwood, Blackburn, in which many forms of this lovely species occur, as we have already intimated under Plate 40. We have also mentioned Mr. Osman as being a most successful cultivator of Orchidaceous plants.

_Cattleya Trianæ_ is a free-growing as well as a free-blooming species. It has dark green foliage, and attains the height of about fifteen inches, producing its blossoms during the winter months, after the growths are completed. The sepals and petals are of a pale pink or delicate tint of rosy purple; the lip is of a bright magenta, margined with delicate rose-pink, the edge being fringed, and the disk marked with a rich orange-coloured two-lobed blotch. The flowers are produced in February and March, and continue for several weeks in perfection, provided they are kept free from moisture, which if it lodges upon them will cause them to become spotted, and destroy their beauty. It is an excellent plan to place the plants when in bloom in a drier house than that in which they are grown, and to bestow all possible care upon their preservation. Of themselves they form a fine group of Cattleyas, there being so many distinct varieties, of colours such as to make them thoroughly useful for decorative purposes. By their agency our Orchid houses may be kept gay for several months in the most dreary time of the year, for when there is a number of plants they may be flowered in succession. The plants can now be bought at a reasonable price, as, in consequence of the large importations of them, they have become plentiful.

_Cattleya Trianæ_ requires the same treatment as _C. labiata_, _C. Mossiæ_, and others of the same class, all these plants being, indeed, regarded by some botanists as varieties of one species. For their successful growth the use of good fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, with ample drainage, are requisite, and they should be kept well elevated above the pot rim. They will also thrive well suspended from the roof in baskets, and also on blocks of wood, but in these cases they require more attention as to watering, in order to keep them moist at the roots.

Cattleyas thrive best when placed under the influence of strong light, but they must be shaded from bright sunshine. This _régime_ induces them to blossom more freely, indeed, if the bulbs are not well ripened good results cannot be anticipated. The plants require a plentiful supply of water during the growing season, by which we mean that they should be kept constantly moist about the roots. When their growth is completed less may be applied, merely enough to keep them in a plump state. When the flower spikes begin to appear more water should again be given, as it will induce the buds to swell more freely, in consequence of which the flowers will be finer.

Orchids from Dr. Paterson.—This gentleman has been kind enough to send us a grand spike of his _Vanda tricolor Patersoni_. It is a fine form of this noble Orchid, the flowers being of large size, and well marked, the lip beautifully coloured with rich magenta. A nice spike of the beautiful _Aërides nobile_ came in the same parcel, and a curious _Eria_ with white flowers, named _stellata_ (the true _stellata_ has dull pale yellow flowers) on account of the star-shaped form of its blossoms.—B. S. W.

MILTONIA CUNEATA.
[Plate 46.]
Native of Brazil.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate-oblong, compressed, light green,
diphyllous. _Leaves_ ligulate-oblong, striate, somewhat carinate
beneath, of a cheerful green colour. _Scape_ radical, erect, bearing a
five to eight flowered raceme, each of the pedicels having at its base
a whitish glumaceous triangular bract about half as long as the ovary.
_Flowers_ large and showy, with a broad flat white lip; _sepals_
oblong-lanceolate, narrowed to the base, of a deep chocolate-purple
with a yellowish green tip on which is a dark spot, the margins
undulated, the lateral ones connate at the base; _petals_ similar in
form, size, and colour; _lip_ white, with a pink tinge, and one or two
chocolate spots near the base, wedge-shaped, with a narrow claw-like
base and a broad flat anterior expanded portion, somewhat repand on
the margin, and furnished on the disk with two raised plates or
lamellæ. _Column_ short, creamy white, bidentate on the middle
portion, the anther-bed cucullate, membranaceous, denticulate, retuse.

Miltonia cuneata, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1844, misc. 28;
1845, t. 8; _Id._, _Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Miltonia_, No. 8;
_Reichenbach fil._, _Xenia Orchidacea_, i. 131; _Moore_,
_Illustrations of Orchidaceous Plants_, art. _Miltonia_, 7 t. 2;
_Lemaire_, _L’Illustration Horticole_, t. 237; _Williams_, _Orchid
Grower’s Manual_, 5 ed., 223.

Miltonia speciosa, _Klotzsch_, in _Otto and Dietrich’s Allgemeine
Gartenzeitung_, xvii. 129.

Oncidium speciosum, _Reichenbach fil._, _MSS._; _Id._, _Walpers’
Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, vi. 761.

This genus of Orchids is not a very extensive one, but among the species which are known there are some beautiful plants of distinct and striking character. The species which we now represent is a very pretty one, which we are pleased to have the opportunity of introducing to the notice of our readers. The specimen figured was grown in the fine collection of W. Cobb, Esq., of Sydenham, who is a great lover of Orchids, and makes it a study to procure the best kinds and cultivate them in the best possible manner.

_Miltonia cuneata_ was introduced by the Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, about the year 1843, and first flowered with them in the spring of 1844. It is a free-growing plant, with light green foliage, which grows about a foot in height, and produces its flowers in erect racemes, seven or often more together. The sepals and petals are chestnut-brown, tipped with greenish yellow, and the lip is broad and of a creamy white colour. The flowers are produced in February and March, and last for several weeks in beauty.

This _Miltonia_ requires the heat of the Cattleya house, and thrives in good fibrous peat; it must be well drained in order that the superfluous moisture may pass off, as the plant dislikes stagnant water about the roots. In the growing season a moderate supply of water may be given at the roots, but less will suffice when the growth is completed. We find the Miltonias to require more shade than most Orchids. Their leaves are thin in texture, and consequently are soon injured, which makes it necessary to pay strict attention to the requirements of the plants, as while too much sun would dry up the foliage, too much moisture about it would cause it to go spotted.

They are propagated by dividing the bulbs, leaving two old ones and a growth in front. These divided portions should be potted in small pots until they get well established, and always at all times be kept free from insects. The white scale will sometimes attack them, and do much injury if not promptly removed.

Lælia elegans prasiata.—From E. Harvey, Esq., Aigburth, Liverpool, comes a spike of a grand form of this fine _Lælia_. The flowers are six inches across, the sepals and petals purplish rose, the lip rich magenta. This is quite a distinct form, and worthy of a place in every collection. Accompanying this was a spike of _Scuticaria Hadweni_, var. _pardalina_, described some time ago in the _Gardeners’ Chronicle_.—B. S. W.

Dendrobium nobile (three-lipped).—Mr. Knight, Gardener to the Right Hon. W. H. Smith, M.P., Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames, sends us a curious form of this grand old Orchid, with three lips, two of the lips taking the place of the petals of the normal flowers, and being marked and coloured in a similar manner to the ordinary lip. In addition, the flower was deliciously scented. We do not suppose that this variation will be constant, being more probably a malformation.—B. S. W.

Bollea cœlestis as a block plant.—When visiting the establishment of Messrs. Vervaet et Cie., of Gand, Belgium, in April last, we were surprised to see this lovely Orchid quite at home on a block, growing luxuriantly, and rooting in all directions; the growths were very strong, and as healthy as any we have seen. Is it possible that this may be the secret of success with this Orchid? Being an epiphyte, found growing on the limbs of trees, we should imagine this treatment would be the most natural for it. It is evident that pot culture does not suit it, as it frequently dies off after two or three years.—H. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ.
[Plate 47.]
Native of Bogota, New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong-ovate, compressed, often stained
brownish purple, two-leaved. _Leaves_ ligulate-oblong, acute,
channelled toward the base, of a pleasing light green colour. _Scape_
radical, supporting a many-flowered raceme, or in the more vigorous
plants a panicle equalling or exceeding the leaves, and having small
acute bracts at the base of the pedicels. _Flowers_ exquisitely chaste
and beautiful, white, tinted with rose, and variously spotted, fully
three inches across; _sepals_ ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, entire or
toothed, white, suffused more or less with a delicate tint of
rose-pink; _petals_ in the best forms, broadly ovate and much
undulated, entire or toothed, white, rather less deeply tinted with
pink; _lip_ shorter than the petals, oblong-ovate, the margin much
crisped and the shortly acuminate apex recurved, white, with a rich
yellow stain down the centre, and marked with reddish brown radiating
lines on the disk, and with one or two (or in some forms many) rich
red-brown spots or blotches half-way down, the disk also bearing a
bilamellate crest. _Column_ arcuate, club-shaped, chestnut-red.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ, _Bateman_, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, 1864,
1083; _Id._, _Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society_, iv.,
186; _Id._, _Monograph of Odontoglossum_, t.t. 14, 19; _Hooker_,
_Botanical Magazine_, t. 5691 (var. _Trianæ_), t. 5697 (var.
_guttatum_); _Jennings_, _Orchids_, t. 26; _Warner_, _Select
Orchidaceous Plants_, 2 ser., t. 23 (var. _Warneri_); _Floral
Magazine_, t. 343; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower’s Manual_, 5 ed., 228.

Odontoglossum Bluntii, _Reichenbach, fil._, in _Mohl and
Schlechtendal’s Botanische Zeitung_, “n. 53, Dec. 64;” _Van Houtte_,
_Flore des Serres_, t. 1652.

Odontoglossum crispum, _Lindley_, in _Annals of Natural History_, xv.,
256; _Id._, _Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Odontoglossum_, No. 57;
_Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, vi.,
845.

The Princess of Wales’ Odontoglossum, one of the most beautiful and one of the most useful of Orchids, was found in the province of Bogota, in New Grenada, at an altitude of from 7,000 to 8,000 feet, growing in great profusion on the branches of trees in the forests of that elevated region. It was introduced to this country in 1864 by Mr. Weir, when collecting for the Royal Horticultural Society, and was described in that year by Mr. Bateman as above quoted. There cannot be two opinions respecting its beauty, as it is one of the best Orchids in cultivation; and though there are amongst the imported plants great diversities in the form and colour of the flowers, yet all are beautiful. Some have the flowers of a pure white, in others they are variously suffused with a delicate rosy hue; some are spotted with crimson, and there are those with yellow flowers, but the most chaste and beautiful of them all are the pure white varieties, tinted with rose colour, which are mostly sought after by cultivators, though the many beautifully spotted forms produce a fine contrast when intermixed with the others.