Chapter I: Part 1

THE
ORCHID ALBUM,

COMPRISING
COLOURED FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS
OF
NEW, RARE, AND BEAUTIFUL
ORCHIDACEOUS PLANTS.

CONDUCTED BY
ROBERT WARNER, F.L.S., F.R.H.S.,
Author of SELECT ORCHIDACEOUS PLANTS,
AND
BENJAMIN SAMUEL WILLIAMS, F.L.S., F.R.H.S.,
Author of the ORCHID-GROWERS' MANUAL, etc.

The Botanical Descriptions by THOMAS MOORE, F.L.S., F.R.H.S.,
CURATOR of the CHELSEA BOTANIC GARDENS.

_THE COLOURED FIGURES BY JOHN NUGENT FITCH, F.L.S._

VOLUME II.

LONDON:
Published by B. S. Williams,
AT THE
VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERIES, UPPER HOLLOWAY, N.
MDCCCLXXXIII.

DEDICATED
BY SPECIAL PERMISSION
TO
_H.R.H. The Princess of Wales,_
BY
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS'
Very obedient and humble Servants,
ROBERT WARNER,
BENJAMIN S. WILLIAMS.

INDEX TO PLATES.

PLATE
ADA AURANTIACA, _Lindley_ 53
CATASETUM CHRISTYANUM, _Rchb. f._ 83
CATTLEYA ACLANDIÆ, _Lindley_ 69
CATTLEYA CRISPA BUCHANANIANA, _Williams & Moore_ 81
CATTLEYA DOWIANA AUREA, _Williams & Moore_ 84
CATTLEYA LABIATA, _Lindley_ 88
CATTLEYA SCHOFIELDIANA, _Rchb. f._ 93
COELIA BELLA, _Rchb. f._ 51
COELOGYNE CRISTATA ALBA, _Moore_ 54
COELOGYNE PANDURATA, _Lindley_ 63
COMPARETTIA MACROPLECTRON, _Rchb. f. et Triana_ 65
CYPRIPEDIUM FAIRRIEANUM, _Lindley_ 70
CYPRIPEDIUM MEIRAX, _Rchb. f._ 95
CYPRIPEDIUM PARISHII, _Rchb. f._ 86
DENDROBIUM FINDLEYANUM, _Parish & Rchb. f._ 92
EPIDENDRUM WALLISII, _Rchb. f._ 74
EULOPHIA GUINEENSIS PURPURATA, _Rchb. f._ 89
LÆLIA ANCEPS, _Lindley_ 75
LÆLIA AUTUMNALIS ATRORUBENS, _Backhouse_ 49
LÆLIA PERRINII, _Lindley_ 60
MASDEVALLIA DAVISII, _Rchb. f._ 76
MASDEVALLIA IGNEA, _Rchb. f._ 62
MILTONIA REGNELLI PURPUREA, _Hort. Veitch_ 72
ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ GUTTATUM, _Hooker fil._ 94
ODONTOGLOSSUM CORADINEI, _Rchb. f._ 90
ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISTATELLUM, _Rchb. f._ 66
ODONTOGLOSSUM GRANDE, _Lindley_ 79
ODONTOGLOSSUM HEBRAICUM LINEOLIGERUM, _Rchb. f._ 85
ODONTOGLOSSUM LONDESBOROUGHIANUM, _Rchb. f._ 82
ODONTOGLOSSUM MACULATUM, _Lindley_ 52
ODONTOGLOSSUM MADRENSE, _Rchb. f._ 71
ODONTOGLOSSUM PESCATOREI VEITCHIANUM, _Rchb. f._ 68
ODONTOGLOSSUM ROEZLII, _Rchb. f._ 64
ODONTOGLOSSUM TRIUMPHANS, _Rchb. f._ 58
ONCIDIUM PHALÆNOPSIS. _Lind. et Rchb. f._ 96
PESCATOREA LEHMANNI, _Rchb. f._ 57
PHAIUS TUBERCULOSUS, _Blume_ 91
PHALÆNOPSIS MARIÆ, _Burbidge_ 80
_See_ Note under Plate 87.
SACCOLABIUM GIGANTEUM, _Lindley_ 56
SCUTICARIA STEELII, _Lindley_ 55
THUNIA BENSONIÆ, _Hooker fil._ 67
VANDA HOOKERIANA, _Rchb. f._ 73
VANDA PARISHII MARRIOTTIANA, _Rchb. f._ 61
VANDA ROXBURGHII, _R. Brown_ 59
VANDA TRICOLOR, _Lindley_ 77
VANDA TRICOLOR PLANILABRIS, _Lindley_ 87
ZYGOPETALUM CLAYII, _Rchb. f._ 50
ZYGOPETALUM ROSTRATUM, _Hooker_ 78

INDEX TO NOTES AND SYNONYMS.

UNDER PLATE
Aërides Lobbii Ainsworthii, Dr. Ainsworth's 53
Bifrenaria bella, _Lemaire_ 51
Bletia anceps, _Rchb. f._ 75
Bletia Perrinii, _Rchb. f._ 60
Bletia tuberculosa, _Sprengel_ 91
Bothriochilus bellus, _Lemaire_ 51
Cattleya aurea, Mr. Percival's 70, 84
Cattleya gigas burfordiensis, Sir T. Lawrence's 50
Cattleya labiata, Mr. Gaskell's 75
Cattleya Mossiæ, Mr. De Barry Crawshay's 93
Cattleya Perrinii, _Lindley_ 60
Cattleya Skinneri oculata, Mr. Hardy's 94
Cattleya superba, Mr. Schneider's 64
Cattleya Trianæ alba, Mr. E. Wright's 82
Cattleya Trianæ Russelliana, Baron Schröder's 83
Cattleya virginalis, Mr. Percival's 64
Cattleya Warneri, Mr. Southgate's 51
Cattleyas, high-priced 94
Coelogyne cristata hololeuca, _Rchb. f._ 54
Cymbidium tesselloides, _Roxb._ 59
Cypripedium Parishii, Mr. A. Paul's 70
Dendrobium Dearei, Sir T. Lawrence's 93
Disa grandiflora superba, Mr. Heywood's 58
Dodgson, Richard Barton, Esq., death of 52
Epidendrum labiatum, _Rchb. f._ 88
Lælia superbiens, Mr. A. H. Smee's 83
Limodorum tuberculosum, _Du Petit-Thouars_ 91
Maxillaria Steelii, _Hooker_ 55
Mesospinidium aurantiacum, _Rchb. f._ 53
Odontoglossum Alexandræ, Mr. Buchan's fine variety of 68
Odontoglossum coronarium miniatum, Lord Rendlesham's 67
Odontoglossum grande, Mr. Walker's 72
Odontoglossum Jenningsianum, Mr. R. Smith's 68
Odontoglossum Lehmanni, _F. C. Lehmann_ in litt. 66
Odontoglossum lyroglossum, Mr. Harvey's 87
Odontoglossum maxillare, _Hook. f., non Lindley_ 71
Odontoglossum triumphans, Mr. Gordon's 89
Oncidium Phalænopsis, Mr. E. Salt's 69
Orchids at Bickley 60, 64
Orchids at Brentham Park, Stirling 65
Orchids at Chislehurst 55
Orchids at the Edinburgh Horticultural Exhibition, September, 1882 62
Orchids at Fallowfield 54
Orchids at the Manchester Exhibition, May, 1882 49
Orchids at New-Hall-Hey 50
Orchids at Pickering Lodge, Timperley 82
Orchids at Sudbury House, Hammersmith 92
Orchids at The Kilns, Falkirk 66
Orchids at Woolton Wood, Liverpool 80
Orchids in France (Ferrières) 63
Orchids in France (Gouville) 61
Orchids, Baron Alphonse de Rothschild's 63
Orchids, Comte de Germiny's 61
Orchids, Lord Rendlesham's 94
Orchids, Mr. Lee's (Downside) 71
Orchids, effects of Fog on 76
Orchids for the Drawing-room 79
Orchids, watering 57, 59
Phaius Bensoniæ, _Hemsley_ 67
Phaius tuberculosus, Baron Schröder's 81
Phaius tuberculosus, Sir T. Lawrence's 81
Phalænopsis Mariæ, _Burbidge_ 87
Vanda densiflora, _Lindley_ 56
Vanda suaveolens, _Blume_ 77
Vanda tessellata, _Lodd._ 59
Vanda tesselloides, _Rchb. f._ 59
Vanda tricolor, continuation 78
Vandas flowering in a small state 74
Vandas, Mr. Lee's (Downside) 90
Zygopetalon Lehmanni, _Rchb. f._ 57
Zygosepalon rostratum, _Rchb. f._ 78

LÆLIA AUTUMNALIS ATRORUBENS.
[Plate 49.]
Native of Mexico.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong-ovate, terete, furrowed, bearing two
or three leaves at the attenuated apex, and sheathed at the base with
large brown imbricated scales. _Leaves_ oblong-linear, spreading,
smooth, leathery in texture. _Scape_ terete, issuing from between the
leaves, and much longer than them, bearing five or six flowers at the
apex, jointed, with sheathing scales at the joints. _Flowers_ large
and richly-coloured, much more so than in the typical form,
sweet-scented; _sepals_ lanceolate acuminate, spreading, of a
brilliant purple-crimson, paler towards the base; _petals_ ovate
acuminate, subundulate, of the same colour as the sepals; _lip_
three-lobed, the lateral lobes erect, truncately rounded, white, the
middle lobe obovate-oblong, of an intensely brilliant purple-crimson
colour, bilamellate on the disk, the apex recurved. _Column_
semicylindrical, decurved, rosy purple.

Lælia autumnalis atrorubens, _Backhouse_, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
N.S., xii., 232.

Mr. Bateman has well observed that "the genus _Lælia_ may be regarded as one of the most ornamental of its tribe, since pleasing colours, graceful habit, long duration, and delicious perfume--in short, all the essentials of floral beauty seem to be combined in its various species." There is, indeed, no doubt that in this genus some of the most showy of our cultivated Orchids are to be found. There are, moreover, species presenting many different hues, varying from yellow to rich purple, and while some of them produce small flowers, in others they are gigantic in size. The subject of our plate, as will be seen from the figure, is a magnificent Orchid, our drawing of which was taken from a well-managed specimen grown by Mr. Stevens, Gardener to W. Thompson, Esq., The Grange, Walton, Stone, Staffordshire. This particular variety was imported in 1878 by Messrs. James Backhouse & Son, of York, who grow it to great perfection.

There are many known varieties of _Lælia autumnalis_, but the one before us is by far the most beautiful of them all, being superior both as regards the size and the colour of the flowers. The pseudobulbs of this form, too, are much stouter and stronger than those of the type form. This variety, as also does the original _Lælia autumnalis_, blooms during the autumn and winter months, when flowers are in great request.

_Lælia autumnalis atrorubens_ is a compact-growing evergreen plant, the pseudobulbs of which, with the foliage, attain to about ten inches in height. The flower-spikes are produced from the apex of the bulb just at the period when it has completed its growth; they each produce several flowers, which are of large size and stout substance, and of a rich crimson-magenta or purple-crimson colour, and last two to three weeks in perfection.

This plant grows naturally in exposed situations, and on this account, no doubt, we find that it likes plenty of sun and as much light as possible, just enough shade being given to prevent the foliage from burning. The conditions best suited to it are that it should be planted in a basket or pan, and suspended from the roof of the cool house; or if fastened to a block placed on a damp wall, this will suit it equally as well. It should receive a copious supply of water during the growing season; and in warm weather syringing will be found beneficial to it in the morning, and also when the house is shut up in the afternoon.

Orchids at the Manchester Exhibition, May, 1882.--The Orchids were a marvellous sight, and probably such a magnificent display of these glorious plants was never before seen. The plants, many of which bore grand masses of blossom of many rich shades of colour, were arranged along both sides of the large Exhibition house in the Gardens at Old Trafford, and had been brought together from different parts of the country, as well as from the vicinity of Manchester. Everyone who possesses a taste for horticulture--and especially for the wonderful productions of nature which have been brought from distant lands by our plant collectors, and are transmitted to our exhibitions both by amateur growers and nurserymen, so that the public may be able to see all these treasures at one view--should avail themselves of the opportunity of witnessing this exhibition. The entrance fee is only one shilling, and besides Orchids there is always provided a grand display of other plants, too numerous to mention. It is gratifying to learn that 51,000 persons availed themselves of the opportunity to visit this grand show of 1882. We may venture to add that the Council of the Manchester Botanical and Horticultural Society, and Mr. Findlay, the Curator of the Gardens, are doing a great benefit to the horticultural world, as well as to the general public, by bringing such multitudes of fine plants together, while at the same time they secure a good revenue for carrying on the gardens, and afford much gratification to the subscribers, who can thus at their ease feast their eyes upon nature's beauties to an extent they could not do even if they travelled to the various native habitats of the plants--for even there no one could possibly witness such a diversified display at one point. The best advice we can give to those who are fond of flowers is to go next year and see for themselves, as the specimens are too numerous to be mentioned in our limited space. The show is held annually, and continued during Whit-week, the last being the sixteenth anniversary.--B. S. W.

ZYGOPETALUM CLAYII.
[Plate 50.]
_A Garden Hybrid._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong, furrowed, two to three inches long.
_Leaves_ lorate-lanceolate, narrowed towards the base, nervose,
persistent, about a foot and a half in length when mature. _Scape_
radical, many-flowered, as long as the leaves. _Flowers_ large and
very showy; _sepals_ oblong, lanceolate, acute, the lateral ones
spreading, purplish brown with green margin and indistinct transverse
bands, forming broad blotches, which are often obscurely defined;
_petals_ narrower, lanceolate acute, directed forwards, of the same
colour as the sepals; _lip_ broad, obcuneate, emarginate, bent upwards
abruptly at the base towards the column, so as to form a blunt chin,
and again bent downwards, having two projecting points or auricles at
the back, the front portion narrow at the base, nearly one and a half
inch wide, indistinctly three-lobed, furnished on the disk with a
raised plaited ruff or frill, the colour in the best forms a deep
violet-purple, with darker purple lines. _Column_ stout, with two
small incurved lobes just below the anther bed, dark mottled purple
behind, and streaked with purple in front.

Zygopetalum Clayii, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
N.S., vii., 684.

It gives us great pleasure to be able to figure one of the finest hybrid Zygopetalums that has yet been raised in this country, and one, moreover, which is totally distinct from any other member of the genus. The plant will be appreciated by growers of Orchids on account of the uncommon colour of its lip--blue being a colour that is seldom met with amongst Orchidaceous plants, but one which is, nevertheless, in great request.

The present novelty was raised by Colonel Clay, of Birkenhead, some few years ago, and was the result of a cross between _Zygopetalum crinitum_ and _Z. maxillare_. The hybrid was exhibited at one of the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, in May, 1877, and was awarded a Certificate of Merit. Since that time we have acquired the stock of this plant from Colonel Clay, and have bloomed several specimens. The form represented by our artist in the accompanying plate bloomed in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries in March last. We have also bloomed another variety, somewhat different from the foregoing in the markings, the colours being the same; the lip was in this case slightly blotched, and the sepals and petals were suffused with brown.

_Zygopetalum Clayii_ is a free-growing evergreen plant, with foliage reaching to about eighteen inches in height. It produces its flowers at different periods of the year, at the time when it is starting into growth. The flowers are borne in upright spikes from the base of the young growths. The sepals and petals are brownish purple, with a narrow green border, and sometimes distant cross lines of green, while the lip is broad, and of a dark purplish blue. The plant lasts in bloom for about two months.

It is a very free-growing Orchid, requiring exactly the same treatment as _Zygopetalum Mackayi_, and other familiar species. The Cattleya house will be found to suit it best, and it should be grown in a compost of good fibrous loam with a little leaf-mould added. Being naturally a strong fleshy rooting plant it requires a good supply of water during the growing season. It is best cultivated in a pot.

Orchids at New-Hall-Hey.--When visiting the collection of G. W. Law Schofield, Esq., New-Hall-Hey, Rawtenstall, near Manchester, we noticed the finest variety of _Dendrobium lituiflorum_ we have ever seen. It bore seventy of its lovely showy blossoms, the sepals and petals of which were of a very dark purple colour, and the lip white, edged with purple; this was one of the richest coloured Orchids we have seen. We also noticed a grand variety of _D. crassinode superbum_, each blossom being three and a half inches across, and of a very good colour. Associated with this was _D. MacCarthiæ_, which one seldom sees, though it bears some of the most beautifully bright pinkish rose and white flowers that can be imagined, and they are of good size and substance. Of _Odontoglossum vexillarium_ there was a plant which had upon it forty-one of its richly coloured flowers, each measuring four and a half inches across. In the Cattleya house was a very fine _Cattleya Mossiæ grandis_, with sepals and petals of a delicate rose colour, and the lip large, of a rich magenta, with a lighter margin, each blossom measuring eight inches across. There is here a newly erected house for Cattleyas, which are doing well, and reflect great credit upon Mr. J. Wise, the gardener, who takes very great interest in his plants, everything being kept in good order.--B. S. W.

Cattleya gigas burfordiensis.--We noticed a wonderful example of _Cattleya gigas burfordiensis_ at a recent meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society. It was exhibited by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., and was deservedly awarded a First Class Certificate. The plant bore four very fine blossoms, each measuring more than eight inches in diameter; the sepals and petals were of a beautiful rose colour, the lip large, three inches across, and of a deep amethyst colour, edged with dark purple-rose, the throat being orange, and the upper portion folded over the column of the same rich rosy purple colour as the lip. The plant was in a very vigorous state of growth, and the flowers stood up well, so as to give it an imposing appearance. It is no doubt one of the finest of the Cattleyas.--B. S. W.

COELIA BELLA.
[Plate 51.]
_Native of Guatemala._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ roundish-ovate, sub-compressed, pale green,
the older ones oblong-ovate. _Leaves_ of a light green colour, about
ten inches in height, three or four from the top of the pseudobulb,
narrow ensiform acuminate, plicate, five-ribbed, convolutely sheathing
at the base. _Scape_ radical, short, clothed with bifarious sheathing
bracts, four to seven-flowered. _Flowers_ of moderate size,
tricoloured, emitting a very sweet odour, the _perianth_ tubular
below, funnel-shaped above, the _bracteoles_ oblong, obliquely
dimidiate; _sepals_ and _petals_ similar, somewhat fleshy in texture,
creamy white tipped with magenta-rose, the upper sepal shorter, oblong
obtuse, terminating abruptly at the pedicel, the lateral ones produced
behind into a blunt spur adnate to the base of the column; _lip_
yellow, produced at the base, and abruptly replicate, forming a
cucullate cavity enclosed within the spur, oblong, three-lobed, the
lateral lobes short quadrate, the middle lobe linguiform acute, with a
large fleshy orange-coloured convex callosity occupying the disk.
_Column_ white, broadly cuneate, three-toothed at the apex.

Coelia bella, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers' Annales Botanices
Systematicæ_, vi., 218; _Hooker fil._, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 6628.

Bifrenaria bella, _Lemaire_, _Jardin Fleuriste_, iii., t. 325.

Bothriochilus bellus, _Lemaire_, _L'Illustration Horticole_, iii., 30.

We have in this plant a representative of a small genus of Orchids, few of the species of which are worthy of cultivation. That now before us is, however, a very pretty and curious plant, as will be seen by a glance at our plate. We believe that _Coelia bella_ was introduced about thirty years ago by the Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney, but at the present time it is extremely scarce. Lemaire, by whom it was described and figured in 1853, in the volume of _Jardin Fleuriste_ above quoted, states that it was introduced about the same period, from the Island of St. Catherine's, to the Belgian Gardens, by M. Ambroise Verschaffelt, through his collector, M. F. Devos, but Sir Joseph Hooker has recently pointed out that there are specimens of it in Lindley's Herbarium, collected in Guatemala by Mr. Skinner, and that, like its congeners, it is probably a native of Central America. For the opportunity of preparing our figure, we are indebted to the courtesy of J. C. Bowring, Esq., Forest Farm, Windsor Forest, by whom it is flowered freely every year.

_Coelia bella_ is a compact-growing evergreen plant, with small globose or ovoid pseudobulbs of a light green colour. The ensiform foliage is also light green, and grows about ten inches high. The flower-spikes proceed from the base of the pseudobulbs, and produce four to seven funnel-shaped flowers on each spike. The sepals and petals are of a creamy white hue, tipped with rich magenta, while the lip is yellow, the whole perianth being very thick and fleshy in texture. The plant produces its blossoms during the autumn months, and succeeds well if cultivated in a pot with plenty of good drainage; fibrous peat should be used for potting, and a liberal supply of water should be given during the growing season, which is just after the flowering period.

The temperature of the Cattleya house will be found to suit this _Coelia_, or it may be grown in a moist stove. We have often seen plants of this kind do better in a house wherein miscellaneous stove plants are grown than in the Orchid house, which we believe is owing to their obtaining under these conditions more moisture and light, two things in which most Orchids delight. We mention this in order that cultivators may know and understand that there are various Orchids which can be grown, and grown well, in company with other subjects in an ordinary plant stove. We ourselves have found that many of the species do best in a house where such plants as Crotons, &c., are grown. Dendrobiums especially like this treatment, under which the bulbs attain much larger dimensions, and become better ripened. It is quite an erroneous idea that Orchids all require special houses for their successful cultivation. This certainly is not the case, as some of the finest Cattleyas, Vandas, Dendrobes, Phalænopsis, &c., that we have ever met with, have been cultivated in ordinary plant stoves, where they get a little shade from the burning rays of the sun.

Cattleya Warnerii.--A well-bloomed plant of this noble Orchid was exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, on June 13th, by C. L. Southgate, Esq., of Streatham. This specimen was an example of what can be produced by giving a plant the treatment it likes--for such must have been the case in this instance. The plant was in an eight-inch pot, and bore three fine spikes of blossoms, one having six, another five, and the third four flowers upon it, all expanded. The sepals and petals were of a beautiful rose colour, the lip a rich crimson, finely fringed, and marked with orange on the upper part. It was altogether a very striking object, and was greatly admired for the profusion of blossom produced in so small a pot. We mention this plant in order that our readers may know how abundantly it can be bloomed, as we often hear cultivators say that it does not flower freely, a theory which in this case must undoubtedly be wrong. The freeness of blooming evinced by this plant may be owing to the smallness of the pot in which it is grown; it may, therefore, be well for others to follow Mr. Salter's example in this respect, since he has been so successful in cultivating it.--B. S. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM MACULATUM.
[Plate 52.]
_Native of Mexico._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong, compressed, usually bearing a
solitary leaf, other leaves with equitant articulated petioles
investing the bulb. _Leaves_ oblong, acute, five to seven nerved, of a
parchment-like texture, and a bright green colour. _Scape_ radical,
bearing a many-flowered pendulous or semi-erect raceme, furnished with
boat-shaped brownish herbaceous bracts shorter than the ovaries.
_Flowers_ prettily spotted, about two and a half inches in breadth,
and upwards of three inches in depth; _sepals_ linear-lanceolate,
acuminate, green or stained with brown outside, chestnut brown within,
marked with green transverse bars at the base; _petals_ oblong
undulate acuminate, chrome-yellow, thickly spotted with brownish red
on the basal half; _lip_ unguiculate, cordate acuminate, sub-crenate,
of the same colour as the petals, with a concave two-valved emarginate
purple-veined appendage on the claw. _Column_ white, pubescent,
obsoletely auriculate near the apex.

Odontoglossum maculatum, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1840, t. 30;
_Id._, _Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Odontoglossum_, No. 11; _Pescatorea_,
t. 28; _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers' Annales Botanices
Systematicæ_, vi., 829; _Bateman_, _Monograph of Odontoglossum_, t.
20; _Floral Magazine_, t. 348 (as maculosum); _Williams_, _Orchid
Grower's Manual_, 5 ed., 237.

The Odontoglossums are amongst the most popular of Orchids. They are not only esteemed for their fine showy flowers but for their long lasting qualities, and they can nearly all be grown in houses with a low temperature. The species we now bring before the notice of our readers is a most distinct and desirable one, which has been known in cultivation for many years. The drawing from which our plate was prepared was taken from a plant that flowered in the collection of W. Salt, Esq., of Ferniehurst, Shipley, Yorkshire, who has a grand lot of cool Orchids, which are, moreover, exceedingly well cultivated.

_Odontoglossum maculatum_ is not only free but compact in its growth. It has thick fleshy pseudobulbs, and light green foliage, and the individual plants produce their sub-erect spikes of flowers at different times of the year, according to the period of the completion of their growth. The flowers are very strikingly beautiful, being of a colour that one seldom sees in Orchids, and they continue for a long time in perfection when protected against damp. The colour, however, varies in different plants. The form originally figured in the _Botanical Register_ has the sepals green outside, and chestnut-brown within; that published in the _Pescatorea_ has the sepals represented as brownish purple in front, paler purple behind, with green tips on both surfaces; and the form figured in the _Floral Magazine_, if correctly rendered, had the greenish sepals indistinctly spotted with brown.

This species, as do many other Mexican Orchids, likes a light position, with plenty of air on warm days, and a good supply of water during the growing season. Propagation is effected by division of the pseudobulbs in the usual way.

Death of Richard Barton Dodgson, Esq., Beardwood, Blackburn.--We are very sorry to have to record the death of one who has done so much for horticulture as our good friend Mr. Dodgson. All who knew him must feel deeply grieved at the loss of such an amiable and kind-hearted gentleman--for such he was, not only to us, but to all who came into contact with him; of this, the expressions of gratification that have emanated from all who have paid Mr. and Mrs. Dodgson a visit, supply abundant evidence. The reception given by him to Gardeners, Nurserymen, &c., when calling to see his collection of plants, was always a most cordial one, and whether it was to one or a dozen persons it never varied. All who were acquainted with Mr. Dodgson know how fond he was of his Plants, especially his Orchids. In the collection at Beardwood there are some of the finest specimens that can anywhere be seen, and also many rare varieties that are not to be met with elsewhere. This collection has been forming for many years, and it was always Mr. Dodgson's study to procure the best kinds possible. Many persons will be able to recall the fine specimens exhibited from Beardwood at the Manchester, Blackburn, and Preston Shows, and will recollect that when the Royal Horticultural Society held their large Exhibition at Preston, Mr. Dodgson took most of the first class honours in the classes in which he exhibited. He was most kind and liberal to his Gardeners, giving them every encouragement in carrying out their duties, and they in their turn, were always ready to wait upon him. During his illness he would often express a wish to see his favourite plants as they came into bloom, and these were accordingly taken into his bedroom by his Gardener, and proved a great source of delight to him in the midst of his severe sufferings. We regret that the available space in the _Album_ is so limited or we should have said more. We have figured and described from time to time some fine plants from the Beardwood collection, and we have yet other illustrations taken by our artist, which will be published at some future time. We must again express our deep and sincere regret at the loss of such a devoted patron of Horticulture.--B. S. W.

ADA AURANTIACA
[Plate 53.]
_Native of New Grenada._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ sub-cylindrical, tapering upwards, three to
four inches long, sheathed with reddish scales at their base. _Leaves_
terminal, channelled, broadly linear, four to six inches long, one to
three in number. _Scape_ terminal, longer than the leaves, bisquamate,
bearing a drooping spike of from ten to fourteen rather distichously
placed flowers, which have each a scariose lanceolate-subulate bract
at its base. _Flowers_ brightly coloured, the perianth closed below,
and only opening in the upper part; _sepals_ sub-equal, of a bright
orange or cinnabar-red, spreading only from above the middle,
linear-lanceolate, much acuminate, the lateral ones somewhat oblique
at the base; _petals_ smaller, but similar in form and colour; _lip_
of the same bright orange-red, undivided, parallel with the column,
and adnate to its base, lanceolate, shortly acuminate, scarcely half
the length of the sepals, with a crest formed of two connate
membranaceous lamellæ, pubescent inside near the base. _Column_ short,
thick, wingless; anther case hemispherical; _pollen-masses_ two,
obovate, seated on a cuneate caudicle, arising from a gland.

Ada aurantiaca, _Lindley_, _Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Ada_; _Hooker_,
_Botanical Magazine_, t. 5435; _Bateman_, _Second Century of
Orchidaceous Plants_, t. 113; _André_, _L'Illustration Horticole_, 3
ser., t. 107; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower's Manual_, 5 ed., 62.

Mesospinidium aurantiacum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers' Annales
Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 857.

This is the only member of the genus _Ada_ with which we are yet acquainted, and even this is by some authorities referred to _Mesospinidium_. Whether forming a distinct genus or not, it is a well marked and charming Orchid, one by means of which a fine contrast of colour can be insured in the arrangements made for the decoration of our Orchid houses. The accompanying plate was taken from a fine specimen which bloomed in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, but as our page is limited in size only a portion of the plant could be represented. This plant bore twenty of its graceful and brilliantly-coloured spikes of flowers. When thus successfully cultivated no one could fail to admire the _Ada aurantiaca_, the more so as it is one of the Orchids which thrive in a cool house, and plants can be purchased at a very small cost.

_Ada aurantiaca_ is an evergreen species of remarkably free habit. It grows about ten inches high, and has foliage of a fine dark green colour. It produces its flower spikes from the young growths, between the leaves, one or two together, the spikes being drooping towards the extremity and the flowers of a bright orange-scarlet colour. These flowers are produced during the winter and spring months, and last for several weeks in perfection.

The species is a native of New Grenada, where it is found at the great elevation of 8,000 feet, consequently it will grow well with Odontoglots under cool treatment. Some years ago it was very rare, but now, thanks to our collectors, it is more plentiful, and hence has become popular. It is a most important decorative plant on account of its colour, which, as a contrast, is especially useful when placed amongst the Odontoglots. We have found it most effective when it is brought into close association with the delicate colours of _O. Alexandræ_ and _O. Pescatorei_ the effect obtained by the intermixture is altogether charming.

The _Ada_ requires the same treatment as the Odontoglots. The potting material best suited to its growth is good fibrous peat, with plenty of drainage. It will thrive either in a pot or in a basket, and in potting it should be well elevated above the rim, so that the roots can work freely among the material in which it is potted. The soil should be kept moist during the growing season, but on no account must the moisture be allowed to become stagnant, a condition which can be prevented by using charcoal mixed with the peat, which will keep the drainage open, and allow the water to pass off. If the soil should by any mischance become soddened it must be removed and fresh soil made use of, the roots at the same time being well washed previously to repotting.

Shade is very essential to the well being of the foliage, as the leaves are apt to go spotted if the sun is permitted to shine upon them. In its native country it is found in shady places, and hence will not bear full exposure, although in its artificial home it likes all the light possible.

Aërides Lobbii Ainsworthii.--We have received a grand spike of this beautiful Orchid from R. F. Ainsworth, Esq., M.D., of Lower Broughton, Manchester. It is one of the darkest and best varieties that has come under our notice. The same plant was exhibited a few years ago at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show at Preston, and it was the admiration of every one who saw it. Mr. Mitchell, the gardener, informs us that it blooms in the same style every year. The spikes are more than two feet long, and well branched, while the colour of the flowers is very bright and effective, so that it makes a fine exhibition plant. This variety is much darker and brighter in its markings than the type.--B. S. W.

COELOGYNE CRISTATA ALBA.
[Plate 54.]
_Native of India._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong, becoming somewhat angulate, growing
from a thick scaly rhizome, diphyllous. _Leaves_ linear-lanceolate,
somewhat flaccid. _Scape_ radical, erect, bearing a drooping raceme of
three to five flowers, furnished at the base with dry brown imbricated
scales; _bracts_ oblong, persistent, sheathing the stalked ovaries.
_Flowers_ large, fragrant, about four inches in diameter; _sepals_
oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, undulate, white; _petals_ similar to the
sepals in form and colour; _lip_ three-lobed, concave, everywhere pure
white, the lateral lobes half oblong, truncate at the upper end, and
somewhat broader than the small middle lobe, which is transversely
roundish and obtusely dentate; on the disk are five parallel veins or
lamellæ covered by delicate fringes, which are also white, the three
central ones having a wavy plate at their base, while in front of the
two which stand on each side the middle vein is a solid plate
terminating abruptly.

Coelogyne cristata alba, _Hort._; _Moore_, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
N.S., xv., 442; _Id._, N.S., xv., 511; _Id._, N.S., xvii., 153.

Coelogyne cristata hololeuca, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners'
Chronicle_, N.S., xv., 563; _Bull_, _Catalogue of New Plants, 1882_,
100.

All Orchidists know well the old type of _Coelogyne cristata_, which has been in cultivation for many years, and which is one of the most useful plants we have for winter decoration. In the novelty we now introduce we have a pure white form of this plant, which is a most charming addition to our collections, and which will assuredly be sought after by all Orchid growers. We are indebted to the kindness of Mr. W. Bull, of the King's Road, Chelsea, for the opportunity of figuring this choice variety. It was first made known last year at the Regent's Park Spring Exhibition, by Mr. J. D. Richards, gardener to T. A. Titley, Esq., Gledhaw, Leeds, who obtained for it a well merited First Class Certificate, and shortly after the plant passed into the hands of Mr. Bull, who gained another Certificate with it at South Kensington, and has the honour of having introduced to the public a most lovely novelty. The variety is extremely rare, Mr. Bull having only a very limited number of plants. As will be seen from our plate it will make a most useful plant for cutting, since pure white flowers are so highly appreciated for bouquets and other decorative purposes.

The new variety is in all respects similar to the type, save in the absence of the yellow blotch upon the lip. It is a compact-growing evergreen plant, attaining the same dimensions as regards foliage and bulbs as _Coelogyne cristata_ itself, and producing its pure white spotless flowers in the same manner, four or five together on a drooping spike; it blossoms during the winter and spring, and lasts for two or three weeks in beauty if the flowers are kept dry. It is both a free-growing and a free-blooming plant, and will no doubt thrive either in the Odontoglossum or Cattleya house. If cultivated in a cool house we should recommend that the plants be taken into a warmer structure when they begin to show flower. We have always found _C. cristata_ to be greatly benefited by this treatment, as the spikes are apt to damp off in too cool an atmosphere; moreover, on account of their pure white colour they seem to absorb the cold damp more quickly and readily than many other flowers, and this of course soon disfigures them.

We have found good fibrous peat the best material in which to grow _Coelogyne cristata_, and no doubt the variety we now figure will require the same treatment, as the two forms are found growing together in their native country. Pot culture will suit them best, as they require a good amount of water at their roots during their growing season, which can thus be secured. After the growth is completed less water will suffice, but they must always be kept so far moist at the root that their bulbs may remain in a plump firm condition.

Orchids at Fallowfield.--In this, which is one of the noted collections near Manchester, _Dendrobium Falconeri_ was the first plant that attracted attention; it is a choice kind, and there was a fine specimen of it with two hundred of its bright purple, white, and orange-coloured flowers in full beauty. This was an exceedingly well cultivated plant. Mr. Swan, the gardener, informs us that he has had this specimen for several years under cultivation, and that it improves each successive season, and has been several times exhibited at the Manchester Shows. We mention this in order that our readers may understand that this species can be cultivated successfully for years with proper treatment. We also noticed the charming _Thunia Bensoniæ_, with many spikes of its reddish purple flowers, some of the spikes producing as many as eighteen flowers on each spike. When grown in this way it forms a grand object of attraction, especially as we possess but few Orchids of the same colour. We also noticed some fine spikes of _Oncidium macranthum_, bearing its bright yellow flowers, and when grown among the plants of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_, with their pure white blossoms, it produces with other flowers a good effect. We also saw in the East India house some fine plants of _Aërides Lobbii_ finely in bloom, some of their racemes of bright coloured flowers being three feet in length and branched. _A. crassifolium_ was in full beauty; it is one of the best of its family, and one that should be grown in every collection, as it occupies such a small space.--B. S. W.

SCUTICARIA STEELII.
[Plate 55.]
_Native of British Guiana._

Epiphytal. _Rhizome_ short, articulated, branched, ebulbous, the
branches monophyllous. _Leaves_ flagelliform, as thick as a swan's
quill, channelled, subulate at the apex, two to four feet long,
drooping. _Scape_ radical, short, one to three flowered. _Flower_
large, fragrant, with the perianth connivent; _sepals_ oblong, the
lateral ones produced at the base into a blunt chin, pale
primrose-yellow, blotched with deep reddish brown; _petals_ of the
same form and colour as the sepals; _lip_ three-lobed, pale yellow,
striately marked with brownish crimson, especially on the lateral
lobes, which are roundish erect, the intermediate one bilobed, with
roundish, subcuneate, divergent divisions, and bearing at the base an
oblong callus having three obtuse orange-coloured teeth in front.
_Column_ semiterete, decurrent with the base of the lateral sepals, so
as to form a blunt spur or chin; _pollen-masses_ four, sessile, in
pairs, on a dilated transverse gland, acuminate at both ends.

Scuticaria Steelii, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, xxix., misc., p.
14; _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers' Annales Botanices Systematicæ_,
vi., 551; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower's Manual_, 5 ed., 292.

Maxillaria Steelii, _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 3573;
_Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, t. 1986.

This is a small genus of Orchids separated from _Maxillaria_ by Dr. Lindley, and generally adopted. The few species are distinct in their habit of growth, as also in reference to the manner in which they produce their flowers. That which we now figure is one of the best as yet known. Our drawing was taken from a plant in the collection of W. McDonald, Esq., Woodlands, Perth, who has many fine specimen Orchids, and among them some choice species. We may state that Mr. McDonald often sends us specimens of beautiful Orchids, such as we are always very glad to receive from any growers, either for the purpose of naming, or with the view to their illustration in the _Album_.

_Scuticaria Steelii_ is a native of British Guiana. The foliage is terete, pendulous, and of a dark green colour, three to four feet in length, and tapering off to a point; in fact it is almost like a rush in its form. The flower spikes proceed from the rhizome at the base of the leaves; they are about two inches high and generally three-flowered. The sepals and petals are yellow, irregularly spotted with brownish crimson, while the lip is yellow, striped with crimson. The plant blooms at different times of the year, and continues a long time in perfection. When in flower it is a very attractive object, those who see it in bloom being astonished to find such a beautiful inflorescence proceeding from the peculiar rush-like foliage, and when hanging from the roof of the house the whole plant has a very singular and handsome appearance.

The plants thrive best grown on blocks of wood, with a little live sphagnum moss about their roots; if the moss should become decayed it must be removed and renewed by fresh. They will also grow on rough blocks of wood without moss, but when cultivated in this way they require the more frequent application of moisture to keep their roots active. We have seen them thrive well in baskets, planted in rough fibrous peat, but grown in this way they do not look so well. They should be hung up as near to the glass as possible, in the full light, as they require but little shade. They will do either in the Cattleya or East India house. A good supply of water must be given during the growing season, but less when their growth is completed. These plants are not easy to increase, as they do not like to be divided.

Orchids at Chislehurst.--When calling in July last on W. Vanner, Esq., at Camden Wood, Chislehurst, we were pleased to find some beautiful Orchids in bloom in the show house, which is a square lofty structure, with tables round the sides, and chairs and seats in the centre. The Orchids are here shown off to the best advantage, intermixed with foliage and flowering plants, the flowering Orchids being brought into this house as they come into bloom. We noticed some fine plants of _Lælia purpurata_ in full beauty, one variety with rose-coloured sepals and petals, and a beautifully veined rich dark amethyst lip, was especially fine. _Cattleya Mendelii_ was well represented, one plant having six spikes of bloom--a grand plant and the picture of health. _Lælia elegans_ was also in bloom, a fine large variety, with a very richly-coloured lip. We also saw here two specimens of the finest varieties of _Odontoglossum hastilabium_ we have ever met with, having large branching spikes, one with seventy flowers upon it; the sepals and petals were creamy white, barred with purple, the lip white, with a purple base. This is a grand exhibition Orchid, as it lasts a long time in perfection.

In the next house were some fine plants of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_; one variety in particular was very fine, having rose-coloured sepals and a very large finely spotted lip. The Bull's-blood variety of _Masdevallia Harryana_ was in good form; also _M. Harryana læta_ and _M. Harryana lilacina_, a very pretty light-coloured variety, with rosy lilac flowers. _Sobralia macrantha_ was also very finely in flower, as well as many other good things in bud, or making good growth for another year.--B. S. W.

SACCOLABIUM GIGANTEUM.
[Plate 56.]
_Native of Burmah._

Epiphytal. _Stem_ short, producing from the basal portion thick fleshy
roots. _Leaves_ subsecund, leathery, broadly lorate with the apex
oblique and bilobed, about a foot long and two inches broad,
channelled, the surface streaked. _Racemes_ densely flowered,
drooping, about equalling the leaves in length, axillary. _Flowers_
very numerous, handsomely spotted, and remarkably fragrant, with
broad, short, membraneous bracts at their base; _sepals_ oblong or
cuneate-ovate, obtuse, white, with a few amethyst dots; _petals_
narrower, obovate, white, more freely spotted with amethyst; _lip_
wedge-shaped, dilated, and trifid at the apex, the central portion
short, ligulate, and slightly retuse, and the lateral parts
semi-rhomboidal, all being of a beautiful mauve-violet or magenta
colour, veined with darker lines; from the short conical spur two
elevated hairy lines pass outwards, diverging in the middle, and
reuniting at the contracted portion of the lip. _Column_ greenish,
short, reclinate, the anther with a stout beak.

Saccolabium giganteum, _Lindley_, in _Wallich's Catalogue_, 7306;
_Id._, _Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants_, 221; _Bateman_, in
_Botanical Magazine_, t. 5635; _Jennings_, _Orchids_, t. 8;
_Williams_, _Orchid Grower's Manual_, 5 ed., 287.

Vanda densiflora, _Lindley_, in _Paxton's Flower Garden_, under t. 42;
_Id._, _Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Vanda_, No. 22; _Van Houtte_, _Flore
des Serres_, tt. 1765-66; _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers' Annales
Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 869.

There can be no doubt as to the position that the Saccolabiums occupy in the Orchid family--they certainly rank among the very finest of the whole race. They are not very numerous, but among the known species there are some which are of great beauty. They used to be exhibited in splendid style some quarter of a century ago by the late S. Rucker, Esq., of Wandsworth, Mrs. Lawrence, of Ealing Park, Dr. Butler, of Woolwich, and also from other fine collections then in existence, at which time there was seldom an exhibition group staged without a fine specimen of _Saccolabium guttatum_, or some other equally fine species. Now, however, we rarely see them shown. Orchid growers appear to have forgotten this noble class of plants, and many beginners think that they are difficult to cultivate, but we ourselves have never found them to be so, and, together with other nurserymen, we are growing and selling specimens every year. Where can the greater part of these go to? Why they are purchased by foreigners, who seem to have a greater taste than we have in this country for these most wonderful of all Orchids, which even when not in bloom are objects of attraction from their noble aspect and graceful foliage. Our illustration of _S. giganteum_ was taken from a plant which bloomed in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Holloway. It blooms during the winter months, which adds to its value, as there are but few Saccolabiums which flower at that season of the year. The species, at first referred to _Saccolabium_ by Lindley, was afterwards transferred by him to _Vanda_, under the name of _V. densiflora_.

_Saccolabium giganteum_ is a slow growing plant, and makes about three leaves a year; from the axils of these the flower spikes emerge, and extend to the length of ten or twelve inches. The plant continues in bloom for about six weeks, the flowers, moreover, are deliciously fragrant, which is an additional recommendation, indeed this species possesses all the good qualities a plant can possess, and, if strong, blooms freely when only a few inches high. We have seen a very fine specimen of it in the beautiful collection of C. Walker, Esq., Brettagh Holt, Milnthorpe, bearing many flower spikes, all of good length; it was a noble object, one that Mr. Walker might well be proud of. We were surprised three years ago to receive, amongst some imported masses, one which stood three feet high, forming quite a pyramid of young growths, and carrying from twenty to thirty spikes; other masses were also of great size.

We have found this _Saccolabium_ to grow well in the East India house, where the temperature by fire-heat during winter is kept at about 60° during the night and 65° during the day. When the sun causes the heat to rise above this, air should be given, avoiding cold draughts. The plants require plenty of light, but must be shaded during the spring and summer months, when the temperature should be about 65° by night and 70° by day, or with sun-heat 75°. During June, July, and August it should range from 70° to 75° by night and 75° to 80° by day. The house should be moistened twice a day in summer--in the morning and in the afternoon, about three or four o'clock, when it may be closed for the night, always, however, keeping a certain amount of air on, but not sufficient to interfere with the temperature.

We find the best material for growing the Saccolabiums in is fresh clean sphagnum moss, with good drainage. If grown in pots these should be nearly filled with drainage material, and the plants placed on sphagnum moss and kept well elevated above the pot rim. They will do well in baskets suspended from the roof, so that their roots can hang in the moist atmosphere. They require a good supply of moisture during the summer season, and also in autumn, but in winter less will suffice, indeed during this season they must never be allowed to get too wet, though the moss must be kept damp. They have no thick fleshy bulbs to fall back upon for support, and therefore if they are allowed to become too dry they will shrivel, and lose their lower leaves, which is a great disfigurement. The plants must always be kept free from insects.

PESCATOREA LEHMANNI.
[Plate 57.]
_Native of the Andes of Ecuador._

Epiphytal. _Stems_ none, or consisting of a short crown or growing
point, from which the leaves, with their narrowed overlapping bases
and the stout fibrous roots proceed. _Leaves_ lorate-lanceolate acute,
upwards of a foot long, and from an inch to an inch and a half wide,
of thin, firm texture, ribbed. _Scapes_ radical, much shorter than the
leaves, bracteate, one-flowered. _Flowers_ large, upwards of three
inches across, showy, white striped with purple; _sepals_ and _petals_
broadly cuneate oblong, obtusely rounded, with a short projecting
point, white, with contiguous curved parallel lines of reddish purple
extending nearly to the edge; _lip_ deep mauve-purple, the basal
segments small, triangular, erect, the interposed calli forming a ruff
of chestnut-brown, consisting of about eleven ridges, the anterior
mauve-coloured portion oblong, revolute, retuse, covered with lines of
long bristle-like purple papillæ. _Column_ stout, curved forwards,
purple and rounded behind, brown in front, the anther case whitish
green.

Pescatorea Lehmanni, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
N.S., xii., 424.

Zygopetalum Lehmanni, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
N.S., xii., 424.

The genus _Pescatorea_ is one of recent introduction. A few years ago the plants referred to it were unknown, but latterly they have been met with by botanical collectors, and have gradually found their way to our Orchid houses, some very beautiful species being included amongst them. _Pescatorea Lehmanni_, represented in the accompanying illustration, is one of these. It was exhibited a short time since at the Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, by Messrs. Vervaet & Co., Nurserymen, of Ghent, Belgium, and on that occasion was deservedly awarded a First Class Certificate. It was from this specimen, which was a well-grown one, that our plate was taken. The plant was grown on a block of wood, and thus placed had a really beautiful and attractive appearance. The species was collected by Mr. Lehmann, in whose honour it is named, and who has sent home many fine Orchids.

_Pescatorea Lehmanni_ is an evergreen plant, with broadish light green ribbed foliage, which grows from twelve to eighteen inches in height. The flowers are produced from the axils of the leaves at the base of the very short stem, several proceeding from each tuft; they have the sepals and petals white, striped with purple lines, while the lip is mauve-coloured, covered with a number of hair-like papillæ, and having a rich brown ruff or throat. The plant blooms after it has completed its growth, and the flowers continue fresh for some considerable time; it appears to yield its blossoms at different times of the year.

These plants are not generally well cultivated, but in the case of those we saw at Messrs. Vervaet's there seemed to be no difficulty about it. They were fixed on blocks of wood, which appears the most natural method of cultivating them; and no plants could be thriving better, producing finer foliage, or flowering more profusely than these. The appearance they presented when hanging from the roof was very charming, as the flowers and plants both seemed to be in their natural position, which of course conduces greatly to success in their cultivation, wherein it is wise in most cases to follow natural habits as closely as possible. They are found in their native country growing on the branches of trees in moist places, and in consequence when suspended from the roof they require abundance of water, which can easily be applied with a syringe about the roots. We have seen them thrive well on blocks plunged in pots of fibrous peat, but in this way they frequently fail, and after two or three years' growth the plants rot away. Of course there are exceptional cases in which they grow well for a longer period; but they will, we believe, be found to thrive better and last longer in a suspended position, if they get shaded from the sun. Their leaves being broad and thin are apt to become spotted if exposed to the full sun heat, but they like plenty of light, which they get when hanging from the roof, besides which their growth becomes more robust, and their foliage stands better. We find the cool end of the East Indian house to suit them. They require to be watered all the year round, not having bulbous stems to support them, and they take little rest, being generally in full vigour. In winter rather less water may be given, just sufficient to keep them plump.

Insects must always be closely sought after, as the foliage of these plants is tender, such as these pests delight to feed upon. The species are propagated by dividing them where there are one or two back shoots, with a young growth in front.

Watering Orchids.--We have found rain-water to be the best for Orchids and for all kinds of plants, this being the water supplied in their natural habitats. Rain-water is easily to be obtained, by providing tanks under the stages, and allowing the rain-water to enter from the roof; in this way no room is lost. A pump should be attached, in case the water gets low in dry weather, when it can be easily raised to the required height.