Chapter II: Part 2

The plan we adopt is to have a deep cemented tank in the centre of the house, under the stage, so that the top may be open; this allows the water which is standing in the tank to become somewhat warmed by contact with the atmosphere of the house, which is very beneficial; in fact, Orchids should never be watered with water that has not had the chill taken off, as cold water, especially in winter time, causes spot, and may rot the growths and injure the roots. Into this tank the rain-water runs from the roof, and as we have the New River water laid on as well, when rain-water is scarce we fill up with this, and thereby have a mixture of rain and hard water.--B. S. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM TRIUMPHANS.
[Plate 58.]
_Native of New Grenada._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate oblong, two to three inches in length,
furrowed when old, diphyllous. _Leaves_ oblong-lanceolate, acuminate,
narrowed to the base. _Scape_ arising from the base of the
pseudobulbs, elongate, the inflorescence racemose, the flowers having
longish internodes between them, and the pedicels each furnished with
a small triangular bract at its base. _Flowers_ large, handsomely
spotted; _sepals_ oblong acute, narrowed to the base, deep golden
yellow, marked for three-fourths of their length with transverse spots
and blotches of rich brownish crimson; _petals_ similar in form and
colour, somewhat broader, the margins lobulate or sinuate-dentate;
_lip_ clawed, the limb fiddle-shaped, apiculate, with the point
recurved, the margin denticulate, the basal half white with yellow
crests, and the anterior portion of a rich brownish crimson, narrowly
edged with yellow, the claw bicarinate, the keel running out into
crests on the disk, with a pair of larger falcate crests interposed.
_Column_ white, semi-terete, curved at the tip, with a rhombic
minutely erose wing.

Odontoglossum triumphans, _Reichenbach fil._, _Bonplandia_, ii., 99;
_Id._, _Pescatorea_, t. 46 (less densely blotched, and lip tipped with
rosy purple); _Lemaire_, _Illustration Horticole_, t. 609 (as in
Pescatorea); _Bateman_, _Monograph of Odontoglossum_, t. 23;
_Williams_, _Orchid Grower's Manual_, 5 ed., 245.

The varied phases of beauty which are met with in the genus _Odontoglossum_ are quite overwhelming; indeed so many of the species are really fine plants that to describe and illustrate all that are deserving would alone be a heavy task. We have now, at least, before us a species of the _O. luteo-purpureum_ group which is quite distinct, _O. triumphans_, which we may observe is one of the most useful to cultivators, since it mixes up so well and forms so fine a contrast in colour with the forms of the _O. Alexandræ_ type. The particular variety we now illustrate, and which is a very remarkable one, was kindly sent us by E. Wright, Esq., Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, who has been cultivating Orchids for many years, and who has also sent us blossoms of many other beautiful species. The spike of _O. triumphans_ here represented was, it will be seen, a very fine one, having splendidly marked and showy flowers. There are many varieties of this species, some of them being lighter in colour than others; in fact there is an almost endless variation among the imported plants owing no doubt to the chance intercrossing of the parents, which has been effected by insects in their native country, where so many of them are found in contiguous spots. Our home cultivators too are taking a hint from the insect world, and doing much service to floriculture by hybridising some of the choicest forms of Orchids with remarkably good results. We hope their success will encourage them to continue their pleasing and profitable work.

_Odontoglossum triumphans_ is an evergreen plant, with pseudobulbs from two to three inches in height, and foliage of a light green colour, growing about twelve inches high. The flower-spikes are produced after the plant has completed its growth; in some of the varieties these grow two or three feet in length, with many flowers developed upon them. The sepals and petals are of a golden yellow, barred with brownish crimson; the lip is white at the base, its front portion having a large irregular blotch of brownish crimson. It generally blooms during the spring and winter months, and lasts for six or more weeks in beauty. This is a most useful feature in the Odontoglots, as they can be used for decorative purposes, and can be removed into living rooms without any injury to the plant or flowers if due care be taken--that is to say, the heat need not be higher than from 45° to 50°, they must not be placed near gas, and the roots must be occasionally moistened.

As an example of the power of endurance possessed by these plants we may mention that we took a plant packed in a box with other specimens to America, and showed it at the Philadelphia Exhibition, where the Odontoglot lasted some time in full beauty. We also took many other Orchids in bud, and they flowered after their arrival, much to the astonishment of the American cultivators. Mr. R. Warner carried an Odontoglossum in full bloom to the St. Petersburgh Exhibition, and afterwards, while still in blossom, showed it in London. We mention these facts to show what may be done with these beautiful flowers.

_Odontoglossum triumphans_ requires the same treatment as _O. Alexandræ_ as regards temperature, material for potting, and moisture at the roots.

Disa grandiflora superba.--This grand Orchid is grown very successfully by Mr. Elphinstone, gardener to John Heywood, Esq., the Grange, Stretford, Manchester. We received from him a spike of it bearing seven flowers--a perfect marvel of cultivation. We should like to see this gorgeous plant better managed than it generally is, it being, when grown as Mr. Elphinstone grows it, without exception the most showy Orchid in cultivation.

VANDA ROXBURGHII.
[Plate 59.]
_Native of India._

Epiphytal. _Stems_ dwarf, stout, erect, leafy, with aërial roots from
the lower portion. _Leaves_ two-ranked, evergreen, leathery, light
green, ligulate, channelled, obliquely tridentate at the apex.
_Flowers_ six to twelve, in erect axillary racemes longer than the
leaves, tessellated; _sepals_ and _petals_ oblong-obovate, obtuse,
undulated, white on the exterior surface, the inner side pale green,
marked with olive-brown in chequered lines; _lip_ three-lobed,
projected backwards near the middle to form a short pinkish spur; the
lateral lobes lanceolate, sharp-pointed, about as long as the column,
white; the middle lobe convex, with the sides inflected beneath,
ovate, emarginate and very obtuse, channelled, violet-purple, deeper
towards the apex. _Column_ short, thick, obtuse, white.

Vanda Roxburghii, _R. Brown_, in _Botanical Register_, t. 506;
_Lindley_, _Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants_, 215; _Id._
_Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Vanda_, No. 4; _Id._ _Paxton's Flower
Garden_, t. 42, fig. 2; _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 2245; _Van
Houtte_, _Flore des Serres_, ii., t. 11; _Wight_, _Icones Plantarum
Indiæ Orientalis_, iii., t. 916; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower's Manual_,
5 ed., 307.

Vanda tessellata, _Loddiges_; _Paxton's Magazine of Botany_, vii., 265
(var. with rosy lip).

Vanda tesselloides, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers' Annales Botanices
Systematicæ_, vi., 864.

Cymbidium tesselloides, _Roxburgh_, _Flora Indica_, iii., 463.

We now bring before our readers a plant that few of the present generation of Orchid growers have seen, but one which we think they all should possess, as it requires but little space, and produces its flower-spikes on very small specimens. Our plate will give some idea of this, as it represents a full-sized plant, with a spike of very charmingly coloured flowers. There are several varieties of this species known, among which we consider the one which our plate pourtrays to be an excellent form. The plant represented is in the collection of W. Lee, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead. We are delighted to know that Mr. Lee is taking up the cultivation of the Vandas (of which he possesses a splendid collection), and intends devoting a centre table in one of his houses to their accommodation. There are no Orchids that flower so freely when they are well grown; indeed, Mr. Lee blooms many plants of _Vanda tricolor_ while quite small. When the specimens attain a large size they flower two or three times a year, lasting each time some six weeks, or even more, in perfection. They are extremely fragrant, imparting a grateful odour to the whole atmosphere of the house. Other growers also are paying more regard to these beautiful plants, which we are glad to observe, as, though they flower so often, they do not require so much heat as some East Indian kinds.

_Vanda Roxburghii_ is a dwarf compact growing plant, with light green foliage. The flower-spikes proceed from the axils of the leaves, and are upright, bearing from six to twelve flowers. The sepals and petals are of a greenish yellow, netted with purplish brown, the lip being of a bright mauve colour. This plant usually blossoms in May, and lasts six weeks in full beauty; but it sometimes varies as to the time of flowering.

The treatment which we find to suit this plant is to grow it in a basket suspended from the roof, where it procures a good amount of light, being merely shaded in summer when the sun is hot. It does best at the coolest end of the East Indian house. We have also cultivated it in a pot with good drainage and sphagnum moss; it requires a moderate supply of water in summer, but in winter only just sufficient should be given to moisten the moss.

Watering Orchids.--There can be no doubt that Orchids, like other plants, are particular as to the fluids given to them to nourish their roots. We often hear growers say, that the water obtainable in the particular locality where they may reside is hard, and that their plants do not thrive as they should do. We can fully sympathise with these men, as we know that hard water is bad for Orchids as well as for other plants. Hardwooded plants especially will not thrive if the water they receive does not suit them; but it must be borne in mind that these plants have fine hair-like roots, and are much sooner killed than Orchids which have thick fleshy roots. When conversing the other day with an Orchid grower from the north of England, who said that his plants were not doing well, that he could not keep the sphagnum moss alive--which he attributed to the use of hard water--and that he consequently put up a cistern for rain-water, and employed that, we were not surprised to hear that the result had been to improve the health of the plants, and that the moss was now growing luxuriantly.

There is a great difference between different hard waters; some contain a quantity of iron, while others contain lime; these when used for syringing leave white marks upon the foliage. We believe water containing chalk and lime to be beneficial to some kinds of Orchids, especially Cypripediums; in fact, some growers use chalk or broken limestone mixed with charcoal and peat to grow them in, and they succeed very well in it. We have frequently seen distinct traces of lime on imported Cypripediums. An importation of _Cypripedium Spicerianum_, received some time ago, was literally covered with lime deposit, probably owing to the plants having been found growing in the fissures of limestone rocks, where the water trickled down upon them. We should think that water containing iron would be the most injurious to Orchids.

LÆLIA PERRINII.
[Plate 60.]
_Native of Brazil._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ (stems) club-shaped, under a foot in height,
becoming furrowed when old. _Leaves_ solitary, oblong-obtuse, about as
long as the stems, coriaceous, of a dark green colour. _Spathes_
oblong, compressed, green, often tinged with purple. _Scape_
two-flowered, purplish. _Flowers_ large, about six inches in
expansion, richly coloured; _sepals_ linear-oblong, bluntish, the
lateral ones falcate, of a diluted magenta-rose; _petals_ broader,
oblong-lanceolate, of the same colour as the sepals; _lip_
oblong-lanceolate, three-lobed, unguiculate, the base forming an
inflated fistular cavity, the lateral lobes erect, acute, convergent
over the column, the middle lip elongate, oblong-obtuse, wavy at the
margin, the basal portion white inside, washed externally with
magenta, the front part of an intense velvety purple-crimson.
_Pollen-masses_ eight.

Lælia Perrinii, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1842, under t. 62;
_Paxton's Magazine of Botany_, xiii., 5; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower's
Manual_, 5 ed., 207.

Cattleya Perrinii, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1838, t. 2;
_Hastingen_, _Paradisus Vindobonensis_, i., t. 10.

Bletia Perrinii, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers' Annales Botanices
Systematicæ_, vi., 421.

The _Lælia Perrinii_ is a very old species, and one that nearly all Orchid growers have seen or had in their possession, but we do not consider it too ancient to be introduced to the notice of our subscribers. It is a useful acquisition to the Orchid house, as it flowers when there are few Lælias, or any other Orchids in bloom. There are several varieties of this _Lælia_, which vary in colour, some being much paler than others. The form we here illustrate is part of an importation we received a few years ago, many of which bore blossoms of the same colour as that here represented. A pure white variety also came from the same locality at the same time, but the latter is very rare, there being only a few plants in this country. The white-flowered forms seem to be making their appearance in many of the species of _Lælia_ and _Cattleya_. We are glad to notice this, as they make a very pretty contrast with the dark-coloured flowers, of which we have so many in these two genera--genera which resemble each other very closely, the only tangible difference being in the number of pollen-masses.

_Lælia Perrinii_ is an evergreen plant, with dark green foliage and pseudobulbs, the leaves being about a foot high, and the pseudobulbs ten inches. The flower-spikes proceed from the top of the bulbs, and issue from a sheathing bract; they appear after the plants have completed their growth. The sepals and petals are of a light tint of magenta colour, while the lip is of a dark purple-crimson, with a rich yellow throat. The species blooms in October and November, and continues for about two weeks in perfection.

It requires the same treatment as _Cattleya Mossiæ_, and is best grown in a pot with good drainage and fibrous peat. It must be kept moist at the roots during the growing season, but after it has completed its growth less water will do, that is, merely enough to keep the roots and leaves in a plump state. When it recommences to grow a little water may be applied to encourage it to make strong growths, which are the precursors of finer flowers. The plants must be always fully exposed to light by being kept near the glass.

Orchids at Bickley.--A recent visit to Oldfield, the residence of F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C., reminds us of the grand collection of Orchids in Avenue Road, Regent's Park, many of the best of which were sold on Mr. Philbrick changing his residence. It is surprising to find the rapid way in which a new collection is now being grown and brought together in the new place. Houses had to be built, and the plants removed from one garden to the other, which, of course, involves more or less of injury. It is now twelve months since we visited this place, and the change that has taken place in that interval in respect to the collection of Orchids is remarkable, and highly creditable to Mr. Heims, the gardener. The plants have real vigour about them, sending out their growths and making roots freely, which is a sure sign they are doing well. The Cattleya house is a well-built structure, having plenty of light, with provision for a good circulation of air, two things very essential to the successful cultivation of Orchids. Mr. Philbrick is doing the right thing in securing the very best species and varieties, for, as he remarked to us, "they take up no more room than the bad ones, which are dear at any price." We noticed some grand specimens of _Lælia purpurata_ in bloom, with many spikes of flowers, and there were some wonderful varieties among them; also some large specimens of _Cattleya Mossiæ_ in bloom. Of _Sobralia macrantha_ there were large specimens which had been very fine; and of _Cattleya Mendelii_ some fine varieties. Near to these stood several good Lælias, such as _L. elegans_, _L. anceps alba_, and _L. anceps Dawsoni_, which were growing vigorously. _Epidendrum ritellinum majus_ was at the time finely in bloom.--B. S. W.

VANDA PARISHII MARRIOTTIANA.
[Plate 61.]
_Native of Moulmein._

Epiphytal. _Plant_ dwarf, compact, evergreen, the _stem_ short, with
closely-set leaves, and thick aërial roots. _Leaves_ distichous,
ligulate-obtuse, with an unequal bilobed apex, stout and fleshy in
texture, narrower, less drooping, and more densely set than in the
type. _Scape_ axillary, the spike erect, bearing several (about six)
flowers. _Flowers_ large, scentless, but remarkable for their
beautiful colouring; _sepals_ roundish-obovate, the outer surface pale
mauve, with darker mauve blotches, and a well developed white keel,
the inner surface bronzy-brown, richly suffused with magenta; _petals_
similar in form and size, wholly mauve-coloured exteriorly, and within
of the same brownish magenta tint as the sepals; _lip_ auricled at the
base, and produced into a short gibbous spur, the auricles white, with
longitudinal mauve stripes, and two yellow blotches beneath the
column, the interior portion of the richest magenta or lake-carmine,
rhomboid, gibbous below the apex, and having a keel along the median
line, and a conical callus at the base. _Column_ bent forward, white
marked with purple.

Vanda Parishii Marriottiana, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardener's
Chronicle_, N.S., xiii., 743; xv., 726.

Of this handsome novelty Professor Reichenbach observes, that it is "a very unexpected glorious surprise." We are indebted to the courtesy of H. J. Ross, Esq., Castagnolo, à Lastra, à Signa, Italy, for the opportunity of figuring it, he having been kind enough to send us a flower-spike, accompanied by a coloured sketch of the entire plant; we have since exchanged a few plants of it with him, and from these several materials our plate has been prepared.

_Vanda Parishii Marriottiana_ was first flowered by Sir W. H. S. Marriott, Bart., in honour of whom it was named by Professor Reichenbach. It is totally distinct from the type, which was figured in the first volume of this work under Plate 15; and from which it will be seen that while in that the sepals and petals are distinctly spotted, they are in the variety before us of a bronzy brown, richly suffused with magenta, the lip being altogether of a rich magenta, as in the original form. This variety also differs from the type in having scentless flowers; and, moreover, the growth of the plant is altogether distinct, the leaves being more closely set on the short stem, as well as narrower, and less drooping.

A curious fact is mentioned by Professor Reichenbach, in his original description of this choice variety, namely, that, when fading, the blossoms take on an olive-green tint with dark blotches, thus in some degree reverting to the original colours.

_Vanda Parishii Marriottiana_ requires the same treatment as other Vandas, and which has been already described under Plate 15.

Orchids in France.--The Chateau de Gouville is situated about twelve miles from Rouen, in a most picturesque part of Normandy, and is the country seat of the Comte de Germiny, a nobleman who is a most ardent admirer of Orchids, and spares no pains to extend his very fine collection, which is unequalled in France. The plant houses are situated near to the Chateau, and are well built of iron and stone, having circular roofs. On entering the first, which is filled with Caladiums and Gloxinias, one is at once struck with the beauty of these flowers; there is an endless variety of colour in the collection, and the size of the flowers is remarkable, larger than any we have previously met with. There is yet another house entirely filled with Gloxinias, which we had to pass through, when a large house is reached, where Stove Plants with ornamental foliage are planted out in the central portion, forming a handsome _parterre_, through which a stream of water flows. Above this natural undergrowth, the Vandas and Saccolabiums are suspended in baskets, and as a collection, are the finest we have ever seen. Among them we noted grand plants of _V. suavis_, of _V. tricolor_ and its finest varieties, and of _V. coerulea_, some of them being several feet high, and in perfect health. We also noticed enormous masses of Saccolabiums growing on suspended blocks of wood, as imported. The plants evidently like this treatment, as they are rooting most profusely among the undergrowth, and the effect is indeed most charming. On the side stages are some grand plants of _Phalænopsis Schilleriana_, and of _P. amabilis_, as well as numerous Saccolabiums, Aërides, &c. We noticed a nice plant of the rare _Renanthera matutina_ in bloom; this is a little gem, reminding one of a miniature _Renanthera coccinea_. At one end of this fine house, growing on rustic stands, is a fine collection of _Nepenthes_, forming together with the Orchids and other plants, as viewed from the entrance, a truly imposing tropical scene.

Leaving this house, we came to a compartment where are some grand plants of _Coelogyne cristata_, with large masses of Pescatoreas, Bolleas, Dendrobes, &c., in vigorous health. The Cattleya house contains some wonderful examples of cultivation; we noticed particularly the following:--_Cattleya exoniensis_ in bloom; two fine specimens of _C. labiata pallida_ just past flower; _Lælia elegans alba_; _L. Perrinii_, fine specimens in bloom; _Cattleya gigas_ just opening; and several grand plants of _C. Trianæ_, showing quantities of flower, as well as of _C. Mossiæ_, and _Lælia purpurata_.

In the Odontoglossum house are many fine plants of good varieties and of rare species, all doing well, and presenting a picture of health. Here we saw the true _Cypripedium Chantinii_ flowering profusely, and _C. Spicerianum_ with several spikes. A small house adjoining this is entirely devoted to _Phalænopsids_, the plants being suspended from the roof in baskets over tanks of water, which method of cultivation seems to agree well with them.

Altogether this is one of the finest collections of Orchids we have ever had the good fortune to see, the East Indian kinds being especially well cultivated. Great credit is due to M. Rondeau, the gardener, for the manner in which he manages his plants, and as M. le Comte remarked to us, for a gardener to grow his plants well, he must love them as he loves his children.--H. Williams.

MASDEVALLIA IGNEA.
[Plate 62.]
_Native of New Grenada._

Epiphytal. _Stems_ slender, erect, tufted. _Leaves_ evergreen,
coriaceous, six to eight inches long, the blade deep green,
elliptic-oblong, blunt or notched at the apex, keeled behind, and
narrowed below into a long slender channelled petiole, which is
invested at the base by one or two membranous sheaths. _Scapes_
slender, radical, ten to twelve inches long, invested at the base by
sheaths, and having a sheathing bract beneath the blossom like those
of the leaves. _Flowers_ remarkable in form, and brilliant in colour,
paler on the outer surface; _dorsal sepal_ keeled, attenuate or
subfiliform from a triangular base, bent down between the two lateral
sepals so as to occupy the sinus, pale orange-red; _lateral sepals_
connate below, elliptic-oblong, acute or apiculate, obliquely
incurved, of a vivid cinnabar-red or glowing orange-scarlet, with
three deeper red nerves; all united at the base into an incurved
gibbous tube; _petals_ white, small, included, ligulate, acute,
hastately auricled at the base in front; _lip_ white, small, enclosed,
unguiculate, linguiform, subcordate at the base, crenulate in front.
_Column_ erect, wingless.

Masdevallia ignea, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
1871, 1482; _Hooker fil._, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 5962; _Moore_,
_Florist and Pomologist_, 1873, 169, with coloured plate; _André_,
_Illustration Horticole_, t. 333; _Gardeners' Chronicle_, 1872, 545,
fig. 149; _Floral Magazine_, 2 ser., t. 15.

This is a most distinct species of _Masdevallia_, and one that should be welcomed wherever richly coloured flowers are required, whether it be for exhibition purposes, or as a distinct companion to the other fine members of this genus. For the supply of cut flowers it will be found invaluable, on account of its distinct glowing colour. There are a great many varieties among the species of this genus--some of which are infinitely superior to the one here figured, and the most select and distinct of which we hope to be able to illustrate at a future time. We find upon reference to those publications wherein the various Masdevallias have been figured, that the several artists have done but scant justice to their remarkable beauty, owing, we suppose, to the frequent want of the pigments necessary to represent truthfully their rich colouring and markings. We refer here more particularly to that section of the genus represented by _M. Harryana_. Since the publication of some of those plates, however, the chemist has had the good fortune to discover the two lovely colours, magenta and mauve, by the aid of which we are now enabled to pourtray more accurately than before these wonderful productions of nature, the Orchids, in which the two colours referred to largely preponderate.

_Masdevallia ignea_ is a dwarf growing evergreen species, producing its flowers singly on erect growing peduncles during the summer months, and lasting for some weeks in perfection. It was introduced from New Grenada in 1870. Our plate was taken from a well-grown plant flowered in the fine collection of C. Dorman, Esq., The Firs, Lawrie Park, Sydenham, under the care of Mr. Coningsby.

The Masdevallias require a copious supply of water all the year round, but more particularly when they are making young growths; abundance of air and efficient shade, with a temperature varying from 45° to 50°, are also necessary to their free development. The treatment is more fully explained under Plate 24.

These plants are subject to the attacks both of the thrips and the green fly, which should be vigorously pursued and destroyed. Should they become numerous, the plants should be carefully fumigated, say two or three times a week, until the pests are annihilated. When the smoke is applied, care should be taken to have the plants dry, and to remove those which are in bud or in flower. Propagation is effected by division just before the plants begin to grow.

Edinburgh International Horticultural Exhibition, _September_, 1882.--There were many Orchids at this Show, which, we think, our readers will be pleased to see noticed, especially as it was late in the season for Orchids to be in bloom. There were many fine specimen plants shown in the various classes. A. Paul, Esq., exhibited a fine plant of _Cattleya Harrisonii_, with thirteen spikes of its delicate-coloured blossoms; also the lovely and rare _Lælia Turnerii_, with its rich-coloured flowers, eight on each spike; and a fine specimen of _Saccolabium_, quite distinct in character, with a very large and long spike of flowers; the same plant last year produced four spikes, each nearly two feet in length, and is itself eighteen inches in height, and two feet across; the showy _Odontoglossum grande_ was very finely shown, also _Vanda suavis_. W. McDonald, Esq., of Perth, had some fine plants; we noticed a well-cultivated _Cattleya crispa superba_, with fine spikes of flowers; also, _Odontoglossum grande_, with seven spikes of bloom; this is one of the most showy and best of Orchids at this time of the year. The same grower also exhibited a good specimen of _O. Pescatorei_, and the rare _Cattleya exoniensis_, which was in fine colour. From C. Walker, Esq., of Brettagh Holt, came some fine plants of _Odontoglossum grande_. The most extraordinary specimen was _Renanthera coccinea_, which was exhibited by Mrs. Tait, Milrig, Galston; it stood five feet in height, with four of its richly-coloured spikes of blossom, one of which bore about one hundred expanded flowers; it was a most gorgeous sight, especially as it bloomed in such a small state, for the plant, as a rule, makes a long growth before it commences flowering. Dr. Paterson, of the Bridge of Allan, exhibited a most charming variety of _Cattleya Dowiana_; and J. Douglas, Esq., of Dalkeith, showed a fine form of _Cattleya gigas_. Our limited space will not permit us to say more.--B. S. W.

COELOGYNE PANDURATA.
[Plate 63.]
_Native of Borneo._

Epiphytal, _Pseudobulbs_ large, somewhat compressed, oblong ovate,
bearing about two leaves at the summit. _Leaves_ large,
broadly-lanceolate, plaited, eighteen inches long, many-nerved.
_Scape_ radical, produced with the young growth, supporting a
pendulous raceme somewhat longer than the leaves. _Flowers_ numerous,
rather distant, large, four inches across when fully expanded,
fragrant, each one issuing from the axil of a brown cucullate
deciduous bract as long as the pedicel; _sepals_ and _petals_
linear-oblong, acute, pale green; _lip_ concave at the base,
cordate-oblong, appearing to be panduriform from the inflection at the
sides, retuse, setaceo-acuminate, the edges crisped, green marked with
blackish veins and stains, the disk with three keels and two deep
double-warted crests on each side, the crests converging towards the
middle of the lip, where they are lost amongst a series of irregular
rugged often two-lobed warts. _Column_ green, with the edges thin and
rounded.

Coelogyne pandurata. _Lindley_, _Gardeners' Chronicle_, 1853, 791;
_Id._ _Folia Orchidacea_, art. Coelogyne, No. 7; _Hooker_, _Botanical
Magazine_, t. 5084; _Bateman_, _Second Century of Orchidaceous
Plants_, t. 160; _Van Houtte_, _Flore des Serres_, t. 2139;
_Reichenbach fil._, _Xenia Orchidacea_, t. 121; _Id._ _Walpers'
Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 224.

As a curiously beautiful plant this Orchid is perhaps unequalled. It is very rarely met with in a flowering state in collections, which is the more to be wondered at, as though the flowers are not bright in colour, yet on account of the peculiar association of tints--light green and black--and their large size, it makes a very attractive object. The flowers are produced upon drooping spikes from the young growths during the summer, and continue for some time in perfection.

_Coelogyne pandurata_ is a native of Borneo, where, according to Mr. Low, it is common on trees, in shady places overhanging water. It thrives best in the temperature of the Cattleya house, and during the period of growth requires a good supply of water. After the growth is complete, less water must be given, until it begins again to show signs of starting into fresh growth, when the supply should be gradually augmented.

The specimen here figured was flowered in the fine collection of Baron J. H. Schroeder, The Dell, Staines, under the care of Mr. Ballantyne, the gardener, who seems to be very successful in the cultivation of this interesting plant.

The root material in which we find it to succeed best, is a compost of peat, with a little moss and charcoal added. It does well either in a pot or in a basket, suspended from the roof, but should be well shaded from the sun, as too much sunlight causes the leaves to become spotted and look sickly, and this is very detrimental to the plants. It will be found to be a very free-growing species, when it obtains the treatment it requires.

The plant is propagated by separating the pseudobulbs just before they start into growth.

Orchids in France.--The Chateau de Ferrières, the country seat of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild, in the department of Seine et Marne, is situated about 33 kilometres from Paris, and about two miles from the station Ozouer la Ferrière, on the Ligne de Mulhouse. Orchid growers, when in Paris, would do well to pay this wonderful place a visit, since it is unequalled both for size and beauty by any other place in France. Here Orchids are well cared for, Mr. Bergman, the gardener, being very successful in their cultivation, admirably seconded as he is by his son, who passed some years in this country, studying gardening in all its branches.

Commencing with the Vanda house we were pleased to find these noble plants so much at home, there being several remarkable specimens of _V. suavis_, _V. tricolor_, and _V. tricolor insignis_, marvels of cultivation. _Vanda coerulea_ is doing well and flowering profusely. _V. Lowei_ is represented by a plant of enormous dimensions, having four strong growths, and is one of the finest plants we have ever seen. The species of _Phalænopsis_ are also well grown here, in company with the Vandas, and right well do they seem to like their company, since there are some wonderful plants of nearly all the species, thriving well and making strong flowering spikes. In the Cattleya house are some fine healthy plants of all the best species and varieties thriving admirably. Mr. Bergman gives his plants plenty of light, which causes them to look somewhat yellow, but he gets his bulbs ripened off well, and flowers them in greater profusion. Passing from here to the new Odontoglossum house we find a grand collection of these favourite Orchids. These plants are grown very largely here, as cut Orchids are in great request.

In another house are some other fine Vandas, associated with ornamental Stove Plants. Doing well in the same house, near the door, are a quantity of plants of _Vanda teres_, planted out in a compost of moss and charcoal, which is kept together on the stage of the house by a wirework edging. Here the plants are allowed to grow freely until they touch the glass, when they are cut down and replanted. All the light possible is given them, together with a copious supply of water, and the plants flower luxuriantly every year. Mr. Bergman, Jun., informed us that last year 651 flowers were cut from these plants. We recommend cultivators to give this plant a trial in the way above described, as it is one of the richest gems of the Orchid world. _Coelogyne Massangeana_ was doing well; one plant, having ten spikes, was suspended from the roof, and was an object never to be forgotten.

H. Williams.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ROEZLII.
[Plate 64.]
_Native of Colombia._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ narrowly ovate, two inches long, compressed,
with acute margins. _Leaves_ elongately linear-lanceolate, acuminate,
nearly or quite a foot in length, keeled behind, and there marked with
nine nervose striæ, the colour a clear pale green. _Scapes_ short,
slender, terete, three to six-flowered (according to Rchb.), erect,
with subulate pale green bracts shorter than the pedicels, which pass
gradually into the slender grooved ovary. _Flowers_ three to four
inches across, flat, exceedingly chaste and effective; _sepals_
obovate-oblong acute, sub-equal, snow-white; _petals_ similar to the
lateral sepals in form, but rather broader, pure white, marked with a
distinct transverse purplish-red band at their base; _lip_ large, two
and a half inches across, broadly obcordate, or cuneately flabellate,
obtusely bilobed, with a mucro in the sinus, sagittate or bearing a
spur-like horn directed upwards and backwards on each side at the base
of the short claw, and having three short slender keels on the disk in
front of the horns, and a pair of short calli interposed; the disk has
a largish yellow blotch streaked with red, while the rest of the
surface is snow-white. _Column_ short, wingless.

Odontoglossum Roezlii, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
1873, 1302, fig. 269; _Id._ _Xenia Orchidacea_, t. 182, fig. 1;
_Hooker fil._, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 6085; _Bateman_, _Monograph of
Odontoglossum_, t. 30; _Floral Magazine_, ser. 2, t. 90.

This grand Odontoglot, which has been designated "a first-class beauty," and which comes near to _Odontoglossum vexillarium_, was introduced in 1873 by Mr. B. Roezl, the very successful traveller and Orchid hunter, who has so well worked up the greater part of the Western hemisphere in the search after these plants, and to whose zeal and energy Orchid growers are so deeply indebted for the many rich gems he has introduced to cultivation. The species was most properly named by Professor Reichenbach after Mr. Roezl, and we are glad to be able to figure it, in order to remind Orchid growers how much they owe to the unflinching perseverance of one who has now retired from active life among his favourites. The best compost in which to cultivate this plant, is a mixture of peat and moss, with good drainage.

_Odontoglossum Roezlii_ is one of the few Odontoglots that require to be grown in a warm temperature. The Cattleya house will be found to be the best position for it, and if the plants are suspended either in pots or in baskets from the roof of the house, where a copious supply of water can be given to them, they will be found to thrive well. This species is particularly liable to the attacks of the thrips, and great care should be exercised in searching for and destroying them. We have found flowers of sulphur mixed with water, and applied to the young growths with a camel's-hair pencil, very beneficial in preventing the attacks of this insect, while the application does not at all injure the young and tender parts. The thrips has a great aversion to sulphur--in fact will not go near it.

The drawing from which our plate is prepared was taken from the select collection of D. Tod, Esq., Eastwood Park, Thorliebank, near Glasgow, who is not only forming a nice collection of Orchids, but who flowers this species very freely, and cultivates it better than we have seen it grown in any other collection. We have had these plants under our notice for the past three years, and believe Mr. Tod's gardener has hit upon the right method of treatment, the plants being very strong and vigorous, with clean healthy foliage. The specimens at Eastwood Park are grown in a warm house, near the glass, with plenty of moisture during the summer season, and even in winter they are kept moist at the roots.

Orchids at Bickley.--We are glad to see the East Indian Orchids well represented in the new collection being got together by F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C., at Bickley. They are grown in a house where they are associated with stove plants. Here are seen some fine examples of _Vanda_, _Saccolabium guttatum_ in bloom, also a wonderful specimen of _Aërides affine_, with many spikes just coming into flower. We, moreover, noticed some fine plants of _Cypripedium_ in bloom in the same house. The cool house is well filled with fine examples of _Odontoglossum_ and _Masdevallia_, which are promising to make fine plants. Many kinds of _Masdevallia_ were in bloom when we saw them, amongst them an especially fine dark variety of _M. ignea_ in full beauty, and some varieties of _M. Harryana_ were very bright in colour. _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_ was well represented by several varieties in bloom. A cool and airy house is set apart for _Dendrobiums_, and alongside this is a house devoted entirely to _Phalænopsis_ containing a fine lot of healthy plants, all hanging in baskets near the light, but shaded from the sun, which bid fair to eclipse their predecessors in this collection.--B. S. W.

Cattleya superba.--We have received a very fine spike of blossom of this splendid _Cattleya_ from the choice collection of O. Schneider, Esq., Cromwell Grange, Fallowfield, near Manchester. The inflorescence was cut from a remarkably well-grown specimen, and bore six flowers. We have never seen better managed plants of this species than are to be found at this place; they do great credit to Mr. Holmes.--B. S. W.

Cattleya virginalis.--A fine variety of this chaste Orchid comes to us from R. P. Percival, Esq., Birkdale, Southport. The sepals and petals are pure white, and the lip white, with an orange spot at the entrance to the throat. This species is very strongly scented.--B. S. W.

COMPARETTIA MACROPLECTRON.
[Plate 65.]
_Native of New Grenada._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ small, oblong, truncate, compressed or
flattish, with the angles rounded, of a pinkish colour, monophyllous
or sometimes a second leaf sheathing the bulb. _Leaves_ oblong
ligulate, acute, keeled, bright green, shining. _Peduncles_ slender,
drooping, lateral, sheathed at the base by ovate-lanceolate bracts,
and bearing a secund raceme of flowers having minute scale-like bracts
at the base of their inch-long pedicels. _Flowers_ large, of a
delicate rose colour, prettily spotted; _dorsal sepal_ ligulate acute,
umbonate at the back near the base; _lateral sepals_ ligulate acute,
fornicate, connate into a slender pointed spur two inches in length,
all blush-white, thickly spotted with purple; _petals_ cuneate-ovate
acute, purplish rose, covered with deep rosy purple dots; _lip_ with a
pair of blunt-angled auricles at the base, and a linear keel-shaped
claw, the anterior lobe subquadrate, an inch and a half broad,
emarginate with an apiculus, of a pleasing delicate tint of soft
magenta-rose, deeper near the claw, where it is marked by a few purple
spots, the sides crenate or repand, the two included spurs of the lip
elongate, and finely papulose, orange coloured in the inferior half.
_Column_ free, erect, with a perpendicular ridge in the middle of the
stigmatic hollow.

Comparettia macroplectron, _Reichenbach fil. et Triana_, in
_Gardeners' Chronicle_, N.S., x., 524; _Id._ xi. 398.

The Comparettias form a small genus of very dwarf-growing Orchids, some of the species of which are, not only very beautiful, but also free blooming. That which we now illustrate is a most charming plant. The original, from which the drawing was made, was sent to us by F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C., of Oldfield, Bickley, and was a well-grown specimen, which did great credit to Mr. Heims, the gardener. Generally these plants have not been well managed, but latterly they appear to have been better looked after, and we have received, from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., and others, specimens of other desirable kinds, which we hope to illustrate in due course. We are glad to find that our collectors are turning their attention to the importation of the Comparettias, as there are some lovely species among them. Moreover, they require but little space to grow them in, and they are always charming when in blossom.

_Comparettia macroplectron_ is an evergreen and very floriferous plant, with small peculiarly-shaped pseudobulbs, and short bright green glossy leaves. The flower-spikes are produced from the base of the pseudobulbs, and bear five or sometimes more flowers in a drooping raceme. The sepals and petals are rose colour, the former paler than the latter, and both are spotted with a deeper tint of rose-purple; the lip is also of a beautiful delicate rose colour, which becomes deeper and purple-spotted near the base. The flowers are produced in July and August, and continue in perfection for some time.

This plant will thrive either in a basket or pan suspended from the roof, where it can receive a great amount of light, and in order to grow it successfully this plan should be followed. The species, which are all small growing subjects, are found on the branches of trees where they obtain just sufficient shade to screen them from the burning sun, and where they also get heavy dews at night, and sometimes a great amount of rain. It is during this rainy period that they make their growth and produce their flower spikes. Both the foliage and bulbs being small, they require careful attention as regards moisture at the roots.

We find the most suitable material in which to grow them, is a little fibrous peat and sphagnum moss with good drainage, so that the water may pass away without becoming stagnant. Some portion of this material should be changed each year, just as the plant begins to show signs of making its growth.

The Comparettias will not submit to be divided or cut; and we find the Cattleya house the most suitable structure to grow them in. They are subject to the attacks of white scale, and if these are allowed to accumulate, the plants will soon show signs of bad health, but if sufficient care is bestowed to keep them clean they will well repay the trouble which is taken, and afford great pleasure not only to those who are fond of Orchids, but also to those who take an interest in watching these floral treasures as they put out their new growths and beautiful flowers.

Orchids at Brentham Park, Stirling.--A visit to this place, the residence of R. Smith, Esq., is at all times a great treat, since it commands a grand view of the country around, surrounded by the distant mountains. Our chief source of attraction, of course, was the Orchids, of which there is here the largest and richest collection in Scotland. There are many fine plants of Cattleya, such as _C. exoniensis_, the best variety, which, when in bloom, must present a most gorgeous sight. _C. amethystoglossa_ is also a fine specimen, and is the same beautifully spotted variety which was figured in Warner's _Select Orchidaceous Plants_. _Coelogyne Massangeana_ is a wonderful example of good cultivation, with its pendulous spikes overhanging the pot. So is _Zygopetalum Gautieri_, with many spikes of its charming mauve-coloured flowers; and _Odontoglossum Andersonianum_, with fine branching spikes, which must be very beautiful when in bloom. Associated with this was a very fine _O. Alexandræ_, quite one of the best spotted varieties we have seen, which Mr. Smith kindly sent for our artist to copy.

There are many fine Odontoglots here, which are showing well for bloom. Since our visit last year there has been a new house erected for the Cattleyas, of which there is a good and well-grown collection. Mr. Smith is always looking out for the best varieties that can be procured.--B. S. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISTATELLUM.
[Plate 66.]
_Native of the United States of Columbia._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate, one and a half to two inches long,
pale green. _Leaves_ one or two from each pseudobulb, ligulate-oblong,
acute, narrowed to the base, keeled. _Peduncles_ radical, terminating
in a showy raceme of flowers, and furnished below with lanceolate pale
brown bracts, smaller triangular bracts being produced at the base of
the pedicels. _Flowers_ two and a half inches across, attractive in
colour and marking; _sepals_ and _petals_ subhastate, broadish
oblong-ovate above, acuminate, yellow, with a few large rich
chestnut-brown blotches; _lip_ short, narrow, the blade
oblong-panduriform, apiculate, the margin much undulated and minutely
denticulate, yellow at the base and chestnut-brown in front, bearing
at the base of the disk subulate radiate calli, consisting of about
six teeth on each side, and in front of these two rhomboid serrated
lamellæ, all these parts yellowish, streaked (and the keels bordered)
with chestnut-red. _Column_ trigonous, arcuate, with violet spots in
front of its base, and chestnut-red wings.

Odontoglossum cristatellum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners'
Chronicle_, N.S., x., 716; _Id._ xvii., 143.

Odontoglossum Lehmanni, _F. C. Lehmann in litteris_--fide Reichenbach.

The _Odontoglossum cristatellum_ is described by Prof. Reichenbach as a near relative of _O. cristatum_. It is, without doubt, a very rare plant, one that has flowered in but few collections, and is supposed to be a natural hybrid. It is not perhaps so showy as some other Odontoglots, but still it is one that is quite worth cultivating. Our sketch was taken from a well-grown plant in the collection of O. Schneider, Esq., Cromwell Range, Fallowfield, Manchester. This gentleman, who has an excellent collection of Orchids, has houses set apart for the various kinds, and we may say that our visit there gave us very great satisfaction, as we there saw many well-grown plants of species that are usually found difficult to cultivate.

_Odontoglossum cristatellum_ is a compact evergreen plant, growing from ten inches to a foot in height. It is furnished with light green foliage and produces its flower-spikes at different periods of the year, according to the time of the completion of its growth; moreover, it lasts for several weeks in bloom. The plant requires to be grown in the cool Odontoglossum house, with the same treatment as _O. Alexandræ_, as regards soil, water, and temperature, fire-heat being always avoided if possible in summer. The less fire-heat the plants receive the more successful will be their growth, though, of course, in cold weather, some little fire will be required to keep the house up to the correct temperature, at the same time giving a little air, but avoiding cold draughts.

The Odontoglots are among the most accommodating of Orchids, as they are free-growing, and most of them free-blooming subjects. By having a stock of plants, a succession of flowers may be kept up all the year round in the case of such kinds as _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_, _O. Pescatorei_, and others. There are some amateurs who are not satisfied unless they possess some thousands of plants of the two species just named, and they argue correctly, that by obtaining so many they have the opportunity of selecting the good kinds for permanent cultivation, and of doing away with the bad ones, or else of using them for ordinary decorative purposes. The good varieties take up no more room than the indifferent ones, and both are valuable and beautiful in their respective departments.

Orchids at The Kilns, Falkirk, N.B., the seat of John Gair, Esq.--A short time since we paid a visit to this place, and we were well repaid for our journey. We always maintain that there is something to be learnt in every place, and we found it so here. Thus we often hear it remarked that Orchids and stove plants cannot be grown together, but we found in this collection that many stove plants were grown in the centre bed, while Orchids were suspended from the roof, the side tables also being full of Orchids. In this case the house was a large span-roofed one, and contained many kinds of Orchids, coming from countries various and diverse. The plants, consisting of many hundreds, were all grown together, and there was not one in bad condition among them. We propose to mention the different genera which have been cultivated in this house for several successive years, since we have been fortunate enough to be able to bear testimony to the progress they have made. On entering the house one's attention is at once arrested by some finely grown specimens of _Bollea_, _Huntleya_, and _Batemannia_, all in luxuriant health. Next came _Lælia purpurata_, _L. elegans_, _L. elegans prasiata_, and others, all in the best possible condition, and flowering freely. There was also standing on the same table a well-grown collection of _Cypripediums_, consisting of all the choicest and best kinds, which were growing splendidly. Mr. Fairbairn appears to use a great deal of water, more than we do, for we were informed by him that he syringed them every day in summer, and kept them moist in winter, though at that season he does not syringe them so much. By the side of these were many fine plants of _Dendrobiums_, and other good Orchids. At the end, and on the other side of the house, there was a good collection of East Indian Orchids--_Aërides_, _Saccolabiums_, _Angræcums_, _Vandas_, &c., all doing well. Then came a fine lot of _Cattleyas_, such as _C. Trianæ_, _C. Mendelii_, _C. gigas_, _C. Warnerii_, _C. Mossiæ_, and others, all in excellent health. The centre table was furnished with many fine Orchids mixed with foliage plants, and from the roof were suspended such genera as _Phalænopsis_ and _Dendrobium_, making fine growths, and enjoying the moisture from the stove plants below.--B. S. W.

THUNIA BENSONIÆ.
[Plate 67.]
_Native of India--Rangoon._

Terrestrial. _Stems_ deciduous, terete, one and a half to two feet
high, swelling into tuberous knobs at the base, the lower part clothed
with suborbicular green reflexed leafy sheaths, which, as they advance
upwards, gradually pass into the leaves. _Leaves_ sheathing,
membranous, subdistichous, linear-lanceolate acuminate, glaucous
beneath, six to eight or ten inches long. _Flowers_ large and very
showy, terminal, growing in short nodding racemes of ten to fifteen
together, each emerging from a pale green sheathing bract, which
encloses it while in bud; _sepals_ and _petals_ linear-lanceolate,
partially spreading, two to three inches long, of a light
magenta-purple striately distributed, and paler towards the centre;
_lip_ about three inches long, three-lobed, the lateral lobes short,
obtuse, rolled round the column, toothed; middle lobe broadly oblong,
flabellate, closely undulated and lobulate, of a very rich deep
magenta-purple, the base produced into a short notched spur, the disk
of a rich bronzy orange, bearing several ciliated keels. _Column_
furnished with toothed wings at its apex.

Thunia Bensoniæ, _Hooker fil._, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 5694;
_Williams_, _Orchid Grower's Manual_, 5 ed., 298.

Phaius Bensoniæ, _Hemsley_, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_, N.S., xviii.,
565.

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and free-flowering of the Thunias. The colour of its gorgeous flowers is very uncommon in the Orchid family, and is very charming. It is a plant that should find a place in every collection, especially when seen in such a form as that represented in our drawing, taken from a plant to which we alluded when referring to the Orchids in bloom in the collection of W. Leach, Esq., Oakleigh, Fallowfield, Manchester--a collection very ably managed by Mr. Swan. The Orchid houses at Oakleigh are well arranged, so that the different temperatures required by plants coming from different localities are readily obtainable, and the plants being grown near the glass they have plenty of light. This is a great advantage to Orchids generally, as by this means the growths get better ripened, and this enables the plants to flower more freely, and to produce flowers of a richer colour.