Chapter IV: Part 4

The house in which we grow our Vandas is sixty feet in length, and eighteen feet in width, with a centre and side tables, covered with slate, the floors being of cement; three pipes pass round the house, and these are fitted with about four zinc troughs to hold water during the summer. The temperature during the resting season should be a minimum of 60°, but a few degrees higher would not do any harm at night; in the daytime it should range about 65°, unless by sun-heat, under the influence of which we allow it to get a few degrees higher. We always give air when the temperature is 65°, but always avoid cold draughts. We usually moisten our houses twice a day, morning and evening, if the weather is at all fine and the house dry; but the application of moisture should depend upon the weather; during the dull months of autumn and winter a little will suffice, but in summer, of course, a considerable amount of moisture spread over the tables and paths will be required. We always avoid throwing water on the pipes to cause steam, and we seldom syringe the plants unless there are some in a shrivelly state, in which case they require to be kept in the shade, and should have a slight syringing morning and evening in summer. The material we use for potting is good sphagnum moss, and plenty of drainage. They will also thrive in baskets suspended from the roof.

The great secret of getting the Vandas to bloom freely is to give them plenty of light and air, and only sufficient shade to keep their leaves from scorching. We use a very thin shading material made on purpose, and both ourselves and our friends find it suitable for nearly all kinds of Orchids.

These plants are subject to the attacks of a small white scale insect, which, if allowed to get established, is very troublesome, but which can be easily kept under by sponging. If the plants are in a healthy state there is not much fear of their going wrong; but if the scale should be found on them it must be taken in hand in good time. The best plan is to get a little soft soap and make a lather, and rub this over the leaves, allowing it to remain until the next day; then to wash it off, when it will be found that the scales will come off easily. The cultivator should, in fact, never allow his plants to get infested with the scale. We do not find that any other insects attack them, excepting the green fly, which sometimes makes its appearance when they are in flower, and this may be removed with a fine hair brush. Vandas should never be smoked, as it causes the lower leaves to drop off, which is a great disfigurement to the plants.

ZYGOPETALUM ROSTRATUM.
[Plate 78.]
_Native of Demerara._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong-ovate, subcompressed, furrowed,
enveloped at the base by pale brown membranaceous bracts. _Scapes_ on
the young growth, one to two flowered, issuing from the axil of the
bracts which invest the immature pseudobulbs. _Leaves_ lanceolate
acute, plaited, about six inches long. _Flowers_ large, six inches in
depth, the dorsal sepal with the two petals directed backwards, the
lateral sepals standing right and left behind the lip; _sepals_
linear-lanceolate, three inches long, half an inch wide at the base,
tapered to an attenuated point where they are bright green, whitish at
the base, slightly stained along the median part more than halfway up
with dull brownish purple; _petals_ similar in size, form, and
colouring; _lip_ ovate acuminate, recurved, nearly three inches long
and over two inches wide, pure white, yellowish behind the disk, which
is furnished with a small angulate planted frill or ruff, of a pale
lilac purple, and marked with a few (about ten) lines of the same
colour, half an inch long, which radiate from the front part of the
ruff. _Column_ white, arching, semi-cylindrical, with rounded wings
near the apex, where it terminates in a short projecting beak.

Zygopetalum rostratum, _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 2819 (as
Zygopetalon).

Zygosepalon rostratum, _Reichenbach fil._, _Annales Botanices
Systematicæ_, VI., 666.

We are now about to bring under the notice of our readers one of our oldest Orchids, and, withal, one of the most rare. Its foliage is pleasing, and its flowers are not only large and showy, but of the most charming character, as will be seen from the accompanying representation, for the opportunity of securing which we are indebted to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., in whose well-known superb collection at Burford Lodge, one is at all times certain to find a grand display of rare Orchids in bloom such as will well repay a visit. This _Zygopetalum_ makes a grand specimen for exhibition purposes; we used to exhibit it many years ago at the Regent's Park and Chiswick Shows, with twenty or more of its handsome flowers upon the plant, and we may add that it was greatly admired. It produces flowers from every growth, and keeps a long time in good condition, so that we could always depend upon it for the May and June exhibitions.

_Zygopetalum rostratum_ is a compact-growing evergreen plant, with small pseudobulbs; it attains the height of eight inches, and produces its flowers with the young shoots sometimes twice and even three times a year, according as it makes its growth. The sepals and petals are of a yellowish green; the lip large, two inches across, white, with a pale purple or lilac ruff, and slightly striped at the base with the same pale purple colour. The flowers last in perfection for several weeks, providing they are kept dry.

This plant is best cultivated in pans, as it has a rhizome or creeping stem that likes to root over the surface of the soil. It is of free growth when it obtains the requisite treatment. We have found it to thrive best in the East Indian house, on a side table, as near the light as possible, but not exposed to the sun, as the leaves are tender and easily get spotted. When a suitable place is found, let it remain in it. It requires to be kept constantly moist at the roots, as it is nearly always growing. We cultivate it in rough fibrous peat, with the addition of sphagnum moss, and give good drainage. It does not require much material to grow in, and it will repay all the pains bestowed upon it, as it produces such a number of flowers.

The plant can be divided when strong and in vigorous growth, as it makes roots quickly. It must be kept free from insects.

ODONTOGLOSSUM GRANDE.
[Plate 79.]
_Native of Guatemala._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate-oblong, compressed, ancipitous, about
three inches high, diphyllous, sheathed with large membranaceous brown
scales at the base. _Leaves_ broadly lanceolate, striated, wavy, dark
green above, dotted beneath with numerous minute dark brown dots.
_Scape_ radical, two to five flowered, furnished at intervals and
beneath each flower with a lanceolate membranaceous bract. _Flowers_
very large and very handsome, seven inches across and nearly eight
inches in depth, yellow, with bright chestnut spots; _sepals_
oblong-lanceolate acute, wavy, four inches long, and about one inch
wide, the lateral ones falcate, bright yellow, transversely blotched
nearly to the tip with irregular mostly transverse blotches of glossy
chestnut red; _petals_ oblong, acute, three and a half inches long, by
about an inch and a half broad, slightly undulated, the upper
two-thirds clear yellow, the base marked with an obcordate spot of
shining chestnut red, an inch and a half deep, and which appears to be
pectinately toothed at the sides; _lip_ smaller, creamy white,
roundish emarginate, unguiculate, auricled at the base, with a row of
small pale red irregularly-shaped blotches round the margin, and a few
concentric bands of the same colour in front of the disk; the claw of
the lip is yellow marked with red blotches, and having a large lobed
tubercle in front. _Column_ semi-cylindrical, downy, with two blunt
wings.

Odontoglossum grande, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1840, misc.,
94; _Bateman_, _Orchidacæ of Mexico and Guatemala_, t. 24; _Id._
_Monograph of Odontoglossum_, t. 8; _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t.
3955; _Van Houtte_, _Flore des Serres_, t. 21; _Paxton_, _Magazine of
Botany_, viii, 49; _Jennings_, _Orchids_, t. 13; _Morren_, _Annales de
Gand_, 1845, t. 37; _Regel_, _Gartenflora_, viii, t. 270; _Williams_,
_Orchid Grower's Manual_, 5 ed., 234.

We here present a picture of one of our oldest cultivated Orchids, and one which, we believe, is a universal favourite, for no person who is fortunate enough to see this grand old plant in flower, can fail to admire its beauty. The flowers make their appearance, too, when Orchid blossoms are scarce, and at our autumn exhibitions it becomes invaluable on this account. There are but few varieties of this species, but all are worth growing; and they can be easily grown by everyone who has a cool greenhouse. The specimens that were exhibited at the Edinburgh Show in September last made a grand display. Our drawing was prepared from a truly noble example, grown in the fine collection of C. Walker, Esq., Brettargh Holt, Milnthorpe, who has also many other rare and remarkable specimens of the different classes of Orchids, which Mr. McGregor, the gardener, has been very successful in cultivating. This interesting collection was removed a few years ago from Lanark, N.B., to its present location at Brettargh Holt.

_Odontoglossum grande_ is an evergreen plant, with compressed ovate pseudobulbs, about three inches in height. The foliage is of a light green, and the plants produce their flower scapes from the side of the bulbs when the growth is nearly completed. The flowers are of large size, and several together in a short erect or spreading spike. The sepals and petals are of a lemon yellow, barred and spotted with rich chestnut brown. The plant blooms during August, September, October, and November, and continues for several weeks in beauty, if the flowers are kept free from damp.

This species is of easy cultivation. It seems to thrive well in rough fibrous peat, with good drainage, and elevated above the pot rim. A moderate supply of water should be given in the growing season, which is during spring and summer, but in the resting season only just enough should be given to keep the bulbs in a plump state. The warmest end of the Odontoglossum house will suit it admirably, and there it should be placed as near the glass as possible, giving just enough shade to keep the burning sun from injuring its foliage.

Orchids for the Drawing Room.--We often hear objections made to the growing of Orchids on account of the great heat which, it is alleged, is kept up in the houses required for their cultivation, many ladies and gentlemen not caring to go into these heated structures. There are, however, many ways in which Orchids may be seen and enjoyed without entering the houses wherein they are cultivated, one of which we witnessed a few weeks ago when calling at Bury to see the collection of O. O. Wrigley, Esq. This gentleman has built a warm conservatory adjoining his drawing room, and he was kind enough to show us how he makes use of this to ensure an accessible display when his plants are in bloom, namely, through a window looking into the conservatory, by which means the beautiful flowers are brought fully into view. The plants are plunged in a bed of bright green _Selaginella_, and mixed with choice ferns, and altogether have a beautiful effect. Sometimes the display is produced by some one kind of flower, such as the _Gloxinia_; sometimes by another, as _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_, or _O. Pescatorei_, and other kinds, their graceful spikes overhanging the ferns and green mossy bed of _Selaginella_, and thus producing a charming picture. The flowers can always be removed as soon as they show signs of decadence, and be replaced by others which are fresh and fair. There are many cool Orchids that can be treated in this way, and the change increases the interest of the group, by securing freshness and variety. We think Mr. Wrigley's idea of introducing his grand blooming Orchids to the notice of his family and friends without obliging them to go through the heated houses in order to see them, a very excellent one, especially during winter, when ladies are often prevented by the damp and foggy atmosphere from venturing out of doors. The window consists of a large sheet of plate glass, which effectually prevents any damp from entering the room; and through this one gets a fine view of the flowery scene. It is to be regretted that this, or some similar arrangement, is not more frequently adopted in similar cases, as it may generally be carried out with very little trouble and expense.--B. S. W.

PHALÆNOPSIS MARIÆ.
[Plate 80.]
_Native of the Eastern Archipelago._

Epiphytal. _Plant_ stemless, with flat aërial clinging roots. _Leaves_
deflexed, distichous, oblong or ligulate, acute, somewhat channelled,
two inches or more in width, stoutish in texture, dark green, glossy,
obscurely striate. _Scape_ radical, bearing a many-flowered drooping
raceme, shorter than the leaves, and proceeding from their axils.
_Flowers_ of medium size, elegantly coloured; _sepals_
narrowly-oblong, bluntish, about an inch long, the lateral ones
slightly falcate, white, with about six bold transverse bars or
blotches of a deep chocolate red, the basal spots magenta-coloured
like the lip; _petals_ shorter, broader and more obovate, marked in a
similar manner, but with fewer blotches, the colour being the same as
in the sepals; _lip_ obovate oblong, apiculate, convex, somewhat
constricted at the sides, of a rich deep magenta-rose, the middle lobe
plane not pilose. _Column_ short, white, without fringes at the apex.

Phalænopsis Mariæ, _Reichenbach fil. M.S._

In this little Moth Orchid we have a very pretty novelty, for the opportunity of figuring, which we have to acknowledge our indebtedness to the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, of Chelsea, for whom the plant was collected by Mr. F. W. Burbidge, now the energetic Curator of the Trinity College Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Mr. Burbidge has been good enough to inform us that the plant was found in a totally new habitat, at an elevation of 2,000 feet above the sea level. Only four plants were originally found, although a large sum was offered for specimens of it to the natives, in whose language it is known as the Rain-flower, on account of its opening its first blossoms at the commencement of the wet monsoon. Mr. Burbidge adds that it was discovered by him "when travelling in the Eastern Archipelago for the Messrs. Veitch, and that it has been named by Professor Reichenbach in compliment to Mrs. Burbidge.

"At first sight the plant both in its habit of growth, and in its blossoms, is suggestive of _Phalænopsis sumatrana_, especially the beautiful variety of that species known as _lilacina_, but in _P. Mariæ_, there is no brush-like apical lobe to the lip, nor is the apex of the column fringed as in that species. The bold amethyst-coloured blotches on the snow-white sepals and petals are very lovely, and, although the flowers are not so large as those of some others of its congeners, it affords, nevertheless, another illustration of the pleasing beauty of mountain flowers. It has a singularly hardy constitution, and so bears the vicissitudes of transit better than many of its allies."

Though this new species is not so showy as many other kinds, it is quite worthy of a place in the most select collection, the flowers being exceedingly pretty and very pleasingly coloured. It has bloomed with the Messrs. Veitch during the past year, and was exhibited by them, and greatly admired at one of the Royal Horticultural Society's Meetings. It is of this plant, thanks to the importers, that our artist was allowed to avail himself in preparing the figure we now publish.

It produces drooping foliage of a light green colour, and bears several flowers in a pendent raceme. The sepals and petals are white, transversely barred with reddish brown and rosy purple, and the lip is of a deep rich magenta.

The plant requires the same kind of treatment as the other species of _Phalænopsis_, which has been already explained in connection with Plates 11 and 39 of our first volume.

Orchids at Woolton Wood, Liverpool, the Seat of H. Gaskell, Esq.--We have had great pleasure in visiting this place, and may state that we were greatly surprised to find such a fine collection of Orchids brought together in so short a space of time. Mr. Gaskell has commenced in the right way, in that he has built good houses for the various Orchids that come from different climates, and require a distinct mode of treatment. No doubt this collection will take rank amongst the finest in the country, especially as it is the good kinds only that are being added to it. This, indeed, is the only way in which a really select collection can be made; but when this is done, the plants are of real value, and every day become more and more interesting to the owner. In this case, Mr. Davis, who has the care of the plants, takes great interest in their welfare, the result being that they are thoroughly well attended to.

We noticed in the Woolton Wood collection some fine specimens of _Cattleya labiata_ in full bloom, one plant having had several grand spikes of flowers upon it; there were also in bloom _C. exoniensis_, _C. gigas_, and a very fine _C. maxima_, which were extremely showy. In the same house, along with many other fine Orchids, were the lovely _Vanda coerulea_, with fifteen finely-coloured blossoms; a superb variety of _Cymbidium Mastersii_ in full beauty, and some grand Cattleyas and Lælias. We also noticed a wonderful specimen of _C. Skinneri alba_, such as we had no idea was to be found in the country.

In the next house was a fine lot of plants, many of them in bloom. Among the Calanthes, which make a grand show at the dull season of the year, we noticed many fine Odontoglossums, including some good varieties of _O. Alexandræ_ in full bloom. The cool Orchids were thriving well in the different houses.

We were glad to see that Mr. Gaskell intends to have a good collection of East Indian Orchids. We noted some fine specimens of _Phalænopsis_, _Saccolabium_, _Vanda_, &c. These genera rank amongst the finest of their race. In addition to the Orchids there are here other valuable plants, and a nice fernery, which is always interesting, as the plants associate so well with the Orchids. We regret that our space is too limited to permit us to give further details of this charming collection.--B.S.W.

CATTLEYA CRISPA BUCHANANIANA.
[Plate 81.]
_Native of Brazil._

Epiphytal. _Stems_ clavate, eight to ten inches long, furrowed,
monophyllous. _Leaves_ evergreen, coriaceous, about a foot long,
oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, emarginate. _Scape_ emerging from a large
oblong compressed leafy spathe, which is obliquely acute at the apex,
and bearing a four to seven-flowered raceme. _Flowers_ large and very
handsome, with a beautifully crisp-edged and veined lip; _sepals_
lanceolate-obovate, that is, broadest upwards, the margins revolute at
the base, the tips recurved, of a very delicate tint of blush white;
_petals_ of the same colour as the sepals, much broader, ovate, with
the base cuneate, and the margin strongly undulated and crisped; _lip_
with the basal part or side lobes rolled around the column, recurved
in front, crisped at the edge, and showing a feathery blotch of
purplish-crimson on a white ground: the throat bright yellow with
several purple-crimson streaks in the middle part, these passing
outwards to the antical portion, which is broadly ovate acuminate,
recurved at the tip, strongly frilled or crisped, of a bright rich
rosy crimson, margined with white, and charmingly reticulated over the
apical portion. _Column_ enclosed, elevate, semiterete, marginate.

Cattleya crispa Buchananiana, _supra_.

The charming subject we now have the pleasure to bring under the notice of our readers is a grand variety of the old _Cattleya crispa_, and one of the most beautiful and richly-coloured flowers that have ever come under our notice. There are several varieties of _Cattleya crispa_, but that which is now before us is the finest we know of, and moreover produces its flowers in great profusion. We exhibited a specimen of this variety at the International Show in Edinburgh, where it was greatly admired by the lovers of Orchids, the plant being finely in flower. Blooming at a time when there are comparatively few Orchids in the flowering state, _C. crispa_ and its varieties come in extremely useful at the many exhibitions held during the month of September, and help to make a good display. There is some difference of opinion amongst the Orchid authorities as to the proper generic name of this plant, some referring it to _Cattleya_ and some to _Lælia_; we follow the original describer of the species, the late Dr. Lindley, by retaining it in _Cattleya_; in truth there is but a very slight technical difference between them, though in any case _Cattleya_ has precedence of _Lælia_.

Our drawing was taken from the specimen above alluded to before it was exhibited in Edinburgh. That plant is now in the possession of J. Buchanan, Esq., Oswald Road, Edinburgh, in whose honour it has been named. Mr. Buchanan is a great admirer of good Orchids, and is forming a nice collection, in which are already included some rare species.

_Cattleya crispa Buchananiana_ is of the same habit of growth as the type, and has dark evergreen foliage and large flowers, which stand out boldly from each other. The sepals and broader petals are of a blush white; the lip large, of the richest crimson, and more crisped at the edge than in most of the species. It produces from four to seven flowers on the spike during the months of August and September, and continues for two or three weeks in full beauty.

Our present subject is a free-growing plant, and thrives under the same treatment as _Lælia purpurata_, being very much like it in its habit of growth. The requisite material in which to cultivate it is good fibrous peat, accompanied by ample drainage, as it requires a moderate amount of moisture, when in vigorous growth, which is during the winter season; of course at that time of year the soil does not dry so rapidly, and therefore water given twice in the week will usually supply all the wants of the plants, but should the weather be very bright, more might be required. This plant makes its growth in autumn and winter, and therefore must be kept as near the light as possible, which will induce greater vigour, and the flowers will be produced more freely. The burning rays of the sun must be kept from the foliage by means of moderate shading.

This, like other Cattleyas, is subject to the attacks of insects, which must be well sought after, so as to be dislodged before they get too strongly entrenched upon the plant. White scale quickly disfigures the leaves if allowed to remain. Moreover, the thrips will sometimes attack the young growth, and should be destroyed by syringing.

This species is easily propagated by dividing the bulbs, leaving several to each piece. This should be done when the plants are starting into growth. After this they must be kept shaded until they make fresh roots in the new soil. A plant should never be divided unless it is in vigorous health, for otherwise the experiment will probably fail.

Phajus tuberculosus.--This great rarity has at last flowered again with Baron Schröder, The Dell, Staines. We believe it was first bloomed in this country by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., when it was exhibited by him at South Kensington. It is a great beauty. The flowers are produced in an erect spike; the sepals and petals are pure white, the basal lobes of the lip are yellow, spotted with purplish crimson, producing a bronzy effect, the surface being studded with hairs, and the apical portion white, spotted with rose, and very finely and densely frilled, while the crests on the disk are orange-yellow. This splendid novelty is considered very difficult to cultivate, but Mr. Ballantyne seems to have hit upon the plan of successfully managing it.--H. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM LONDESBOROUGHIANUM.
[Plate 82.]
_Native of Mexico._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong-ovate, two and a half inches long,
glaucous green, becoming furrowed when old. _Leaves_ deciduous,
ligulate acute, channelled towards the base, of a light green colour.
_Scape_ three to six feet long, arching, bearing at the upper end a
many-flowered raceme. _Flowers_ showy, with a large conspicuous bright
yellow lip; _sepals_ oblong, apiculate, concave, narrowed at the base
into a short claw, slightly wavy at the edge, pale yellow,
transversely barred with short oblong blotches of chestnut-red;
_petals_ ovate, concave, with a broad base, sessile, the apex broad,
obtusely apiculate, the margins wavy and reflexed about the middle,
the upper portion coloured like the sepals, and marked with transverse
bars, the basal part marked concentrically; _lip_ with a long yellow
claw, spotted with chestnut-red, and having at its base two small
oblong obtuse erect yellow auricles (sagittate), the flat transversely
reniform limb one and a half inch wide, of a clear bright yellow;
between the basal auricles are two shorter rounded incurved lobes,
forming a scoop-like hollow, which is yellow, spotted on the inside,
the front being produced below into a prominent keel, having a blunt
arm on each side at the base. _Column_ slender, semi-terete, curved,
yellow, with a red line on each of the very shallow wing-like angles.

Odontoglossum Londesboroughianum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners'
Chronicle_, N.S. xvii., 772.

We have in _Odontoglossum Londesboroughianum_ one of the most distinct and brilliantly coloured of the Odontoglots, for there are but few of the species that we have in our plant stoves which produce flowers of a bright golden-yellow colour. There are many varieties of it dispersed through different collections, the individual form varying in the size of their flowers and in the depth of their colour, some being of a paler yellow than others. The form which we here illustrate is a very good one, and was received from the fine collection of H. J. Buchan, Esq., Wilton House, Southampton. Under the care of Mr. Osborn, the gardener at Wilton House, it has bloomed freely, and, with its long graceful spikes overhanging the foliage of other plants, it is found to have a charming effect. It is also extremely useful when cut for ornamenting vases, as in these days of æstheticism yellow always proves an acceptable colour in floral decoration. The blossoms, moreover, have a brilliant effect when tastefully arranged in vases, if used amongst flowers of other appropriate contrasting hues.

_Odontoglossum Londesboroughianum_ is a deciduous plant, losing its foliage in winter; the leaves are of a light green colour, while the pseudobulbs are glaucous. The stems bearing the inflorescence are from three to six feet in length, the number of flowers produced being rather sparing. The sepals and petals, which are concave, are yellow, barred with reddish brown, while the lip is of a bright rich yellow. The plant blooms during the autumn months, and continues in perfection for several weeks.

We have found this species to thrive well when fastened on blocks of wood, and also when grown in baskets, with good drainage and rough fibrous peat or sphagnum moss; it requires a good supply of moisture at the roots in the growing season, but a less quantity when at rest. When grown on blocks it is necessary that more water should be given, as the blooms dry up quickly. The Cattleya house seems the most suitable structure in which to cultivate it, and here it should be suspended from the roof, so that it may be as fully exposed to the light and as near to the glass as is possible.

Orchids at Pickering Lodge, Timperley, the Seat of George Hardy, Esq.--This collection of Lælias and Cattleyas is well worth a journey to see. The plants are well grown, and form a finer lot of specimens than can be met with in most collections. They have been cultivated here for some years past, and a portion of them have been grown on from small plants. We noticed some very fine specimens of _Lælia purpurata_, from two to three feet in diameter, and showing a fine series of flower sheaths for blooming this season; also others of _Cattleya crispa superba_. There is a _Cattleya Skinneri_, a wonderful specimen, three feet across, showing a goodly number of sheaths. _Cattleya Warnerii superba_ is a grand specimen, and of this species Mr. Hardy has many fine varieties. There are also notable specimens of _C. Mossiæ_, _C. Trianæ_, and the beautiful _C. Mendelii_, not only fine plants, but good varieties. _Cattleya exoniensis_ we found splendidly in bloom--one of the best of the forms, of which there are several in cultivation; in this the lip was of the richest colours we have seen. There are many other fine Cattleyas and Lælias in the collection, many of which have taken the highest awards at the great shows at Manchester.

There are also in this collection fine examples of _Dendrobium_, _Saccolabium_ _Aërides_, _Phalænopsis_, and other East Indian Orchids; and a very large number of cool Orchids, such as _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_; of this we saw a fine branched spiked form in full beauty among the many hundreds of good plants in the house, which contains also notable examples of _O. Pescatorei_, various species of _Masdevallia_, and others. This collection is one full of interest, as there are always many fine varieties in blossom, and the plants are well grown and duly cared for.--B. S. W.

Cattleya Trianæ alba.--E. Wright, Esq., of Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, has sent us a fine form of this beautiful Cattleya. The whole of the flower is pure white, with the exception of a pale yellow blotch in the throat. We are pleased to find that this charming variety is becoming more plentiful, as white flowers are always in request, and good white Cattleyas are never too plentiful.--H. W.

CATASETUM CHRISTYANUM.
[Plate 83.]
_Native of the Amazon Country._

Epiphytal. _Stems_ stoutish, fusiform, jointed, six to eight inches
long, and clothed with whitish membraneous sheaths. _Leaves_ several
from the apex of the younger stems, lanceolate-lorate, acuminate,
plaited, the basal part channelled and sheathing the upper part of the
stems. _Scape_ radical, bearing an erect six to seven flowered raceme,
with distinct sheathing scales below. _Flowers_ remarkable in form,
large, spreading, brown and green, each with a narrow bract at its
base; _sepals_ lanceolate-acuminate, the dorsal ones erect, the
lateral ones spreading horizontally, dark reddish or chocolate brown;
_petals_ connivent, parallel with the dorsal sepal, of a lighter
brown, obscured, spotted with still paler brown at the base; _lip_
short, with a bluntly conical saccate pouch, and a three-lobed limb:
the front lobe obovate apiculate, bent down on both sides,
olive-green, ciliate with short brown fringe-like teeth, the lateral
lobes squarish, bright green, with much longer purple fringes, the
spur or pouch pale brown outside, darker brown within, and having a
square oblong mouth with the front margin nearly straight, and the
hinder margin with two upright emarginate lamellæ. _Column_ green,
with a long erect green subulate inflexed beak, on two deflexed setæ
below the anther bed, green, curving outwards like tusks.

Catasetum Christyanum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
N.S., xvii, 588.

The subject of our present illustration belongs to a most peculiar family of Orchids, and one which is especially interesting to those who are fond of curiosities. "Take Cataseta into your stoves," observes Professor Reichenbach, "and you are pretty sure to become more or less bewitched, earlier or later." No doubt they are full of interest to the botanist, but they are not so useful for purposes of decoration, nor so attractive as objects of beauty as are many others of their race. Possibly, however, some of our readers may admire the peculiar forms and colours of this flower, more than the showy and bright shades we so often meet with among the infinitely varied genera of _Orchidacæ_. It has been pointed out that the close affinity of this plant is with _Catasetum saccatum_, a Demerara species introduced in 1840. It is certainly a very remarkable Orchid, and our artist has made a very faithful representation of it from a specimen growing in the collection of Thomas Christy, Esq., Malvern House, Sydenham, after whom it is named, and who not only possesses many new and rare species, but also takes great interest in their cultivation. _Catasetum Christyanum_ is a deciduous species, with fusiform stem growing about eight inches in height. It produces its flower-spikes from the base of these stems, on erect scapes bearing in each spike about half a dozen flowers. The sepals and paler petals are of a dull purplish red, which is relieved by the green of the lip. The plants usually bloom during the autumn months, but we believe the blossoms do not last very long after they have expanded.

Mr. Christy has bloomed another variety of the same plant, with smaller and greener flowers, which has been called _C. Christyanum chlorops_.

We find the different species of _Catasetum_ to thrive very well in the Cattleya house, if provided with fibrous peat and good drainage at the roots, and suspended from the roof of the structure in baskets. They must not receive too much water at any time, and when their growth is completed they should only have just sufficient to keep them in a plump condition, as they have thick fleshy bulbs to be maintained fresh and healthy during their resting season.

Lælia superbiens.--We received from A. H. Smee, Esq., the Grange, Carshalton, a fine spike of flowers of this noble Orchid, forming in itself a most beautiful bouquet, the sepals and petals were of a rosy pink, the lip dark rose colour, with the throat of a primrose-yellow, veined with rosy purple, the upper part dark rose. It is altogether a charming winter-blooming species, but it is seldom seen. Mr. Smee is a great lover of Orchids, and is beginning to make a collection, in which already some rare species appear. He is trying experiments in their cultivation, and we are inclined to think that many plants will succeed under his treatment. The house is a very peculiar one; we have not seen one like it before. It is a long house, and in it there are different temperatures kept up, so that the different Orchids can be grown in the same house. Many plants were in bloom when we saw the collection in January last. The place is a very interesting one, and in the summer must be very charming on account of the great variety of Ferns and other plants that are grown there, almost all kinds of plants being cultivated. The garden must be a source of great enjoyment to the owners, as both Mr. and Mrs. Smee take much interest in their Orchids and other plants.--B. S. W.

Cattleya Trianæ Russelliana.--We were highly delighted to see this old favourite the other day at Baron Schröder's, where it was flowering profusely. The plant was in a fourteen-inch pot, and had as many as eight spikes, bearing in all sixteen flowers. In the same house were several other fine varieties of _C. Trianæ_, including _C. Trianæ Backhousiana_, but _C. Russelliana_ was a long way in advance of anything there represented, in fact there is no doubt it is the finest variety of the dark-lipped section of _C. Trianæ_ at present known. The lip of this variety is two inches across, and the colour, which is well carried back into the throat, is a most intense crimson-magenta. There is no margin of a lighter tint as in many of the other varieties, but the rich colour is as dark at the margin as in the centre. In addition to this the flowers are of great substance.--H. W.

CATTLEYA DOWIANA AUREA.
[Plate 84.]
_Native of Colombia._

Epiphytal. _Stems_ stout, clavate, furrowed, eight to ten inches high,
monophyllous. _Leaves_ evergreen, broadly oblong, obtuse, coriaceous,
nearly a foot long. _Scape_ terminal, about four-flowered, emerging
from a compressed bluntish leafy spathe. _Flowers_ very large, about
six inches across and seven inches deep, with a superbly-coloured lip;
_sepals_ linear-lanceolate, plane, recurved at the tip, four inches
long and about three-fourths of an inch wide, the dorsal one somewhat
shorter and broader, all pale or primrose-yellow; _petals_ ovate,
apiculate, about three inches long and two and a half inches broad, of
the same colour as the sepals; _lip_ obcordate, very large, four
inches long and nearly three inches wide, obscurely three-lobed:
lateral lobes erect, and meeting over the column, purple-crimson,
closely veined with deep golden-yellow: front lobe very large, deeply
emarginate, with the edge undulated, closely and finely crisped, rich
velvety purple-crimson throughout, with about three golden lines down
the centre, extending to within about one-third of the apex, from the
outer of which branch off curving towards the margin a close series of
golden reticulations, the sides being also marked by irregular
blotches of gold. _Column_ pale yellow, clavate, curved down, and
almost covered by the lateral lobes of the lip.

Cattleya Dowiana aurea, _supra_.

Cattleya aurea, _Linden_, _Catalogue_ (1872); _Id._ _L'Illustration
Horticole_, 1881, 80.

The species of _Cattleya_ are great favourites with all growers of the gorgeous race of Orchids. It is no less gratifying than surprising to see the many new forms that are being brought home by our energetic collectors, and great praise is due to them for their indefatigable exertions in this matter. There is no doubt that the Cattleyas rank amongst the richest-coloured of the genera of Orchids, and many of them even when not in blossom, if well grown, form attractive specimens, their foliage being of a beautiful dark green and their growth compact.

The plant we now illustrate is one of the most distinct and beautiful of the family. Our drawing was taken from a fine specimen in the grand collection of R. P. Percival, Esq., Clevelands, Birkdale, Southport, who has one of the largest and best grown collections of Cattleyas to be found; many of his plants have been imported within the last few years, and are wonderfully well grown, as, indeed, will appear when the number of flower sheaths showing on the different specimens is stated; thus, of _Cattleya Mendelii_ there are 80, of _C. Mossiæ_ 250, of _C. Trianæ_ 369, and many others. We may add that a lesson may be learnt from Mr. Percival and his gardener respecting the growth of the Cattleyas. No doubt Southport has great advantages over some other districts as regards purity of atmosphere and abundance of light and fresh air, but there are many persons having houses of the same kind, and a position equally advantageous, who would not obtain the same results. The rule we always lay down for the cultivation of these plants is to secure for them all the bright light possible. The only way to be successful in growing them is to give them plenty of light, air, and moisture in their growing season; and even in their resting season they require all the available light. There is no doubt that the main reason why these plants are grown so well is that Mr. Percival perseveres in getting to know the wants of the various species, many of which require treatment differing from their fellows, some, for example, liking more moisture than others, while others require more heat. All this may be learned by studying the altitudes to which the plants ascend in their native country--information which is to be obtained partly by reading, and partly from collectors and growers. There are many other Orchids grown in the collection besides Cattleyas, and Mr. Percival is building separate houses for the different classes--houses constructed of good size, and so that they afford plenty of air and light. Small houses suit Odontoglots, but Cattleyas require more room.

_Cattleya Dowiana aurea_ is an evergreen plant, with clavate stems about eight inches in height, bearing broad dark green foliage, it being after the style of _C. gigas_ in its growth. It comes from a different country from _C. Dowiana_, which is a Costa Rica species, but is so much like it that we cannot separate the two, the chief difference being in the colour of the flowers, which in the variety aurea is of a lighter yellow than in the type. There is a wonderfully fine illustration of _C. Dowiana_ in Warner's _Select Orchidaceous Plants_, series 2, t. 27, which was taken from one of the finest plants of that species which we have yet seen. In _C. Dowiana aurea_ the sepals and petals are of a primrose-yellow, while the broad lip is of a fine magenta, richly veined and blotched with golden-yellow. It is altogether a charming flower, blooming during the summer and autumn, according as it makes its growth, the flowers being produced before the growth is completed. They last three weeks or more in beauty if they are kept free from damp; if, therefore, they are placed in a dry warm house they will keep fresh until the last, for it is dampness which is the cause why these and other Orchid flowers often become spotted with decay. It is better to have a flowering house for those plants which are in blossom.

We find this variety requires the heat of the Cattleya house, and should be grown close to the light, being planted in good fibrous peat, with abundant drainage, so that a good supply of moisture at the roots may be given without risk during the growing season. When the plants are at rest a more limited supply will suffice. The plants should be suspended from the roof of the Orchid house.

ODONTOGLOSSUM HEBRAICUM LINEOLIGERUM.
[Plate 85.]
_Native of New Grenada._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ elongate-ovate, compressed, upwards of two
inches in height, pale green, brownish in age. _Leaves_, one or two
springing from the apex of the pseudobulb, and frequently with a
smaller one from its base, ligulate-oblong acute, nine inches to a
foot in length, bright green. _Scape_ supporting a dense elongated
raceme of elegant flowers, radical, that is springing from the base of
the pseudobulb. _Flowers_ large, upwards of three inches in breadth
and depth, the ground colour at first yellow, afterwards changing to
creamy white, and freely spotted with purplish crimson; _sepals_
lanceolate, attenuately acuminated, pale yellow, marked thickly on the
lower half with deep purplish crimson, in bars and elongated blotches,
which are sometimes confluent, the edges slightly wavy; _petals_
similar in size, form, colour, and marking; _lip_ elongate-triangular,
or narrowing from a broad base to the acuminate apex, toothed and
undulated at the margin, pale yellow, deeper at the base, where there
are placed a pair of prominent divergent crests, very sparingly
spotted with the same colour as the sepals. _Column_ arcuate,
club-shaped, with the wings toothed.

Odontoglossum hebraicum lineoligerum, _Reichenbach fil._, in
_Gardeners' Chronicle_, N.S., xix., 44.

This beautiful plant was first flowered by Charles Winn, Esq., of the Uplands, Selly Hill, near Birmingham, and was by him submitted to Professor Reichenbach, who gave it the name here adopted. It has also been flowered by Mr. Cypher, of Cheltenham, who has kindly forwarded one of its pseudobulbs for description, and from whom we learn that while on the imported bulbs two leaves were developed, the bulbs formed in this country have as yet only borne a single leaf. It is a very distinct variety, and will make a charming companion to the already famous _Odontoglossum hebraicum_, of which but few specimens have yet been introduced into our Orchid-houses. They will form welcome associates of the better forms of _O. Alexandræ_, which are among the most useful of all Orchids for decorative purposes, and of the best of which we hope to submit to our subscribers at some future time a series of authenticated figures. Among them are to be found some plants bearing pure white flowers, while in others the blossoms are beautifully spotted with crimson and reddish brown, or have the sepals and petals suffused with a delicate rose colour. Mr. Winn, in whose fine collection the plant now illustrated was bloomed, has a very choice lot of these cool Odontoglots, which are well cultivated by his gardener, Mr. Shields.

There is no doubt that under good treatment the Odontoglots requiring what is called cool treatment are among the most accommodating of Orchids for the amateur, as they take but little room and require but a small amount of heat. Moreover, they thrive well in the suburbs of our smoky cities and towns, such as Birmingham and Manchester, or even in the cities themselves, if a small well-appointed house can be provided for their accommodation; for as they will do well without much sun, the back of a north wall will suit them well, provided they get plenty of light and air, while the fire-heat required in growing them forms but a small item of expense. There are besides many cool orchids of other genera that may be grown in the same way, many of which may be purchased at a very small cost.

This interesting Odontoglossum is a compost-growing plant, like the type, and appears to be a free bloomer. The flowers, as we learn from Mr. Winn, open of a pale yellow, and are richly spotted and barred with purple-crimson, the lip also being pale yellow, and spotted, though in a less degree, with purple-crimson, but after about two days the ground colour changes to creamy white. They remain for a long time in a fresh state if kept from the damp. The plant requires the same treatment as _Odontoglossum hebraicum_ and _O. Alexandræ_. We find rough fibrous peat, with good drainage, to suit them all well; a little broken charcoal and crocks mixed with the peat being of great benefit to them. It must be borne in mind that they must not be potted too firmly, as their roots differ from those of hard-wooded plants, which require that kind of potting. With these, on the other hand, the more porous the soil is kept the better, since they require a good deal of water about their roots at most times of the year, and it then passes away more freely. Another important item in their treatment is to raise the plant one or two inches above the rim of the pot. A little sphagnum moss placed on the top of the peat is beneficial to them, if it can be kept in a growing condition, as it maintains a nice moisture about the plant. If the moss should become decayed it must be removed, and some fresh living sphagnum applied. The plants will grow without the moss, but we prefer to use it. Avoid overpotting, which is often detrimental to them, for they do not require too much of the potting material about them; the pot should, in fact, be just large enough to hold the plant, and to admit a small quantity of the material being placed around it. A temperature of 45° to 50° in winter, and from 50° to 65° in summer, suits the Odontoglots of the _Alexandræ_ section. In summer, indeed, they can scarcely be kept too cool.

CYPRIPEDIUM PARISHII.
[Plate 86.]
_Native of Moulmein._

Epiphytal. _Stem_ short, erect, leafy. _Leaves_ coriaceous, loriform,
eight to ten inches long, and two inches broad, channelled and
equitant at the base, obliquely obtuse and bifid at the apex,
distichous, deep full green. _Scape_ stout, erect, densely hairy,
green, two feet long or upwards, five to six-flowered, each flower
issuing from a semi-amplexicaul boat-shaped green, ovate, acute,
glabrous bract, ciliated at the tip, the lower ones larger. _Flowers_
singular in their conformation, not brilliant in colour, but pleasing
in character, and long enduring; _dorsal sepal_ one and a half inch
long, erect, ovate-oblong acute, somewhat keeled, the sides revolute
near the base, giving it the appearance of being clawed, the tip
somewhat recurved, greenish straw-colour tinged with purple; _lateral
sepals_ connate, greener, the back marked with two distinct green
keels meeting at the point; _petals_ narrowly strap-shaped, widest
below, and thence tapering to the point, four inches long, whitish
green at the base, with scattered black spots, and a purple edge,
which widens upwards till about half the length, when they become
wholly of a glossy purple on both sides, twisted, the margin having
here and there a black hairy wart; _lip_ one and a half inch long, the
basal half narrowed from the infolding of the edges, deeply stained
outside with purple, spotted with purple within, and furnished with
purple hairs directed backwards, the pouch oblong, blunt, with an
expanded mouth, and two erect ear-like angles projecting upwards and
outwards, pale green, freely stained with purple. _Staminode_ large,
depressed, obovate bifid, with a blunt spur near the base, green,
whitish at the edge, hairy.

Cypripedium Parishii, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Flora_, 1869, 322; _Id._
in _Gardeners' Chronicle_, 1869, 814, with a woodcut; _Hooker fil._,
_Botanical Magazine_, t. 5791; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower's Manual_, 5
ed., 156.

The genus _Cypripedium_ is now an extensive family of Orchids in which many new species and varieties are constantly appearing, some of them importations, but many of them the results of the well-applied skill of the hybridiser, through whose agency some really good and interesting additions to the older kinds have been, and are being made. It forms a most useful group of Orchids, most of them being of easy cultivation, and the flowers lasting a long time if due care is taken of them. Some Orchid growers discard them because of the stiff and formal outlines of their flowers. That character certainly does not apply to the Moulmein species we now introduce to our readers, as it is of a singularly graceful appearance, as may be seen from our sketch. The illustration was taken from a fine spike that was forwarded to us by A. Paul, Esq., Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, a gentleman who has a very good collection, and is one of those amateurs who are fond of, and takes a personal interest in their plants. Mr. Paul has exhibited some well-grown specimens at the Edinburgh shows during the past few years, and has taken some of the highest honours.

_Cypripedium Parishii_ was discovered and introduced by the Rev. C. Parish, after whom Professor Reichenbach has named it; most of the plants originally collected, with many other Orchidic rarities, being, it would appear, destroyed by the unruly elephants, who threw off their loads, and trampled them under foot. It is an evergreen herbaceous plant, of good habit, with deep green foliage, about a foot in length. The flower-spike proceeds from the centre of the young growths when nearly completed, and bears several flowers, sometimes as many as six, the sepals being broad and greenish like the lip, and the petals long, undulated, greenish white at the base, the upper portion deep purple, and the margin furnished with hairy warts. It blooms during the summer and autumn months, according as the completion of its growth may take place earlier or later in the season; and the blossoms last for several weeks in perfection.

The plant thrives when grown in the East India house. We have also found it to do well at the warmest end of the Cattleya house. It does best when grown in a pot, with good fibrous peat or good loam, mixed with lumps of charcoal, and with thorough drainage. It requires a liberal supply of water during the growing season, and when at rest should not be kept dry, since it has no thick fleshy bulbs to support the foliage, and, moreover, it is nearly always growing.

This species may be propagated by dividing the plant after it has started into growth, leaving one old-established crown at the back of the young growth; place the divided parts in small pots until they are established, and then remove them into larger ones as they require it, but avoid overpotting them.

VANDA TRICOLOR PLANILABRIS.
[Plate 87.]
_Native of Java._

Epiphytal. _Stem_ erect, leafy, as in the type. _Leaves_ distichous,
ligulate, oblique at the apex, of a very dark green colour. _Scapes_
lateral, erect, green, bearing a dense raceme of eight to twelve
flowers, of which the pedicels are white. _Flowers_ very stout in
texture, and beautifully coloured, white exteriorly; _sepals_
leathery, roundish-obovate, clawed or cuneately narrowed at the base,
citron-yellow, with crowded reddish-brown spots, longitudinally
arranged, especially in the median parts, more irregular but with the
longitudinal tendency near the margin; _petals_ of similar form and
substance, rather narrower at the base, marked with linear blotches on
the claw-like portion, and with rounder and more spot-like markings on
the broader surface; _lip_ contracted in the middle, having two short
white rounded lateral lobes at the base, and a large oblong front
lobe, with projecting auricles above the purple-striped claw, flat,
with the broader and bluntly rounded apex emarginate, the basal
portion deep magenta-purple, the upper portion beyond the contraction
a paler tint of the same, and the disk marked with five white lines,
of which the central one is longer, and extends half-way to the
emarginate apex. _Column_ thick, white.

Vanda tricolor planilabris, _Lindley_, _Paxton's Flower Garden_, ii.,
t. 42, in note; _Id._ _Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Vanda_, No. 10.