Chapter V: Part 5

This species is one of the most beautiful of the Vandas, and comprises many varieties which differ much both in form and colour--sufficiently so, we think, to justify the adoption of distinctive names; but the botanists tell us that we must take them as varieties of _Vanda tricolor_, and distinguish them from each other as best we may. That which we are now about to figure and describe, is very distinct in the form of its flowers, as well as in colour, from the typical _V. tricolor_, represented at Plate 77. The plant from which our drawing was taken is a very fine specimen in the collection of Joseph Broome, Esq., Woodlawn, Didsbury, near Manchester, who is not only a great lover of plants, but also one who does much for the general advancement of the interests of horticulture.

_Vanda tricolor planilabris_ is a plant having a stately habit of growth; it is furnished with dark green foliage, and produces its flower-spikes on each side of the plant, from the axils of the two-ranked leaves, at different times of the year, usually bearing from seven to ten flowers on a spike. The sepals and petals are yellow, thickly marked with rich brown spots; the lip is rose colour, margined with purplish mauve, and striped with chocolate-brown. It continues for at least six weeks in perfection.

The plant requires the same treatment as that recommended for the allied plants under Plate 77, where a full account of these Vandas will be found.

Odontoglossum lyroglossum.--We received a fine spike of flowers of this rare Odontoglossum from E. Harvey, Esq., Aigburth, Liverpool, accompanied by a drawing of the same from the pencil of Miss Harvey--which latter we have returned, and for the use of which we beg to tender her our best thanks. It is a very pretty and interesting species. The spike bore eight blossoms, of which the sepals and petals were of a pale yellow, spotted with chestnut-brown, and the lip also yellow, with large brown spots in the centre.

We had the opportunity of seeing Mr. Harvey's collection of Orchids when at Liverpool in December last, when we found many of them in bloom, and among them some rare species, as well as good varieties of Cattleyas, Dendrobes, Lælias, and other genera. There was besides a fine assortment of Odontoglossums, some of which--good ones--were in blossom, and many others were showing flower-spikes. They were in excellent health, and made a nice display. In addition to the Orchids we found there a grand collection of Hardy Alpine Plants, which are well cared for, and in the spring and summer months must form a very interesting feature of the garden.--B. S. W.

Phalænopsis Mariæ, _Burbidge_ Plate 80.--We have been requested by Professor Reichenbach to mention that there exists some misapprehension as to the above quoted name, which was not given by him, as stated in the text which accompanies Plate 80, but was used by Mr. Burbidge, who dedicated the plant to his wife on the very spot where he found it, in a little Sondaic island. "I have, indeed," he adds, "accepted the name, but of course left the publication to the author; had I named the plant, I would have published it in the _Gardeners' Chronicle_. It is painful to me to write thus, but to justify myself I must do so; for now-a-days one is frequently worried with prescriptions how some unknown plant must be named provided it be new, and I have always declined to name plants in honour of ladies whom I have never seen, and who do not, so far as I know, stand in any special relation to plants."

CATTLEYA LABIATA.
[Plate 88.]
_Native of Brazil._

Epiphytal. _Stems_ (pseudobulbs) short, club-shaped, furrowed when
old, invested by greyish membraneous sheaths, one-leaved. _Leaves_
coriaceous, oblong obtuse, of a dark green. _Scape_ issuing from an
elongate oblong compressed double sheath, of a paler green than the
leaves. _Flowers_ two to five--usually about three--on each spike,
large though not equalling in size many of the forms of _C. Mossiæ_,
the lip very richly coloured; _sepals_ lanceolate, acute, plane and
entire at the margin, recurved at the apex, of a very pale delicate
tint of rosy blush; _petals_ of the same colour, but three times as
broad, ovate, bluntish at the apex, the margin undulated; _lip_
obovate, with the two sides connivent over the column, of the same
delicate blush tint as the sepals and petals, the front part beyond
the tubulose portion expanded (about two inches broad and long),
rounded, deeply emarginate, almost wholly of a very rich lustrous deep
magenta-purple, a broad bar of which is continued towards the base
down the centre of the tube, and on each side of this bar at the mouth
of the tube is a roundish-oblong patch of creamy yellow, which becomes
paler as it spreads towards the edge; the margin neatly and densely
frilled, and having at the extreme edge a narrow border of pale rosy
blush, which is continued around the whole of the richly-coloured
front lobe. _Column_ clavate, semi-terete, shorter than the tube.

Cattleya labiata, _Lindley_, _Collectanea Botanica_ t. 33; _Id._,
_Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants_, 116; _Id._, _Botanical
Register_, t. 1859; _Id._, _Paxton's Flower Garden_, t. 24
(varieties); _Hooker_, _Exotic Flora_, t. 157; _Id._, _Botanical
Magazine_, t. 3998; _Loddiges_, _Botanical Cabinet_, t. 1956;
_Paxton's Magazine of Botany_, iv., 121; _Van Houtte_, _Flore des
Serres_, tt. 1893-4; _Jennings' Orchids_, t. 45; _Williams_, _Orchid
Grower's Manual_, ed. 5, 122.

Epidendrum labiatum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers' Annales
Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 313 (var. _a. genuinum_).

This fine species has been known in England since 1818, and _Cattleya Loddigesii_ excepted (originally grown as _Epidendrum violaceum_), was the first Cattleya introduced and the type of the genus, which was named in compliment to W. Cattley, Esq., of Barnet. There are two or three varieties of the autumn-flowering _C. labiata_, the one having foliage of a light green, and the other of a darker green with the under side of the leaf also darker-coloured than in the first. It is the same in the case of _C. (labiata) Warnerii_, the sub-species named in honour of Mr. R. Warner, the two forms of which may be easily distinguished from the typical _C. labiata_, since they generally bloom in May and June. There are many wonderful sub-varieties of _C. Warnerii_, both as regards the colour of lip and the size of the flowers, and some of these have been sold by collectors as the true autumn-flowering _C. labiata_, though that is easily distinguished from _C. Warnerii_ by those who really know the two plants.

We have been cultivating Orchids for nearly forty years, and have never known the original _C. labiata_ to be imported during that period. It is this that makes it so scarce, and causes it to fetch the high prices that it does. Another reason is, that it blossoms when few Cattleyas are in flower, _i.e._, in October and November, and so every grower desires to possess it. We remember many years ago seeing plants of this species two feet in diameter in the collection of R. Hanbury, Esq., The Poles, near Ware. Mr. Hanbury had a wonderful specimen in his first collection, which went to Germany. Many other such plants were to be seen in those days; and it would appear that these plants have been divided, and distributed among growers. It is greatly to be regretted that our collectors do not again discover its habitat.

The specimen we now illustrate is from a well-grown plant in the fine collection of H. Gaskell, Esq., Woolton Wood, Woolton, Liverpool, where it bloomed with five very fine flowers on a spike. A most wonderful and lovely spike it was, and we regret not being able to depict it full size, in order to show off its beauty.

There is another variety of _C. labiata_ that blooms in August, and is very distinct from the old variety referred to above both in the colour of its flowers and its foliage; it is called _C. labiata pallida_. There are two very fine plants of this variety in the collection of the Comte de Germany, Chateau de Gouville, near Rouen, in France; each plant has over a hundred bulbs--a grand sight when in bloom.

_Cattleya labiata_ is an evergreen plant, and is also one of the most free-flowering Cattleyas we have in cultivation, since every good growth brings its blossoms, a strong one, producing a spike of five flowers from a double sheath. The individual flowers are of large size, the sepals and petals pale soft rosy-pink, the lip rich magenta, margined with light rosy-pink, and the sides of the throat orange-yellow; they last in their freshness and beauty for some three or four weeks. This species requires the same treatment as _C. Mossiæ_, that is, to be planted in good fibrous peat, and to have perfect drainage; it will grow either in a pot or in a basket, and requires a moderate supply of water during the growing season, which is in the spring and summer months. In winter, when the plants are at rest, they merely require sufficient moisture to keep the bulbs and leaves in a plump state; but it is very detrimental to Cattleyas to keep them too dry, as this often causes them to shrivel and turn yellow, and when this occurs it takes a long time to recover their healthy condition. We do not agree with over-watering or over-potting Cattleyas--both practices are extremely dangerous, especially the use of too much material about the roots, which becomes soddened by the necessary moisture, and causes the roots to decay. If the plants should fall into this misfortune, they should be completely shaken out of the material used, their roots well washed, and then be potted in crocks until they make fresh roots. They must be kept in a shady place during the continuance of this _régime_, and until they appear to have regained their vigour, after which they may be allowed all the light obtainable.

EULOPHIA GUINEENSIS PURPURATA.
[Plate 89.]
_Native of West Tropical Africa._

Terrestrial. _Pseudobulbs_ short, roundish-ovate, marked near the apex
with one or two annulate scars, indicating the bases of former leaves.
_Leaves_ with an oblong-oblanceolate acuminate blade six inches long,
narrowed below into a petiole of about half the length, somewhat
plicate. _Scape_ arising from the base of the pseudobulb, twelve to
fifteen inches high, including the _raceme_ of seven to ten flowers,
furnished at intervals with pale brown sheathing bracts, which become
smaller upwards. _Flowers_ pedicellate, spurred, remarkable for their
narrow dark sepals and petals and their broad highly-coloured lip;
_sepals_ about an inch long, linear acuminate, deep rosy purple, the
lateral ones spreading horizontally; _petals_ directed upwards between
the erect dorsal and the spreading lateral sepals, and similar to them
in size, form, and colour; _lip_ three-lobed, the front lobe
roundish-ovate pointed, about an inch and a quarter in length and in
breadth, wavy at the margin, of a rich bright magenta, traversed by
deep crimson flabellate veins, which become deep rosy purple as they
converge towards the base when they suddenly stop, the extreme base
being white; the side lobes are short and blunt, of a blush. _Spur_
slender, deep purple, three-fourths of an inch long. _Column_ bent
forward, rosy purple, slightly keeled at the back.

Eulophia guineensis purpurata, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Kotschy's
Plantæ Binderianæ Niloticæ Æthiopiceæ_, 3; _Kotschy_, _Plantæ
Tinneanæ_, 63.

_Eulophia_ is a small genus of Orchids of which a few species are known in cultivation. The one we now describe is a most beautiful and distinct variety of a species which was cultivated many years since, and one that everyone may admire. Our drawing was taken from a specimen in the grand collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking. It is a very rare plant, and is most difficult to import from its native habitats. It is also supposed to be difficult to establish, but it is so rare that few persons have had the opportunity to try it. Sir Trevor Lawrence manages to cultivate it very successfully, and we have also seen it well grown in the Collection of H. Shaw, Esq., of Buxton, who has also flowered it. We have heard of very few other plants, and, therefore, we should like to see a good importation of it, as many cultivators would, we are quite sure, be glad to possess such a gem.

_Eulophia guineensis purpurata_ produces small oval-shaped pseudobulbs, and has light green plicate foliage, ten inches or a foot in height. The flower stem is produced from the base of the bulb with the young growths, and reaches to a height of eighteen inches, terminating in a spike of ten or more flowers. The sepals and petals are brownish purple, veined with a darker brown, and the lip is magenta-rose, veined with a darker magenta, the throat being white. It blooms in September and October.

Being a terrestrial Orchid it is best grown in a pot, with good fibrous loam, leaf soil, and sharp river sand; a little charcoal should be mixed with the soil, and good drainage is essential, since a moderate supply of water during the growing season is needed. When at rest only just enough water should be given to keep the bulbs plump. We have found it do well in the Cattleya house, placed as near the light as possible, but shaded from the hot sun. The leaves being thin they are apt to scorch. It is propagated by dividing the pseudobulbs, leaving one old pseudobulb along with the new one.

Odontoglossum triumphans.--We have received, through the post, from J. Gordon, Esq., Aikenhead, Cathcart, near Glasgow, flowers of two distinct varieties of this beautiful species, varying both in size and in hue. One variety was of large size, and very bright in colour, the sepals and petals being of a clear golden yellow, barred and spotted with brownish-crimson, and the lip white, with the throat yellow, and the apical portion brownish-crimson. The other variety was smaller, and as Mr. T. Hogg, the gardener, informs us, was from a pseudobulb with two spikes bearing twenty-nine expanded flowers; in this the sepals and petals were nearly all brownish-crimson, with very little golden yellow, the lip white, with a large irregular blotch of brownish-crimson on the antical portion--B. S. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM CORADINEI.
[Plate 90.]
_Native of New Grenada._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ elongate-ovate, compressed, somewhat ribbed,
usually diphyllous. _Leaves_ narrow, ligulate, or ligulate-oblong,
acuminate, of a deep green colour, an extra one or more sometimes
sheathing the base of the pseudobulbs. _Scape_ radical, with small
triangular bracts supporting a slender spreading raceme of nine to ten
flowers, which forms a neat spike of about a foot in length. _Flowers_
stellate, somewhat over three inches in breadth and length; _sepals_
lanceolate, tapered to a long narrow point, pale yellow, with about
two large irregular sometimes broken spots of chestnut-brown at some
distance from the base; _petals_ similar in form and colour, one inch
and a half long, marked with a large often bipartite spot at a
considerable distance from and one or two smaller spots nearer the
base; _lip_ shorter than the petals, obovate-oblong, apiculate,
contracted in the middle, paler yellow, with a squarish spot of
chestnut-brown on the middle or contracted portion, and a few spots or
blotches near the base, where there is a crest of two upcurved horns.
_Column_ whitish, semiterete, with brown blotches in the sub-rhomboid
wings, which are denticulate on the outer edge.

Odontoglossum Coradinei, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners'
Chronicle_, 1872, 1068, fig. 251; _Id._ _Xenia Orchidacea_, ii. 208,
t. 192, figs. 1-4.

This is one of the numerous imported forms of Odontoglots which are supposed to be natural hybrids, many of which are so beautiful and so much sought after, becoming greater favourites as time passes. We are by no means surprised at the growing taste for this charming Orchidic genus, since the plants are of easy culture, require nothing but cool treatment, and their flowers, which are of long duration, are borne on graceful spikes.

The form we now represent is distinct in colour, and comes in as a good contrast with the varieties of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ (crispum)_--a contrast which it should always be sought to establish in making a collection, in order to produce a picturesque effect in the house, since the different varieties when associated show each other off to advantage.

The plant was found in New Grenada by the collectors Chesterton and Coradine, and was named by request of the former (who has lately died) in honour of his companion in travel. It appears to be a hybrid between _Odontoglossum triumphans_ and some of the _O. odoratum_ group, and would seem to be somewhat variable in character. The sketch we publish was taken from a plant in the collection of Robert Warner, Esq., Broomfield, near Chelmsford, who has the largest and finest collection of Odontoglots we have seen, extending to about twelve thousand plants. In this collection we have seen many hundred spikes of _O. Alexandræ (crispum)_--and other kinds in bloom at the same time, and, arranged as they were in two long houses, the sight was a glorious one, never to be forgotten. A similar magnificent display is obtained every year.

_Odontoglossum Coradinei_, which is very rare, forms a compact-growing plant, furnished with lively green foliage, and producing its flowers, about nine in number, on a drooping spike; the sepals and petals are primrose colour, spotted with a warm brown, and the lip is primrose, with an oblong spot of brown in the centre. The plant blooms during winter, and lasts for several weeks in full beauty. It requires to be grown in the cool house, and should have the same temperature and treatment as _O. Alexandræ_.

Mr. Lee's Vandas.--We were favoured recently with a box of Orchid flowers from W. Lee, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead. The box contained twenty-one grand spikes of varieties of _Vanda suavis_ and _V. tricolor_, amongst which were some of the finest forms we have ever seen. It was, indeed, a feast of Vandas to have so many fine varieties side by side. Amongst the varieties of _V. tricolor_ were many forms--from a pale variety with a whitish ground up to the most superbly marked one of the series, which Mr. Lee calls the "Downside" variety. The markings of this gem are very rich and distinct, the spots being well defined, of a bright chestnut-brown, and the lips a rich magenta. _V. tricolor Patersoni_ and _V. tricolor superba_ were quite in the shade by the side of this great beauty. _V. tricolor Warnerii_ was also grand, but of a different type to the last-mentioned plant, having rosy margins around the sepals and petals; this plant is well figured in Warner's _Select Orchidaceous Plants_.

Of _Vanda suavis_ there were some magnificent forms, one, marked Lee's variety, being especially fine; this had thirteen flowers on the spike; the sepals and petals were of fine form, with distinct pale brownish-crimson spots. In some cases the spotting of this variety is very peculiar, especially on the lower parts of the sepals and petals, where the spots or stripes are from half an inch to three-fourths of an inch long, rendering the markings very distinct.

Accompanying the Vandas was a fine variety of _Cattleya Mendelii_, called _Jamesiana_, with rose-coloured sepals and petals, and a broad well-fringed lip, two inches across, of a bright magenta, with the throat yellow, streaked with dull purple; the petals are distinctly blotched with bright magenta at the apex.--B. S. W.

PHAIUS TUBERCULOSUS.
[Plate 91.]
_Native of Madagascar._

Epiphytal. _Stems_ (pseudobulbs) fusiform or sub-clavate jointed, dark
green, annularly marked by the pallid bases of the leaf-sheaths.
_Leaves_ oblong-acuminate, about a foot long, plicate, narrowed below,
the base again enlarged so as to clasp the stems. _Scape_ produced
with the young growth, green, below bearing lanceolate imbricated
bracts, and terminating in an erect raceme of six or more flowers.
_Flowers_ spreading, two and a half inches across, of singular form;
_sepals_ ovate-acuminate, stoutish, pure white; _petals_ of the same
colour and texture as the sepals, but rather broader and more oblong;
_lip_ obliquely funnel-shaped at the base, with a blunt chin
projecting upwards, three-lobed; the two _basal lobes_ large,
suborbicular, meeting the column, yellow, thickly blotched with
irregular spots and dots of a dull crimson, producing a bronzy effect,
furnished with scattered hairs on the surface, wavy at the edge;
_front lobe_ smaller, roundish-emarginate or subcordate, wavy, white,
with rosy purple marginal spots, closely frilled; _disk_ yellowish
white, with three deep orange-yellow crests or ridges towards the
front, the crests bluntly toothed and wavy along the upper edge, the
central one forked about the middle; near the base, a short distance
from the column, is a small tuft of pale sulphur capitate hairs.
_Column_ slender, incurved, club-shaped, white, tinted with purple in
front.

Phaius tuberculosus, _Blume_, _Museum Botanicum Lugduno-Batavum_, ii.,
181; _Id._, _Orchidées de l'Archipel Indien et du Japon_, 13, t. ii.
B.; _Gardeners' Chronicle_, N.S., xv., 341, fig. 67; _Reichenbach
fil._, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_, N.S., xv., 428.

Limodorum tuberculosum, _Du Petit-Thouars_, _Orchidées recueillies sur
les trois Iles Australe d'Afrique_, t. 31.

Bletia tuberculosa, _Sprengel_, _Systema Plantarum_, iii., 744;
_Lindley_, _Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants_, 123.

The plant we are now about to describe, and of which a figure accompanies these remarks, is one of the most beautiful and distinct yet known, one, moreover, which has only bloomed in few collections. It is a new introduction from Madagascar, and as yet is a very rare plant, being difficult to import and also to establish, which is much to be regretted on account of its beauty. Our plate was taken from a well-grown specimen in the fine collection of Baron Schröder, of The Dell, Staines, where, under the care of Mr. Ballantyne, the plant is very successfully managed. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., has also been fortunate in flowering it, and, indeed, it was first exhibited by him.

_Phaius tuberculosus_ produces short fusiform fleshy stems, from which proceed the new growths, consisting of a tuft of plicate leaves, of light green colour, and with them the flower spike, which is erect, and has as yet only borne about half-a-dozen flowers on each. It blooms during January and February, and is difficult to establish and cultivate. As the plant gets better understood it may be found more easy to import, and other growers may then be more successful. Many of the imported plants have been lost through want of knowledge as to packing and other requirements of travel; there is little doubt that our collectors will be more successful as to these matters, and then we may expect the plants to reach Europe in safety. We know of many Orchids that were once considered difficult to import which are now obtained safely in quantities through being sent at the proper season. If plant collectors would study this point they would be very much more successful than they have hitherto been. Of course it is difficult for one to be on the spot at the moment when the plants have matured their bulbs, and so as to get them to this country before they start into growth, but if this could be done there would be more chance of saving them.

There is another important point affecting cultivation, namely, that more complete information where and how the plants are found in their native habitats should be obtained and furnished. A great deal of the success in the development of all these and other plants depends on their proper treatment as regards the temperature and the supply of moisture. If they are found in low-lying districts they require quite a different treatment to that of those which occur in high and mountainous districts.

Whenever we find a plant, as this is, difficult to cultivate, we should endeavour to find out which house suits it best; this may easily be done if we have different houses situate in different aspects, and even if there is but one house a great deal can be done by placing the plant in different positions in that house. If it does not succeed in one part it may do so in another, and should it happen that a plant is found to thrive well in a particular part, an endeavour should be made to keep it there during its season of growth, and should it be removed during the resting period let it be put back again the following season to make its growth. There is more than many growers imagine in this matter of setting plants in the places which they are found to like best. Some cultivators, because they have succeeded for a few years, think they can do as they please with a particular plant, but this is an error. We often meet with cases in which persons have grown their plants well for a few years, after which they go back. The cause is generally not far to seek. It may often be attributed to over watering, or to keeping the plants dry when they should have been moist, or to changing the temperature, or allowing the plants to get dirty. There are various other causes of non-success, such as acting on the advice of different persons, rushing suddenly into different modes of treatment, using different materials, or some other such-like practices. We have in our time seen many new schemes tried, and have to record that many of them have utterly failed.

DENDROBIUM FINDLEYANUM.
[Plate 92.]
_Native of Moulmein._

Epiphytal, _Stems_ jointed, the joints oblong-pyriform, complanate,
two inches long or more, the lower part of each internode slender,
stalk-like, and invested by the leaf sheath, the upper end much
thickened, and at length becoming more or less furrowed. _Leaves_
linear oblong acute, three inches long, soon falling. _Peduncles_
lateral, two-flowered, with small appressed bracts. _Flowers_ rather
large, three inches across, showy, the colours being clear and
attractive; _sepals_ lanceolate, recurved, the lateral ones somewhat
broader, of a light purplish mauve colour, whitish towards the base;
_petals_ larger and more oblong, white at the base, and heavily tipped
with pale purplish mauve; _lip_ stilted, roundish-cordate, concave,
the sides meeting over the column, white, slightly tipped with purple,
the disk velvety, marked with a large roundish orange-yellow blotch,
paler at the edges, the basal callus obscure. _Column_ with two deep
purple hands in front.

Dendrobium Findleyanum, _Parish and Reichenbach fil._, in
_Transactions of the Linnæan Society_, xxx., 149; _Reichenbach fil._,
in _Gardeners' Chronicle_, N.S., vii. 334; _Hooker fil._, _Botanical
Magazine_, t. 6438.

The Dendrobes form a large and splendid group of Orchids, in which may be found some of the finest examples of the Orchid family. The species we have now the pleasure to bring before our readers is of recent introduction, and is one of the most beautiful and distinct of the whole family, not only as regards its flowers, which are very attractive, but also on account of its very peculiar jointed stems, of which a better idea will be obtained from our illustration than from any minute description. The figure was taken from a beautiful plant grown in the large collection of J. T. Peacock, Esq., Sudbury House, Hammersmith, who is an enthusiastic collector and cultivator of plants, and has many houses filled with Orchids, which are doing well under the care of Mr. Vicary, the gardener.

_Dendrobium Findleyanum_ is a free-growing plant, and its curiously knotted stems have a singular appearance. The blossoms are produced very freely; the sepals and petals are white, tipped with pale magenta, while the lip is white, with the apex rosy purple, and the throat or disk yellow. It flowers during March and April, and lasts for two or three weeks in beauty.

We find it does well in a pan or basket, suspended from the roof, in the East India house, where it can receive all the light possible, and be shaded slightly from the sun in summer. The material used about its roots must be rough peat and sphagnum moss. It needs a liberal supply of water during the summer season, and must be kept moist until it has completed its growth, when less water may be given, just sufficient to insure the plumpness of the stems.

Orchids at Summer House, Hammersmith, the Residence of J. T. Peacock, Esq.--The collection of Orchids grown by Mr. Peacock is truly surprising, as was the show of flower when we paid a visit to it in March last. There were then many hundreds of blooming Orchids, especially of _Phalænopsis_, of which there were in one house hundreds of flowers of the different species and varieties, the drooping spikes overhanging and mingling with each other, and presenting a striking picture, some being snowy white, and others of different shades of mauve colour; there were, moreover, some very good forms among them. In an adjoining house were some very fine plants of _Dendrobiums_, such as _D. Findleyanum_, _D. crassinode_, and _D. Wardianum_; also hundreds of flowers of _D. Freemanii_. In the same range of houses we saw a fine lot of _Odontoglossum vexillarium_, showing well for bloom. _O. Phalænopsis_ was doing well, which we do not often see. Of _O. Roezlii_ there were many fine plants in good health, as there were also of _O. Alexandræ (crispum)_, of which a great number were in bloom. _Cattleya citrina_ was well grown--better than we have seen it before; the plants were suspended from the roof. _Lycaste Skinneri_, of which we found a huge lot in bloom, were producing very fine flowers. We were surprised to see such fine plants of _L. Skinneri alba_ in blossom. Mr. Peacock has been very fortunate in flowering these from an importation, as it is a rare and chaste variety. In the next house were many hundreds of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_ and _O. Pescatorei_, and other kinds; many of them were in bloom, and among them were some good varieties.

We also noted some good East Indian Orchids, many plants of _Angræcum sesquipedale_, and other kinds. There was a fine collection of _Cattleyas_ in a large span-roofed house, amongst which were some good forms of _C. Trianæ_ in full bloom; also a grand lot of _Cymbidium eburneum_ in flower, the white blossoms with the graceful green foliage having a good effect. There were several other houses filled with Orchids. If Mr. Peacock continues as he has begun, he will presently have the largest collection of these plants in the country. That this is likely to be the case we may presume, for we saw several other new houses intended for Orchids in the course of construction. Mr. Vicary, the excellent gardener, is one who takes great interest in the collection under his charge, and therefore we may expect that good results will be assured.--B. S. W.

CATTLEYA SCHOFIELDIANA.
[Plate 93.]
_Native of Brazil._

Epiphytal. _Stems_ (pseudobulbs) from one to one and a half foot long,
slender, terete, slightly thickened near the top, jointed, the
internodes nearly covered by whitish membranous sheaths, diphyllous.
_Leaves_ oblong obtuse, about six inches long and two inches wide, of
a deep glossy green, shortly stalked, the stalks spotted behind with
dull dark red. _Flowers_ about two, large, six inches broad, and about
the same in depth, very handsome, in the way of those of _Cattleya
granulosa_; _sepals_ ligulate-oblong, bluntly acute, the dorsal one
over, the lateral ones rather under three inches long, nearly one inch
broad, of an Indian or pale tawny yellow, having a flush of purple and
a tinge of green, the whole spotted thickly with crimson-purple, the
spots most numerous on the outer half of each lateral sepal; _petals_
obovate, rounded at the apex, narrowed towards the base, about three
inches long and one and a half inch broad, of the same colour as the
sepals, the spots towards the edges coalescing in divergent, sometimes
forked, lines, which run out to the margin; _lip_ two and a half
inches long, three-lobed, the lateral lobes whitish, large, obliquely
ovate, meeting over the column, the middle lobe with a long narrow
claw, and a small transversely reniform fimbriated blade, which,
except at the pallid edges, is entirely covered by lamellæ and papulæ
of the most beautiful magenta-purple, the claw-like portion having a
dash of yellow in its ground colour. _Column_ whitish, curved, hidden
by the lateral lobes of the lip.

Cattleya Schofieldiana, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
N.S. xviii., 808.

We have in cultivation many handsome species of _Cattleya_, but that now before us is very distinct from any we have previously seen, and is quite new to us. The growers of Orchids are all on the lookout for new species, especially such as are distinct. We are, therefore, glad to be able to bring such a beautiful and charming species as this, under the notice of our readers. There are, indeed, numerous other fine Cattleyas in cultivation, but many of them are much alike in form and colour. The present type is, however, distinct, and embraces but few forms, especially with blossoms of an equal size. Our illustration was taken from a well-grown specimen in the select collection of G. W. Law-Schofield, Esq., New-Hall-Hey, Rawtenstall, near Manchester, in whose honour it was named by Professor Reichenbach. This is the only plant of which we have any knowledge as existing in the country, and Mr. Schofield has been truly fortunate in introducing it.

_Cattleya Schofieldiana_ is an evergreen species, with slender terete stems, each bearing two leaves, about five inches in length and two in breadth, of a dark green colour; the stems grow some eighteen inches in height. In its growth this plant resembles _C. amethystoglossa_ and _C. Leopoldii_, but it is not so robust. Mr. Wise, the gardener, grows it in rough fibrous peat, giving good drainage. Pot culture suits this class of Cattleyas best. They must be well elevated above the rim of the pot, so that the roots may run over the surface, as, when buried in the peat, if they get over-watered, they are apt to go rotten. A little charcoal placed on the top of the peat is advantageous, as the roots lay hold of it freely; and it is also desirable to mix a portion with the peat, as it renders it more porous, and allows the water to pass off more freely, thereby helping to keep the compost sweet. This latter is a matter of great importance to the plants, for Cattleyas, like many other Orchids, do not like the soil in which they are planted to set too closely together to the exclusion of fresh air from their roots. There is no doubt the access of fresh air keeps them in a more vigorous condition. In support of this it may be noted that in their native country they are found on trees, where they get a free circulation of air, their roots being merely sheltered by the small quantity of moss or decayed leaves from the trees which may collect about them, while many of them luxuriate with their roots suspended in the air.

This _Cattleya_ is one of those which should always be kept plump in the stems and leaves, for if allowed to shrivel it will be found difficult to get them again into a plump healthy condition. Give all the light possible, so that the stems may be well ripened. A great deal of success depends upon the thorough maturation of the successive growths, for if they are weak or immature they will produce but puny results. The plants require the same temperature as _C. Trianæ_.

Cattleya Mossiæ.--We have lately received from De Barry Crawshay, Esq., Sevenoaks, flowers of a fine series of varieties of _Cattleya Mossiæ_. The flowers were all large and very richly marked, some of the colours being exceedingly distinct, and the lips very large.--B. S. W.

Dendrobium Dearei.--We were agreeably surprised to see this novelty exhibited by Sir T. Lawrence, Bart., at the Summer Show of the Royal Horticultural Society. The flowering bulb was two feet six inches high, and was furnished with two spikes of flowers. This species seems to differ from the _formosum_ section of the genus, by throwing out lateral as well as terminal spikes. The flowers were about thirty in number, pure white, with a slight tinge of green in the throat. In shape they resemble those of _D. Jamesianum_, but they are somewhat smaller.--H. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ GUTTATUM.
[Plate 94.]
_Native of New Grenada._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate-oblong, compressed, green while young,
becoming tinged with purple as they grow older, diphyllous, with one
or two accessory ones from the base of the pseudobulbs, bright green.
_Racemes_ proceeding from the axils of the accessory leaves, drooping.
_Flowers_ crowded, white, beautifully spotted with bright
chocolate-red, nearly four inches across; _sepals_ lanceolate, crispy,
white, with a few bold spots and blotches of chocolate-red about the
middle part; _petals_ broader and more wavy, with a solitary nearly
central spot on each; _lip_ oblong, subcordate at the base, much
crisped at the margin, the apex recurved so as to produce an
emarginate appearance, white, slightly dashed with yellow on the disk,
where there are a few longitudinal lines and a series of radiate lines
of light red-brown, and two divergent yellow crests, the margins half
way down being marked by confluent blotches and a few largish spots
both on the edge and on the surface towards the front. _Column_ white,
slightly spotted with brown.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ guttatum, _Hooker fil._, _Botanical Magazine_,
t. 5697: _Williams_, _Orchid Grower's Manual_, 5 ed., 229.

There are many varieties of this charming Orchid with spotted flowers, differing in the size of the blossoms and in the colour and amount of the spotting, which are cultivated under different varietal names, but the representation of the one we have now the pleasure of illustrating will, we hope, be the means of inducing growers to range some of them as forms of _guttatum_ instead of so greatly multiplying names, which becomes inconvenient. We know that some of them are more distinct from the type than others, but the fewer names we can use the more easy and satisfactory will it be both for growers and purchasers.

We are indebted to R. Smith, Esq., Brentham Park, Stirling, for the magnificent spike of flowers from which our plate was prepared. We much regret not to have been able to represent it of its full size and its natural branching habit, but our artist has given enough to show that it is one of the most beautiful of the many named varieties. There was a fine collection of Orchids at Brentham Park, which we regret to find is to be broken up on account of Mr. Smith's health.

_Odontoglossum Alexandræ guttatum_ is a compact-growing plant, with lively green foliage, and it produces branching spikes furnished with many flowers. When well grown, as this plant was, by Mr. McLeod, the sepals and petals it will be seen are pure white, profusely spotted with bright chocolate-red, while the lip is white, densely spotted with the same colour. It blooms at different times of the year, according to the maturation of its growth, and lasts for six weeks in perfection if the flowers are kept dry. Too much moisture causes them to spot, so that it is better, if possible, to move them when in flower to a drier house, but while under these altered conditions the soil should be kept moist, as the plants require a good supply of fluid about their roots to prevent them from shrivelling. The best plan is to cut off the spike of flowers and to place it in water, as when treated in this way it will last a long time. It requires the same treatment as _O. Alexandræ_.

Lord Rendlesham's Orchids.--We were recently favoured with a box from Rendlesham Hall, containing the following flowers:--_Lycaste Skinneri amabilis_. In this the flowers were very large, six and a half inches across, the petals two inches long, bright rosy crimson, the sepals pale blush, and the lip white, irregularly margined with bright crimson. _Lycaste Skinneri_, a fine variety, with two flowers to a scape, the sepals rose, the petals well recurved, bright rose, and the lip indistinctly spotted with bright rosy crimson. _Cattleya citrina_, a very large variety, the petals two and a half inches long and one and a half inch broad, canary yellow, beautifully scented, the lip bright gamboge, _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_, a grand variety, three and three-quarter inches across, the sepals rose coloured, both sepals and petals marked in the centre with distinct reddish-brown blotches, _i.e._, one blotch to each, five in all; petals almost white, lip profusely marked with small irregular spots. This is one of the most distinct varieties we have seen.--B. S. W.

High-priced Cattleyas.--At a recent sale at Stevens's Auction Rooms, on the occasion of the distribution of the late Mr. R. B. Dodgson's Orchids, enormous prices were realised for some of the established plants. _Cattleya Trianæ Osmanii_, a variety named some years ago by ourselves, realised the sum of 215 guineas, and was purchased for our own collection. _Cattleya Trianæ Dodysonii_ realised 185 guineas, end was purchased by W. Lee, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead. We hope on some future occasion to figure both these gems.--B.S.W.

Cattleya Skinneri oculata.--During a recent visit to the Collection of Orchids belonging to G. Hardy, Esq., Pickering Lodge, Timperley, we noticed a grand specimen of this splendid variety. There were seven spikes on the plant, some carrying as many as ten flowers; the colour was an intense mauve-magenta. Mr. Hardy grows this Cattleya extremely well. We also noticed a grand lot of Cattleyas coming on, especially _C. Warnerii_ and _C. Mossiæ_, together with some fine examples of _Lælia purpurata_, showing well for flower.--H. W.

CYPRIPEDIUM MEIRAX.
[Plate 95.]
_Garden hybrid._

Epiphytal. Acaulescent. _Leaves_ distichous, coriaceous,
oblong-lanceolate, acute, the upper surface of a dull dark green,
faintly mottled with transverse markings, the underside of a dull wine
purple. _Scape_ (peduncle) densely hairy, dark purple, with a short
boat-shaped purplish-green bract at the base of the six-ribbed ovary.
_Flowers_ medium-sized, solitary on the peduncle; _sepals_ hairy
externally, glabrous and glossy within; the dorsal one broad ovate,
about an inch in breadth, ciliate at the base, and fringed at the edge
with whitish hairs, blush-white, with a stout central dark purple
stripe, having on each side a short green one, and beyond that five
others graduated in length, and of a greenish-purple colour, the
central rib more prominently hairy at the back and tip; lower connate
sepal oblong-ovate obtuse, whitish, with seven green ribs or veins;
_petals_ linear-oblong, broadest upwards, two inches long and about
half an inch broad, plane at the base, recurvo-undulate at the tip,
the upper side (half) glossy, of a deep claret-purple, streaked with
green at the base, somewhat ribbed, ciliate with purple hairs, the
central rib stouter, purple, with a few round black spots distributed
along its base, the lower half of the same colour but less glossy;
_lip_ rather large, oblong, an inch and three-quarters long, polished,
the sides purple, deeply inflexed and extended at the base like a pair
of ears, the front part green and veiny towards the tip, with a short
purple rib, deep purple towards the edge; the inside of the pouch
yellowish-tawny, beautifully spotted with crimson. _Staminode_ large,
roundish, deeply notched in front, dull purplish-tawny, with green
veiny markings in the centre, shining as if varnished, thickly studded
with short stiff hairs.

Cypripedium Meirax, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners' Chronicle_,
N.S. xiv., 524.

This is one of the many hybrids that have been raised in this country, and which we owe to the handiwork of cultivators. It must be highly gratifying to those who devote their time and skill to so interesting a pursuit as the origination of new varieties, to witness the success of their labours, and we are greatly indebted to those amateurs and nurserymen who have so successfully carried out this process of hybridisation. Some of the new forms produced may be disappointing, but others are in every way encouraging, by yielding fresh forms and colours, and in this way, through careful selection, many beautiful flowers are originated. In their native country the wild plants are no doubt crossed by insects, but in such cases there are, perhaps, comparatively few forms growing sufficiently near together, and even those not all flowering at one time. The artificial hybridiser has the advantage of more abundant material to operate upon, and he can seize the most favourable opportunities for crossing various forms and colours from different localities; while by growing them together, and getting them into flower at the same time, the operation can be performed with a greater prospect of securing good results. We, therefore, hope that this useful and interesting work will be carried on with spirit by our amateur orchidophilists.

There is no class of Orchids more useful than that which forms the subject of our plate. The flowers of the Cypripediums in most cases will last a long time, and the plants are, moreover, of easy cultivation, requiring but little room, and most of them possessing perennial beauty in their nicely variegated foliage. The hybrid we now figure was raised by R. Warner, Esq, Broomfield, Chelmsford, from whom we have procured the stock. It was raised in company with several others, which have proved to be most beautiful and free-blooming subjects, but of which the parentage has not been noted.

_Cypripedium Meirax_ was named by Professor Reichenbach. It is a small-growing form, as will be seen by our plate, but it produces good showy flowers, the dorsal sepal being broad, white, with green and purple veins, the petals purplish-crimson with green nerves, and the lip veined and barred with purple. It blossoms during the winter and spring months, according as it completes its growth, and the flowers last six weeks or more in perfection.

The plants require the same treatment as those of the _C. barbatum_ section. The most suitable material for growing them in is rough fibrous peat, having a small quantity of charcoal interspersed; they must have good drainage, as they need a good supply of water during the growing season, which follows the blooming period, and while they are making their growths they require more water. They will thrive either in the Cattleya house or the cool end of the East India house, near the light; but they must be shaded from the hot sun in summer. A little sun heat, however, will not injure them.

The Cypripediums of this character are propagated by dividing the plants when they begin to grow, leaving one or two old growths at the back. The divided parts should be potted in small pots until they are rooted, and then, should they require it, larger ones may be given to them.

Insects should be kept under. Sometimes the red thrips will attack the young leaves; this should be well sought after, for if it gets ahead the leaves will soon turn brown, and get very much disfigured, the plant, moreover, getting injured. A little tobacco powder applied to the leaves is a good remedy. When the insects are found to be destroyed it can easily be washed off.

ONCIDIUM PHALÆNOPSIS.
[Plate 96.]
_Native of Ecuador._

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong, furrowed, about two inches long, of a
dark green colour, with abortive leaves at their base. _Leaves_
ligulate, broadest upwards, acute, somewhat narrowed and channelled
towards the base, six to eight inches long or more, pale green.
_Racemes_ from the axils of the abortive leaves at the base of the
bulbs, the flowers seated on longish pedicels having small appressed
bracts at their base. _Flowers_ narrow-oblong in outline, an inch and
a half or more in length, and a little over an inch broad, the lip
comparatively large and conspicuous; _sepals_ three, the dorsal one
oblong, acute, venosely marbled with purple, and having a white
margin, the lateral ones of the same colours, concealed by the lip,
oblong-lanceolate, united in the lower half and directed downwards;
_petals_ spreading, oblong-obovate apiculate, white, with two or three
broad transverse blotches of deep rich purple, the apex white; _lip_
pandurate, an inch long by an inch and a half broad, three-lobed, the
lateral lobes broad, rounded, white, flushed with purple and spotted
with dark purple-crimson, the middle lobe dilated, deeply bilobed,
spotted at the narrow basal part, but almost wholly white in the
broader front part, the disk, with a prominent yellow crest, having
two projections at the base, and two acute lateral arms in front, with
an elevated angular keel between. _Column_ short, with the sides of
the lower edges rounded, green at the tips, the apex and margins of
the stigmatic hollow purple.

Oncidium Phalænopsis, _Linden and Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners'
Chronicle_, 1869, 416; _E. André_, _L'Illustration Horticole_, 3 ser.,
t. 3.

The Oncids form a large genus of Orchids, some of which are large-growing plants with showy flowers. They form a most useful group, and many of them are of easy cultivation, especially the large-growing kinds, which we find in the older collections of Orchids, these being cultivated for their long spikes of golden blossoms, which are useful for cutting purposes, and where large vases of flowers have to be supplied the graceful effect produced by their light airy panicles and their bright colours is very charming.

The species we have now to bring under notice is of the small-growing section, and requires more care and attention than some others, being one of those kinds which are more difficult to cultivate. This section contains many beautiful plants. Our specimen was received from the well-grown collection of E. Salt, Esq., Ferniehurst, Shipley, near Leeds, who has been successful in growing this rare species, which is not often met with.

_Oncidium Phalænopsis_ is a compact evergreen plant, with small pseudobulbs and light green leaves about eight inches in length. The flower spike proceeds from the base of the pseudobulbs, and bears six or more blossoms. The sepals and petals are creamy white, barred and spotted with purple; the lip is large, white, spotted at the base with violet-crimson, and the crest is golden-yellow. These flowers last a long time in beauty.

The plant requires great care in cultivation, like many others of its class, but it is worth all the care bestowed upon it. We have found it grow well in small pots or pans with a little rough fibrous peat and some lumps of charcoal, so that it may send its roots over the peat and charcoal. The small-growing Orchids of this character do not like their roots covered up, and when they are making new roots it is very important that the insects should not be allowed to feed upon them, as the plants require all their roots to be sound and good to keep them in a healthy condition. They should be placed as much in the light as possible, so that their growths may be strong and full of vigour. The plants naturally grow on trees, in which position they get a great deal of moisture during the rainy season, while in the dry season they get heavy dews, and are shaded a little from the burning sun although they get all the light possible. In our artificial treatment of these plants we should give them their natural conditions as nearly as possible, for by so doing we shall not go far away from the right course. We have found the cool end of the Cattleya house to suit most of these small-growing kinds.

We trust we may soon see a good importation of this rare _Oncidium_, so that growers may have a chance to try their skill upon its cultivation. The plants we have received at various times have been but small and puny. If only growers could get over some strong vigorous clumps, they would have a chance of making them into good specimens--an object which is worth the effort, as the species is one of the most beautiful and distinct of the family.

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