Chapter IV: Part 4

We suppose this _Vanda_ will require the same treatment as _Vanda suavis_, but time alone can prove this. We recommend it to be grown in the East India house, in a basket, with sphagnum moss and good drainage, and hung up as near the light as possible, since it appears to be a plant requiring that mode of treatment. We have one growing in this way suspended near the glass, and it is making fresh roots, but it does not seem to be fast growing. The fine specimens that have reached this country are from two to three feet high. We find it to keep healthy planted in crocks until the roots make a good start, after which some live sphagnum moss is placed in the pot or basket, and these being provided with plenty of drainage, the roots cannot possibly have any stagnant moisture hanging about them.

CATTLEYA MOSSIÆ HARDYANA.
[Plate 125.]
Native of La Guayra.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ oblong, club-shaped, furrowed in age, and invested
in the lower part by whitish membranaceous sheaths. _Leaves_ leathery,
ligulate-oblong obtuse, recurved at the tip, deep green. _Scape_ about
two-flowered, issuing from the broad compressed leafy sheath, both
scape and pedicels tinted with reddish purple. _Flowers_ large,
exceedingly attractive from their peculiar striate coloration, the
colours very irregularly distributed, no two corresponding parts being
alike in marking; _sepals_ lanceolate, slightly recurved, purplish
blush, or very dilute lilac-purple, irregularly and striately blotched
in the direction of the veins with rich magenta-purple; _petals_
broad, ovate, undulated, irregularly striate-blotched with
magenta-purple on the very dilute lilac-purple ground, in the same way
as the sepals; _lip_ obovate, emarginate, with a densely frilled edge,
the basal lobes enfolding the column of a deep rosy magenta on the
outer surface, the middle lobe with a golden blotch on the throat and
disk, the front portion striately marked with rich deep magenta-purple
outside which is an irregular zone of white, more or less traversed by
pale purple veins, the extreme margin being pale purple; otherwise as
in the type.

Cattleya Mossiæ Hardyana, _Williams and Moore_, supra.

This is the most extraordinary variety of _Cattleya Mossiæ_ that has ever come under our notice, and, moreover, it is not only most distinct but most beautiful. Its peculiar coloration is constant, for we have received flowers of it in two successive seasons, and the colour and style of marking have not appeared to vary in the least. We believe it has bloomed three years in succession. Our figure was taken from the fine plant in the noble collection of G. Hardy, Esq., Timperley, Cheshire. This plant we believe is unique, there having been only one example with striped flowers obtained from the whole importation, and that was secured and first flowered by Mr. Hardy, in whose honour it is now named. We know of no other like it, and we must congratulate the owner on his good fortune in obtaining and blooming a variety with such wonderfully variegated flowers.

There are many other fine species of Cattleya in this collection, and these bloom magnificently, and are grown to great perfection. They are cultivated in good-sized houses, and have plenty of light, which is a great necessity to these plants, and they also get the proper degree of heat and of moisture, and the annual rest, together with perfect cleanliness, all which seems to be thoroughly understood by Mr. Hill, the gardener, for the plants appear in the same vigorous state of health year after year, and still go on improving.

_Cattleya Mossiæ Hardyana_ is like the type in its habit of growth, having similar evergreen foliage, and producing its gorgeous flowers in the some way. The sepals and petals are of a pale blush-rose colour, curiously blotched and veined with rose-purple, while the lip is a bright rose-purple, margined with dark rose, and the throat orange-yellow. It blooms during May and June, and lasts about three weeks in perfection.

The plant requires the same mode of treatment as that given to the other forms of _Cattleya Mossiæ_.

Orchids in Vineries.—We frequently hear it remarked that Orchids cannot be cultivated in this or that garden for want of a suitable house or houses to grow them in. Now, we have repeatedly alluded to the fact that Orchids do well when cultivated in houses in which other classes of plants besides them are grown. We met with a convincing illustration of this in November last, when calling upon John Heywood, Esq., of the Grange, Stretford, near Manchester. Here we found houses allotted to Orchids, and amongst them one cool plant-house in which there were many fine Odontoglots, and some good specimens of _Epidendrum vitellinum majus_, &c. We, however, wish chiefly to draw attention to the fact, that we also found here two span-roofed Vineries, in which there were good crops of Grapes, such as Muscat, Black Alicante, and others; and beneath these Vines, standing on the curbs, or suspended from the roof, was growing a collection of _Dendrobiums_, occupying the whole length of the two houses, and among them many fine specimen plants, with well ripened bulbs, and which promise well for bloom. We particularly noted many well-grown plants of _D. Wardianum giganteum_, _D. Devonianum_ with very strong bulbs, and _D. crassinode_. There was a fine plant of _D. Ainsworthii_, which is still rare, and is one of the best hybrids yet raised, as it bears fine handsome flowers, and is free in producing them. _D. thyrsiflorum_ and _D. densiflorum_ were also well represented; and there were fine plants of _D. nobile_, one of the most useful for winter decoration, promising well for bloom. Mr. Elphinstone, the gardener, informed us that these plants had been grown in the same houses for some time past; and they are found to succeed well with the treatment given to the Vines. Any one, therefore, having good Vineries may use them for Orchids as well as for Grapes, as they are at the Grange, thus making a double use of the houses, and saving expense. Besides the cool Orchid house already mentioned, there is a good house of _Cattleyas_, _Lælias_, &c.; and another full of fine _Vandas_, and such other Orchids as _Phalænopsis_, _Aërides_, _Cypripedium_, _Odontoglossum vexillarium_, and many others that require a similar temperature.—B. S. W.

WARSCEWICZELLA WENDLANDI DISCOLOR.
[Plate 126.]
Native of Costa Rica.

Epiphytal. _Stemless_, ebulbous, producing only a tuft of leaves and
flowers from the crown of the roots. _Leaves_ cuneate,
oblong-ligulate, acute, somewhat plicate, broad and channelled below,
amplectant at the base, of a light green colour. _Scapes_ solitary,
issuing from the leaf axils, about half as long as the leaves, and
furnished in the upper part with a two-valved bluntish spathe, which
is rather shorter than the united ovary and pedicel. _Flowers_
moderately large, measuring from four to five inches in their broadest
diameter, stellately expanded, interesting from the peculiar form of
their lip, and pleasing from the contrast of their colours; _sepals_
lanceolate, “white,” the dorsal one erect, the lateral ones somewhat
deflexed; _petals_ of the same form and colour, spreading, somewhat
twisted; _lip_ projected forwards, ovate-cordate, the apex recurved,
about an inch and a half broad, the edges multilobulate and much
undulated, white, the centre plane, with at large oblong blotch of
violet-purple marked longitudinally by about seven darker purple
lines, the base constricted, white, with a short chin behind; frill or
ruff small, with about seven to nine violet-purple stripes,
semilunate, gradually diminishing backwards till lost in the chin or
mentum. _Column_ white, thickened upwards, semiterete.

Warscewiczella Wendlandi, _Reichenbach fil._, in litteris.

Zygopetalum Wendlandi, _Reichenbach fil._, _Beitrage zu einer
Orchideenkunde Central-Amerikas_, 74.

— _Var._ DISCOLOR, sepals and petals yellowish green.

Warscewiczella Wendlandi discolor, _Reichenbach fil._, in litteris ad
cl., Smee.

Both by Reichenbach in his various writings, and by Bentham in the recently published _Genera Plantarum_, the group named _Warscewiczella_ is included under _Zygopetalum_. Putting aside the question of minute botanical details, we prefer, in this case, to be rather guided by habit, since habit is so important a factor in all that concerns cultivation. Thus, while the species and varieties of _Zygopetalum_ produce pseudobulbs, those of _Warscewiczella_ are ebulbous, and this difference necessitates a material distinction in the mode of cultivation to be adopted for the well-being of the two groups.

The variety of _Warscewiczella Wendlandi_, which we now illustrate, is a well marked form as regards the distinctive colours of the sepals and the labellum or lip; it is a small plant of compact growth, taking but little room, and blooming very freely. Our drawing was taken from a healthy specimen in the interesting collection of A. H. Smee, Esq., of the Grange, Carshalton, who is trying many experiments in Orchid culture, some of which we have no doubt will succeed, and throw light on obscure points of management. The present time offers a good opportunity to make experiments with Orchids, as it can be done without the risk of incurring any serious expense should they fail, for many kinds of Orchids are cheap, and of course those which are costly would not in this way be exposed to risk.

_Warscewiczella Wendlandi discolor_, the particular form here represented, is an evergreen plant, with light green foliage, which arises from a short stem scarcely forming a pseudobulb, and grows to the height of some six or eight inches. The flowers proceed singly from the axils of the leaves, and have the sepals and petals of a yellowish green, while the broad squarish lip, which is white at the edge where it is deeply cut and much crisped, bears a large violet blotch in the centre. The perfume is very delicious. The plant flowers during August and September, and lasts for about two weeks in beauty.

This plant is allied to the genera (or sub-genera) _Bollea_ and _Warrea_, and requires the same kind of treatment as is successful with them. We have seen them grown in different ways, and thriving well, but they are plants that require careful treatment, and must never be neglected. It is necessary always to give them close attention as regards the supply of moisture at the roots, for they have no thick fleshy pseudobulbs to support them should the artificial help fail. They grow in tufts of small short crowns scarcely forming bulbs, and it is from these that the leaves are developed. Being small growing plants, we find they do well on blocks of wood, with the roots surrounded by living sphagnum moss, the blocks being suspended from the roof. They must not have too much sun; indeed, as the leaves are of a thin texture, they require shade, but with all the light that can possibly be given them without exposing them to burning sunshine. We find the cool end of the East India house to suit them, and here we give them a good supply of moisture at the roots during the summer season. They must always be kept moist, and should not even during winter be allowed to get dry, for they are nearly always growing, and so require a continual supply of sustenance. If grown in pots or in pans, they will require less moisture than when on blocks. One thing must always be borne in mind, and that is to keep them free from insects.

Epidendrum vitellium.—A very fine spike of this charming species was received by us from H. Shaw, Esq., of Buxton; it was eighteen inches in height and bore twenty-one of its orange-scarlet flowers, of good size and stout substance. This was certainly the best spike that has ever come under our notice. Mr. Shaw calls it _E. vitellinum giganteum_. The plant it appears has borne five spikes equally as good as the one which was sent to us. There is no doubt that it is a gigantic form of the old species, much finer than some of those called _majus_, which generally flower in spring and summer while this one blooms in December which fact alone makes it a valuable acquisition, as we have so few Orchids of this colour blooming at that time of year, December and January.—B. S. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ STEVENSII.
[Plate 127.]
Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ovate-oblong, compressed, generally in age
becoming tinged with purple, diphyllous. _Leaves_ ligulate-oblong
acute, channelled towards the base, of a bright light green colour,
often with one or two accessory ones from the base of the pseudobulbs.
_Scapes_ radical, issuing from the axils of the accessory leaves, and
supporting a many-flowered raceme, or, in very vigorous plants, a
panicle of flowers, having small acute bracts at the base of the
pedicels. _Flowers_ large, and handsomely-spotted; _sepals_
lanceolate-acuminate, undulately recurved at the edge, white, marked
with three large oblong blotches of pale cinnamon-brown, the two lower
bands transverse; _petals_ broader, ovate acuminate, the margins
toothed, much undulated, the surface freely spotted all over,
especially towards the margins, with the same tint of pale
cinnamon-brown, the spottings forming smaller roundish or oblong dots,
which are sometimes confluent, while numerous smaller ones occupy the
base; _lip_ oblong-ovate acuminate, with a deeply cordate base, and a
toothed undulated margin, the disk occupied by a broad patch of
yellow; the other parts white, with one large conspicuous blotch of
brown near the apex, and a few smaller ones behind it, the base marked
with numerous small crimson dots, radiately cristate, with two of the
lamellæ elongated, and most of them marked by a crimson line.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ (crispum) Stevensii, _Williams and Moore_,
supra.

We have had an almost endless variety of finely spotted forms of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ (crispum)_, but this, of which we now publish a figure, is one of the most densely spotted forms that have come under our notice. It is also very distinct, not only in the tone of its colouring but also in the character of its markings, as will be seen by the accompanying plate. For the opportunity of figuring it we are indebted to His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, in whose grand collection of odontoglossums and other Orchids, at Trentham Hall, Staffordshire, it has been bloomed by His Grace’s most efficient gardener, Mr. Stevens, in whose honour it is named, and who cultivates these plants in great perfection, many wonderful examples having been exhibited by him at the London Shows. He has, moreover, always been particularly fortunate in obtaining good varieties of this invaluable decorative species, the flowers of which are turned to good account in the dinner-table and other floral decorations at the Hall.

_Odontoglossum Alexandræ Stevensii_ is one of the bold-habited strong-growing forms of this plant, and as regards its pseudobulbs and foliage resembles any other of the more vigorous forms; like them, too, its flower spikes may eventually branch out into panicles. The individual flowers are of large size, and finely crisped and toothed; the sepals and petals are white, heavily spotted and blotched with pale sienna-brown, and the lip is white, having a large blotch of the some colour on the anterior part, and numerous smaller spots towards the base, where the yellow disk is prominent, and adds life to the colouring. This plant produced its blossoms in March, and continued for six weeks in beauty. Like all the forms of _O. Alexandræ_ it begins to show its flower spikes as soon as the growth is completed.

This variety requires the same course of treatment as that given to this class of plants generally, and which is commonly designated and understood as “cool-house” treatment.

Calanthe Veitchii and C. Vestita.—We are always ready to record, for the information of our subscribers, anything that strikes us as likely to be interesting to them, whether the subject be an old plant or one of more recent introduction. Recently, when visiting the garden of H. Gaskell, Esq., of Woolton, Liverpool, and inspecting his collection of Orchids, we were much pleased with the sight of a house full of Calanthes. On entering the house, the charming appearance of their lovely and graceful flower spikes was almost beyond conception. The spikes were more than five hundred in number, overhanging each other, and so arranged that their rosy and white flowers ware intermixed, thus producing an effect which was indeed most beautiful. In the case of _C. Veitchii_ many of the spikes were over four feet in length, and those of _C. vestita_ were equally good. It is, indeed, difficult to describe or even to form any idea of the lovely effect they produced; they must have been seen to be fully appreciated. These Calanthes are invaluable as decorative plants, blooming as they do during the dull winter months—a time when the presence of flowers, especially if of cheerful colours, to enliven the too often dreary sunless periods, is doubly welcome.

There were, besides, many _Lælias_, _Cattleyas_, _Odontoglossum_, _Phalænopsis_, and a host of other good Orchids, many of them in their full blaze of beauty, and many others with their spikes showing for succession. Mr. Gaskell’s collection is making rapid strides in respect to cultivation, a state of things we are at all times pleased to see and to commend, inasmuch as it always gives one pleasure to see either Orchids or other plants well cared for, its they are at this place.—B. S. W.

PILUMNA NOBILIS.
[Plate 128.]
Native of Colombia.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ elongate-oblong, compressed, narrowed to the
top, three to four inches or more in length, clustered, monophyllous.
_Leaves_ broadly oblong, acute, narrowed to a cuneate base, keeled.
_Scape_ radical, from four to six inches high, about four-flowered,
with two or three oblong acute scarious bracts below the raceme.
_Flowers_ half expanded, white, with two orange-coloured spots in the
centre, the club-shaped furrowed ovary decurved; _sepals_
linear-lanceolate acuminate, undulated, narrowed to the base, pure
white; _petals_ similar to the sepals both in size, form, and
colouring; _lip_ indistinctly three-lobed, subquadrate, the rounded
side lobes meeting over the throat, the front lobe larger, retuse, one
and three-quarter inch broad, having on each side of the throat an
orange-coloured blotch, the blotches meeting to form a central eye,
and a slightly elevated line at the narrow base; the claw adnate to
the base of the column, and then involute, so as to enclose the upper
part of this organ. _Column_ clavate, terete.

Pilumna nobilis, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Linnæa_, xxii., 843; _Id._ in
_Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, iii., 541.

Pilumna fragrans grandiflora, _Linden_, _Catalogue_.

Trichopilia fragrans nobilis, _Linden et André_, _L’Illustration
Horticole_, 3 ser., t. 94.

This small genus was established for the Orchid known as _Pilumna fragrans_, a species bearing considerable resemblance to our present subject but having smaller flowers. The great authorities—Reichenbach, Bentham, &c.—now refer these plants to the genus _Trichopilia_, but we have hesitated to follow them, as they appear sufficiently different from the Orchid growers’ point of view to be allowed to enjoy the distinct appellation which was originally given to them by Dr. Lindley, the greatest of English authorities on Orchidaceous plants.

This pretty epiphyte, then, may be taken to represent a small genus of interesting and useful—because free-blooming—plants. The particular species now illustrated and described, is a very lovely plant, and can be recommended as one of the best to be grown for decorative purposes, the flowers being extremely useful for bouquets and button-holes. They are pure white in colour, and have a delicious fragrance, and these are qualities which will always cause them to be held in favour.

This _Pilumna_ is a species of free-growing habit, and very free in producing its flowers. It requires cool treatment, and takes but little room; moreover, it can be purchased at a moderate price, so that any one that has a small house will be able to obtain it, and when obtained to manage it. Thus it will be apparent that it is a most useful plant. Our drawing was taken from a plant which was cultivated in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway.

The _Pilumna nobilis_ is an evergreen Orchid, and is furnished with dark shining pseudobulbs four to six inches or sometimes more in height, and dark green leaves about six inches in length. The flowers proceed from the base of the pseudobulbs, three to four together in a loose raceme, and are of a pure milk-white, with a pair of clear orange-coloured spots, which impart a peculiar brightness to the throat; these flowers, which are very fragrant, are produced during the autumn months, and each lasts about two weeks in perfection.

We find the plants to thrive when grown in pots or baskets, with rough, fibrous peat and good drainage. They need a moderate amount of moisture during the period of growth, but when at rest less may be given, merely enough to keep the bulbs in a plump state. They will thrive well in the Odontoglossum house.

Lælia anceps.—We were very much surprised when calling on R. P. Percival, Esq., of Southport, to see the well-grown specimens of _Lælia anceps_ to be met with in his admirable collection of Orchids. On the side stage of one house there were 230 spikes of this charming Lælia just ready to burst their flower buds, some being open, and presenting to view their fine richly-coloured lips, and their rose-coloured sepals and petals. Some of the spikes, too, bore as many as four full-sized flowers. This group must have formed a most gorgeous sight during the dull time of year, namely, during November and December. Some of these plants, moreover, were producing as many as thirteen spikes, others a lesser number. This species is, as it deserves to be, a great favourite with Mr. Percival. There was among them a fine specimen of _L. anceps Percivaliana_, a most beautiful form, producing fourteen spikes of its chaste flowers, the sepals and petals of which are blush-white and the lip rosy purple.

There were many other fine Orchids to be seen here. We must congratulate Mr. Percival on being so successful with his Cattleyas, which, when in bloom, must have been a grand sight, especially the varieties of _C. Trianæ_, _C. Mendelii_, and _C. Mossiæ_, which, between them, were producing many hundreds of flower-sheaths. Of _C. Percivaliana_ there were five plants throwing up their spikes, and they looked very promising and distinct; doubtless, as in the case of other types of Cattleyas, there will be many forms of this new species.—B. S. W.

[Since the above was written Mr. Percival has exhibited one of these plants at South Kensington, and obtained for it a First Class Certificate. The flowers are not so large as in _C. Mossiæ_, but the lip is very richly coloured—a velvety crimson-purple with a border of pale rosy purple.]

ONCIDIUM LANCEANUM LOUVREXIANUM.
[Plate 129.]
Native of Dutch Guiana.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ forming a very short woody annulated rootstock
(ebulbous), from which are protruded the thick greenish roots.
_Leaves_ elliptic-oblong acute, leathery, slightly keeled, somewhat
recurved at the point, a foot to a foot and a half in length, dull
deep green speckled with purple, the speckling most strongly marked on
the under surface and on the younger parts. _Panicles_ rigid,
short-branched, on green peduncles, which spring from the base of the
leaf, and are blotched with purple, and invested with scarious
ovate-acuminate bracts, the lower ones being larger and much
lengthened out. _Flowers_ showy, fragrant like vanilla; _sepals_
oblong-obovate, narrowed below, concave, keeled, wavy at the edge,
yellowish green externally, internally brighter yellow-green and
spotted irregularly with reddish brown, a broad blotch of brown
occupying the base; _petals_ similar to the sepals in size, form, and
colour; _lip_ one and a half inch long, three-lobed, lateral or basal
lobes magenta-purple, darkest at the centre, triangular-oblong, with
three crests diminishing upwards on the disk between them; the middle
or anterior lobe clawed, transversely-oblong, emarginate, the anterior
half of the claw and the broad anterior lobe itself whiter. _Column_
short, white, with a pair of magenta-coloured oblique oblong side
wings, and a red anther cap.

Oncidium Lanceanum Louvrexianum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’
Chronicle_, N.S., xvii., 218.

We now present to our subscribers the figure of a most beautiful Orchid which belongs to an extensive genus, the species of which vary much in their growth, bulbs, foliage, and flowers, the latter including almost every gradation of size and many shades of colour. The Oncidiums are among the most useful of plants for decorative purposes, as every one must know who grows Orchids. _Oncidium Lanceanum_ is quite distinct as a species from any others with which we are acquainted and is remarkable for having a rich rosy violet lip; the typical form we hope to be able to figure at some future time. The variety _Louvrexianum_, as will be seen from the annexed illustration, differs from the type in having the lip white. Our plate was prepared from an excellent drawing of a plant which flowered in the fine collection of orchids belonging to Mons. D. Massange de Louvrex, of Marche, in Belgium—one of the best collections in that country, and one also in which the plants are well cultivated, and many unique specimens are to be seen.

_Oncidium Lanceanum Louvrexianum_ is an evergreen plant like the type. It grows to a foot or more in height, and has light green foliage which is spotted all over with a darker green and purple. The flowers are produced on an upright scape a foot or more in length, which springs directly from the rhizome at the base of the leaf. The sepals and petals are greenish yellow blotched with brownish crimson, and the lip being white forms a pleasing contrast with the brown-crimson of the sepals and petals. It blooms during the summer months, and lasts several weeks in beauty.

We bloomed this variety many years ago, but it is still a rare plant; indeed we now very seldom see _Oncidium Lanceanum_ itself well grown, for it is found difficult to cultivate by our present Orchid growers. Many years ago one frequently met with fine specimens of it exhibited at our London shows, and others were to be met with in collections in different parts of the country. We still hope to see it again taken in hand by Orchid cultivators, for it is beautiful both in foliage and in flower and altogether makes a distinct and handsome specimen. The manner in which these plants fail—and it is one which is very annoying—is that the leaves go spotted, a condition which is not only detrimental to their well-being, but renders them unsightly, and thus cultivators get tired of their plants and discard them, while others, who keep the foliage good from year to year, are proud of their success. We believe the spotting to be caused by giving the plants too much heat and not sufficient air, when, if the foliage is also kept too moist, it will spot; the leaves, it will be noted, are of a thick fleshy texture, and when once they get spotted it is very difficult to restore them to health. If a suitable place can be found for it, and one in which it succeeds well, by all means let it be kept there. We have found these plants do well grown in baskets, with good drainage, so that the roots can be benefited by being suspended in the atmosphere of the house—in fact they do not like their roots to be too much covered over, but they should have a little live sphagnum moss or very good fibrous peat. This compost should never be allowed to get into a wet or soddened condition; but if this should occur clear all the old material away, and employ fresh, putting some good lumps of charcoal, more of this than of moss or peat.

The plants may also be successfully grown on blocks of wood and suspended from the roof. We have found them succeed in an intermediate temperature ranging about 60° by night in winter, and a trifle more—about 65°—by day; in summer the heat may range to little higher, but not very much. With the heat give all the light possible, avoiding exposure to sunshine, as this will scorch the fleshy leaves, to prevent which we find it quite advisable to shade during the sunny part of the day.

See further observations relating to _Oncidium Lanceanum_ under Plate 130.

THUNIA MARSHALLIANA.
[Plate 130.]
Native of Moulmein.

Terrestrial. _Stems_ reed-like, erect, glabrous, cylindrical, about
two and a half feet high, becoming smaller upwards, swelling into
roundish tuberous knobs beneath the soil, clothed above with
distichous leaves, and terminating in a dense raceme of flowers.
_Leaves_ oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, semi-amplectant, about six
inches long, five to seven nerved, of a pale green colour, glaucous
beneath. _Racemes_ terminal, nodding, dense, and many-flowered, the
bracts large ovate-lanceolate, acute, concave, shorter than the
ovaries, pale yellowish green. _Flowers_ large and delicately
beautiful, white with orange-red veins; _sepals_ and _petals_
lanceolate-oblong acute, spreading, nearly equal, about two and a half
inches long, pure white; _lip_ white, with the lower part convolute
around the column, produced behind into a retuse falcate spur and
having in the centre five veins or ribs, fringed at the edge; the
front part or limb flattened out, roundish, yellow with numerous
forking veins of a deep orange-red colour, occupying the whole area,
the disk traversed by five yellow raised veins, and about five shorter
ones on each side, all pectinately fringed with crystalline hairs, the
margin toothed and beautifully crisped, the extreme edge being white.
_Column_ enclosed by the lateral lobes of the lip (which are yellowish
striated with red near the front) terete below, widened above, with
two prominent toothed wings near the tip forming a kind of hood.

Thunia Marshalliana, _Reichenbach fil._, _Linnæa_ xli., 65; _Regel_,
_Gartenflora_, t. 1098.

The _Thunias_ form a small genus of very beautiful Orchids, which have the further recommendation of being easy of cultivation. They are deciduous in habit, losing their stems and leaves after they have bloomed and completed their growth. That which we now figure, _T. Marshalliana_, is a most distinct and showy species. Our sketch of which was taken from a well grown plant belonging to W. Cobb, Esq., Silverdale Lodge, Sydenham, who has a well selected and finely grown collection of Orchids. This plant was indeed a marvel of cultivation, and did great credit to Mr. Catt, the gardener.

_Thunia Marshalliana_, like its congeners is a free-growing plant, furnished with tall red stems. These stems are of annual duration only, and grow from two to three feet in height, perishing as soon as the flowering and growth is completed; they are thickly clothed with distichous leaves, which are of a pale glaucous green colour, and three inches or more in length. The flowers are produced in large terminal spikes, and have the sepals and petals white, and the lip white, beautifully veined and fringed with deep orange colour, margined with white. The plant generally blooms in June and July, and continues flowering on for several weeks; it makes a fine decorative subject, as well as a fine plant for the exhibition table. We have more than once seen some noble specimens shown at the Whitsuntide National Show of the Royal Botanic and Horticultural Society of Manchester.

We figured the charming _Thunia Bensoniæ_ in our second volume at Plate 67, where will be found a full account of the treatment given to that beautiful species. _T. Marshalliana_ requires a similar mode of cultivation, and is propagated in the same manner.

Oncidium Lanceanum, a very handsome variety of which is figured on the preceding Plate, was first discovered in Surinam by John H. Lance, Esq., by whom it was brought to England in the year 1834. In a letter quoted by Dr. Lindley in the _Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London_ (2 ser. ii, 100, t. 5.), Mr. Lance states that he first found it growing on the trunk of a large Tamarind tree, near the Government House, and that he subsequently met with a number of the plants in different parts of the colony, generally attached to the stems or branches of Tamarind, Sapodilla or Calabash trees. With him it failed to grow in rotten wood and light earth, but grew well when fastened to the branches of the Orange, the Soursop, the Mammee, and even the _Brugmansia arborea_, producing vigorous stems with upwards of twenty blossoms on each.

The scent of the blossom Mr. Lance goes on to state “is extremely fragrant, and is retained after the flower is dried, only becoming fainter and more of a spicy flavour than when fresh. The plant remains in full beauty from ten or twelve days—a long period in that climate; and I found that it always required a shady situation, and a living stem to grow upon, without which it would not produce its flowers in the highest perfection.” Dr. Lindley, in one place, compares the fragrance to that of the Garden Pink, and in another to that of Vanilla.

ODONTOGLOSSUM NEVADENSE.
[Plate 131.]
Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ large, oblong-ovate, compressed, about three
inches high and two inches broad, diphyllous. _Leaves_
lorate-lanceolate, keeled, very much narrowed to the base, of a dark
green. _Scapes_ radical, bearing drooping racemes of from twelve to
fifteen blossoms. _Flowers_ large and pleasingly coloured; _sepals_
spreading in a narrow triangle, lanceolate, slightly grooved in the
centre, clear bright chestnut, with a narrow even edge of yellow;
_petals_ smaller, lanceolate, spreading, an inch and a half long, of
the same colour as the sepals but with more distinct yellow tips, and
about two forked bars of a pale yellow colour at the base, opposite
the lateral lobes of the lip, the margin slightly wavy; _lip_ white,
three-lobed, the lateral lobes erect, crescent-shaped, spotted with
chestnut, the broad rounded front lobe deeply fringed,
cuspidato-acuminate, the base cuneate, channelled, the disk with a
bifid crest, and three obcuneate conical brown spots. _Column_ erect,
half-an-inch long, galeate, spotted with red, and having two short
horn-like lateral auricles.

Odontoglossum nevadense, _Reichenbach fil._, _MS._ in _Horto
Lindeniano ac Mendeliano_; _Id._ _Xenia Orchidacea_, ii., t. 191,
figs. 1, 2; _Id._ _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S. xv., 136; _André_,
_L’Illustration Horticole_, 3 ser., t. 45.

The _Odontoglossum nevadense_ is a very distinct and also a very rare and beautiful species which was first discovered in 1868, by Mr. G. Wallis, when travelling for Mr. Linden in the Sierra Nevada of New Grenada. It is not often met with, as there are very few plants of it in cultivation, so far as we know, but we may hope that our energetic collectors will be fortunate enough to meet with and send home a further supply of so lovely a plant. We are indebted to Dr. Boddaert, of Gand, Belgium, for the materials which have been used in preparing our illustration, the plant from which our plate was copied having been grown in his fine collection of Orchids; this was the best specimen of the kind which we have seen, and was, when in bloom, an object of attraction of which Dr. Boddaert might well be proud.

In this _Odontoglossum nevadense_ we have a compact-growing evergreen species, with small pseudobulbs, and light green foliage; it grows about ten inches in height, and produces its spikes of elegant flowers during the spring and summer months. The sepals and petals are reddish-brown, margined and tipped with yellow; the lip is white, its side lobes spotted with brown inside. It lasts about six weeks in beauty.

This species is best grown in a pot, with rough fibrous peat as a compost, and good drainage. It should have the same treatment accorded to it as that given to _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_ as regards water, and the temperature of the Odontoglossum house. Dr. Boddaert grew his specimen with the rest of his Odontoglots, and found it to succeed well under this _régime_, the plant continuing to increase in size and in value.

The following New Orchids were exhibited at the meeting of the Royal
Horticultural Society at South Kensington on February 12th, and were
severally awarded First Class Certificates:—

Cattleya Percivaliana alba.—A most chaste and beautiful variety of this novelty, having pure white sepals and petals, and a white lip marked with a blotch of yellow in the throat. Exhibited by R. P. Percival, Esq., Birkdale, Southport.

Lælia anceps Williamsiana.—A new variety of _Lælia anceps_, exhibited by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., of St. Albans. The sepals and petals are pure white, of good form, and stout substance; the lip white, having a yellow patch at the base, and a yellow throat striped with deep crimson-purple.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ (crispum) aureum.—A very striking novelty, with clear yellow flowers. The sepals and petals are of a deep lemon yellow, the sepals spotted with brown, and the lip having one or two spots of a similar colour. Exhibited by F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Bickley.

Odontoglossum Pollettianum.—This plant was much admired on account of the distinct markings of the flowers. The sepals and petals were white, tinged with purple, and heavily spotted with reddish brown; the lip being wedge shaped, as in _O. Andersonianum_. It is, doubtless, one of the many natural hybrids between _O. Alexandræ_ and _O. gloriosum_. Exhibited by H. M. Pollett, Esq., Bickley.

Oncidium anthrocene.—In growth this plant somewhat resembles _Miltonia Warscewiczii_ (_O. Weltoni_), but it is quite distinct in the character of its flowers, and in its branched inflorescence. The sepals and petals are much undulated, brown, faintly barred with yellow towards the base; the lip is yellow, spotted with brown, and very distinct. Exhibited by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans.

Oncidium Jonesianum.—A new and distinct species, having terete foliage eight to twelve inches long. The flowers are about two inches across, greenish yellow, with reddish brown spots, the lip white spotted with red. Exhibited by A. H. Smee, Esq., Wallington.

The following were also submitted to the meeting:—

Vanda Cathcartii.—There was a well-grown specimen of this fine species exhibited by Mr. Aldous, gardener to G. Heriot, Esq., Highgate, bearing three spikes consisting of eleven flowers. It is a pity we so seldom see this plant, as it is a real beauty. The plant was deservedly awarded a Cultural Commendation.

Mr. Philbrick exhibited flowers of a fine series of _Cattleya Trianæ_, among which some very nice varieties both of the light and dark coloured sections.

LÆLIA DAYANA.
[Plate 132.]
Native of Brazil.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ short, clustered, oblong, somewhat clavate,
invested by dry membranous pale brown scales, the stronger and younger
flowering stems with two or three blunter sheaths of a pale green
colour. _Leaves_ elliptic-oblong, acute, three inches long, fleshy
coriaceous, solitary. _Scape_ terminal, one-flowered, issuing from a
leafy spathe. _Flowers_ nearly four inches across, showy, on account
of the rich and strongly contrasted colouring of the lip; _sepals_
lanceolate acute, entire, recurved at the top, pale lilac-mauve;
_petals_ ovate acute, broader and somewhat deeper coloured than the
sepals; _lip_ three-lobed, the lateral lobes having the sides
convolute over the column, of a pale lilac-mauve, the truncately
rounded denticulate front edge recurved, and together with the
subquadrate emarginate undulated and recurved front lobe of a rich
purple-magenta, contrasting strongly with the diluted mauve-purple of
the sepals, petals, and base of lip; the _throat_ is white, marked by
seven deep purple carinæ, which are depressed and more or less wavy on
the edges. _Column_ quite enclosed, angulate on both sides at the
apex.

Lælia Dayana, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, N.S.,
vi., 772.

Lælia pumila Dayana, _Burbidge_, _Floral Magazine_, N.S., t. 249.

This species belongs to a group of small-growing _Lælias_, several of which are most beautiful. That of which we are at present treating is, however, one of the best of this group. There are several forms of it to be met with in gardens, but that which we have figured we consider to be the type. It was first flowered by and named in honour of John Day, Esq., of Tottenham, and was imported by Messrs. Low & Co., from Brazil, some years ago, together with a batch of _L. pumila_, so that it is now well distributed, and is to be seen in nearly all collections of any importance. It is a most useful plant, and has many good qualities to recommend it, amongst which we may mention that it is dwarf-growing as well as free-blooming, and it is of easy cultivation, thriving under the cool treatment given to Odontoglots, which it seems to enjoy. Our drawing was taken from a well-grown plant in the collection of J. Buchanan, Esq., of Oswald Road, Morningside, Edinburgh, who has some well-grown specimens of the different classes of Orchids which are well cared for by Mr. Grossart, the gardener.

_Lælia Dayana_ is a compact evergreen plant, growing about six inches high, the stems being terminated by the short oblong leathery green leaves; it produces its flowers with the young growth from the top of the stem, and these are of large size, the sepals and petals being of a light lilac-mauve and the lip of an intensely dark magenta-purple, with a light throat, the crest much darker in colour. It blossoms during the autumn months, and lasts about four weeks in bloom if the flowers are kept dry.

This, as we have said, is a cool-house plant, doing well with the Odontoglots if placed in pans or shallow pots amongst rough fibrous peat with good drainage, filling the pots three parts full with a layer of moss on the crocks, and the pot being then filled up with the peat, adding some lumps of charcoal, which will encourage them to root more freely. They will also do well in baskets suspended from the roof with the same material, and they will thrive on blocks of wood, but grown in the latter way they require more water in the active season.

When in pots or baskets they require to be kept moist in their growing season, which continues during their period of flowering and some time after. When their growth is completed less water will suffice, but their stems must not be allowed to shrivel. Moreover, the soil must always be kept in a sweet condition. If the soil decays remove it and supply fresh, but in doing this carefully avoid injuring the roots. They must be grown near the glass, with very little shade—just sufficient to keep the burning sun-rays off them.

Insects must be well sought after and battled with. The White Scale will attack them, and must be eradicated, as small-growing plants like this cannot endure such enemies. Cleanliness is the chief virtue, not only in cultivating Orchids but most other plants, and clean objects are always worthy of admiration.

ANGULOA EBURNEA.
[Plate 133.]
Native of Colombia.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ oblong attenuated at the apex, four inches
high, furrowed, dark green, sheathed while young with large leafy
scales, which gradually pass into the true leaves, becoming leafless
in age. _Leaves_ broadly elliptic-lanceolate acute, strongly ribbed
and of thin herbaceous texture. _Scape_ stout, springing from the base
of the pseudobulbs, eight to ten inches high, with one or two distinct
sheathing ovate acuminate pale green bracts. _Flowers_ large, solitary
at the top of the erect scape, subglobose, of a clear ivory white;
_sepals_ broadly orbicular-ovate, acute, cucullately concave, the
margins of the dorsal and the tips of the connivent lateral ones
recurved, white; _petals_ smaller, enclosed, concave, also white;
_lip_ white spotted with pink, turned up so to be parallel to the
column, three-lobed, the lateral lobes broad narrowed to a point which
is recurved, the middle lobe small, triangular, deflexed with a furrow
down the centre. _Column_ clavate, the apex with three projecting
subulate-triangular teeth directed downwards.

Anguloa eburnea, _Williams_, _Orchid Grower’s Manual_, 3 ed., 67;
_Id._, ed. 5, 91.

Of this small Orchidic genus there are but few species known in cultivation. All those we have seen bear curiously-formed flowers, and are very showy. The species now before us has the flowers of an ivory white, and these when in bloom form a good contrast with the yellow flowers of _Anguloa Clowesii_ and the beautifully spotted flowers of _A. Ruckeri_ and its variety _A. Ruckeri sanguinea_, a figure of which latter plant will be found at Plate 19 of our first volume. There are besides other species, but those we have mentioned are among the most showy.

_Anguloa eburnea_, our present subject, is an exceedingly rare and a very distinct species, which indeed we have seen in very few collections. We are indebted to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, M.P., of Burford Lodge, Dorking, whose collection, as is well known, abounds in rare Orchids, for the opportunity of publishing the accompanying figure.

Like the other _Anguloas_ this is a plant of bold and majestic habit, producing large dark green pseudobulbs several inches high, crowned with the ample lively green foliage, which attains a foot and a half in height. The flowers, which are ivory white, proceed from the base of the pseudobulbs on scapes eight to ten inches in height. The character of these plants is to show their flowers after their pseudobulbs are well matured, and when the resting season has been completed, the young growth also appearing at the same time. The flowers are generally produced during the months of May and June, and last for several weeks in beauty. It should, however, always be borne in mind that in order to preserve them for any lengthened period, the flowers must be kept free from contact with moisture, inasmuch as white blossoms seem to have a greater tendency to spot than those of any other colours. Our present subject makes a grand exhibition plant, and moreover, one which is quite distinct in character.

We find the _Anguloas_ very accommodating, for in regard to their cultivation they will do equally well either in the Cattleya house, or in the cool Odontoglossum house. We cultivate them under both these conditions, but when grown in the cooler atmosphere we generally take them into the warmer house as they begin to show flower, and take them back to the cool house after they have finished blooming. At this time of the year—say June—the weather is warm, and we find that the cool house suits them, and the conditions thus secured induce them to make strong bulbs, which is a necessity if it is desired that they should bloom freely.

We find rough fibrous peat to suit them as a compost, and they must have good drainage. They should, moreover, be grown in pots. The roots require to be kept moist during the time the plants are in vigorous growth, but when their pseudobulbs are fully grown, which is the time for rest, very little water is required, merely sufficient to keep the bulbs plump. We find the best time for potting,—that is, if they require it—to be just as they begin to grow, and show their flower buds. The plants must be taken carefully out of their pots, and the soil being dry it will readily fall from the roots; the old roots, then dead, must be carefully cut away, and fresh ones will appear to supply their place. After potting, the roots will become vigorous, which will enable them to swell up their large pseudobulbs, and to perfect their flowers. They must be grown near the glass in order to ripen their bulbs and thoroughly mature their foliage, which, however, requires to be shaded to keep it from getting scorched.

Insects should be always looked after to keep them in check. Sometimes the scale attacks them, but this may easily be kept under by a sponge and clean water. In this work of cleansing always avoid rubbing the foliage too much, as this will cause bruises, which are very detrimental to the plant and cause it to look unsightly; moreover, perfect and uninjured foliage is a great adornment to a plant, and gives evidence of good cultivation and judicious care. These plants are propagated by dividing the pseudobulbs just as they begin to grow, leaving one or two at the back of the leading one. The divided portions must be placed in pots, using for compost the same kind of material as that recommended above.

CALANTHE VESTITA WILLIAMSII.
[Plate 134.]
Native of Eastern Asia.

Terrestrial. _Pseudobulbs_ broadly ovate or ovate-oblong, often five
to eight inches long with a constriction above the middle, bluntly
angular, in age furrowed, pale grey or ash colour, partially sheathed
with membranaceous scales, and terminating in the remains of the
previous set of leaves. _Leaves_ large, broadly lanceolate acuminate,
a foot long, of herbaceous texture, and a pale green colour, nervosely
striate, deciduous, appearing after the decay of the flowers, two or
more from each bulb. _Scapes_ radical, tall, pale green, villous with
spreading hairs, and having a few sheathing glabrous scales below,
terminating in a raceme of fifteen to twenty or more flowers, with
hairy pedicels, each subtended by a smooth, spreading or deflexed
ovate-lanceolate boat-shaped bract, about an inch in length. _Flowers_
showy, about two inches across, _sepals_ oblong-lanceolate acute,
narrowed towards the base, the dorsal one white, the lateral ones
white on the upper, rosy crimson on the lower side at the base, the
tips being white; _petals_ similar in form, rather broader upwards,
bluntly acute, margined with rosy crimson, and pencilled in the lower
half with the same colour; _lip_ adnate with the column at the base,
its limb broadly roundish, deeply three-lobed, the lateral lobes
oblong-obtuse, the broadly cuneate centre lobe emarginate, entirely of
a dense bright rosy crimson, the discal region of a much deepened
tint, and the margins paler. _Spur_ slender, curved beneath and
shorter than the lip, rosy, with a green tip. _Column_ adnate with the
base of lip, the blunt projecting beak white.

Calanthe vestita Williamsii, _Moore_, supra.

The genus _Calanthe_ which we now again bring under the notice of our readers, ranks amongst the most useful in cultivation for winter decoration. Several species and varieties have been introduced within the last few years, and have proved to be a great boon to plant growers and others who are fond of flowers, as the whole of this bulbous class produce their blossoms at a time when the beauties of nature are most appreciated. What can be more charming than the original _C. vestita_, and its red-eyed and yellow-eyed varieties with their drooping flower spikes; or what more pleasing than the _C. Veitchii_, figured at Plate 31 of our first volume, a hybrid raised by the Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, and a most useful decorative plant, its long spikes of rich rose-pink flowers producing a most charming effect when intermixed with the white-flowered kinds.

We have now another variety to make known, and one which, as will be seen from the accompanying figure, adds a new charm to the genus, since it will introduce among our winter blooming Calanthes a most distinct and showy form that will be welcomed by all plant growers as being superior in beauty to all those which have preceded it. It has been named in compliment to Mr. B. S. Williams, of Holloway. Our drawing was taken from a plant that had been blooming during the months of December, January and February in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries. It seems to be of free growth, the pseudobulbs being like those of _C. vestita Turneri_, the spikes of flowers being also of similar character and developed at the same time of year.

_Calanthe vestita Williamsii_ is a deciduous plant, with pseudobulbs from five to eight inches in height, and leaves a foot high and of a light green colour. The flower-spikes, which are produced from the base of the bulb, are two feet or more in length, and bear many flowers; the sepals and petals are white, faintly margined and striped with bright rosy crimson; the lip and column are of a deep rosy crimson, with an intense crimson eye. It continues to flower on for three months, when the bulbs are strong.

This novelty requires the same mode of treatment as that recommended for _Calanthe Veitchii_ at Plate 31 of our first volume, where full cultural instructions are given.

Orchids at Downside, Leatherhead.—It is always a great treat to see the Orchid collection of W. Lee, Esq. We always find something to note for the advantage of our subscribers, who, like ourselves, are interested to read of things they have not already seen. What we are now about to describe was certainly a grand sight, namely, a house full of _Phalænopsis_, of which there were many hundred spikes of blossom hanging in profusion over and amongst each other, and thus showing off their various tints of colour to advantage. There was first the white _P. amabilis_ with capital spikes, and then _P. grandiflora_, an extraordinary large kind with well formed flowers of _P. Stuartiana_, with its white spotted flowers, there were many varieties, differing in their spotting; and there were also two fine plants of _P. Brymeriana_, a beautiful and rare kind. The most prominent, however, was _P. Schilleriana_, with many spikes including some beautifully coloured forms, the mauve-coloured flowers of which, hanging amongst the white forms, produced quite a charming _ensemble_. The middle and side tables were one mass of colour, while on one side, for the whole length of the house, at the back of the _Phalænopsids_ was placed a row of the chaste and beautiful white-flowered _Angræcum citratum_, displaying as many as thirty spikes, each from eighteen to thirty inches long; these charming flowers overhanging the _Phalænopsis_ produced a most exquisite effect, well worthy a long journey to see. We may without presumption congratulate Mr. Lee on having produced so grand a picture.