Plate XIV.

Pseudobulbsoval, compressed, about an inch long, glossy, bearing solitary lanceolate somewhat recurvedLeaves,which are shorter than the upright 1-(rarely 2-)floweredScapes.Bractsnot half so long as the three-cornered ovary.SepalsandPetalsequal, linear, acuminate, of a dull olive-green, with a few faint transverse streaks of brown on their inner side.Lipwhite, rhomboidal, subrotund, with its edges eroded, and its unguis, or claw, hollow, truncate, free, and divided at top into two, or rather into four lobes, the two foremost of which resemble teeth.Columnslender, wingless.

There is an air of quaintness about this littleOdontoglossumwhich, insignificant though it be, is spread over a range of territory far more extensive than is occupied by any other member of the genus; for it has been found in Mexico by Hartweg, in Guatemala (on the Volcan del Fuego) by Skinner, and in Veraguas by Warszewicz!

At Knypersley, where the figure was taken, the species flowers freely in the winter and spring, and is managed (in a cool house) without the slightest difficulty.

Dissections.—1. Column and lip (magnified), seen sideways; 2. Ditto, ditto, in front.

Plate XIV

Odontoglossum Alexandræ.Odontoglossum Alexandræ.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ.

PRINCESS OF WALES' ODONTOGLOSSUM (BLUNT'S VARIETY).

O. (Isanthium,Lindl.) pseudobulbis ovatis compressis 1- vel 2-phyllis, racemo simplici multifloro foliis subæquali, bracteis minoribus cochleatis acutis, floribus membranaceis pedicellis æquantibus, sepalis petalisque sæpius subæqualibus (interdum petalis multo latioribus), sepalis lanceolatis acuminatis petalis ovato-lanceolatis acutis undulato-laceris, labello breviore unguiculato formâ diversissimâ, nunc sepalis conformi nunc subpanduriformi, apice emarginato (sæpius mucrone adjecto) margine undulato integro vel sæpius dentato acuto apice recurvo, disco maculato, cristâ simplici bilamellatâ. Columna arcuata clavata, alata, alis laceris.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ,Bateman in Gardeners' Chronicle, 1864;et in Proceedings R. Hort. Soc.p.186 (1864).

Odontoglossum Bluntii,Reichenbach fil.

Habitat inNov. Granada, prope Pacho, 7-8000 p.,Weir,Blunt.

DESCRIPTION.

An Epiphyte.Pseudobulbssmooth, slightly compressed, sometimes broadly ovate, but occasionally tapering, 2 to 3 inches long, and bearing 1 or 2 linear lanceolate-pointedLeaves,which are from a few inches to a foot long, and frequently of rather lax character; a reddish tint is also sometimes met with both in the leaves and pseudobulbs.Racemesalways simple, about the length of—sometimes longer than—the leaves, and carrying from two or three to a dozen or more large membranous and beautifulFlowers,which vary exceedingly both in size, form, and colouring. Usually they are from 2 to 3 inches in diameter, and about equal to the pedicels.Bractsabout half an inch long, pointed, fitting close to the stem.Sepalslanceolate acuminate, white or rosy-white, with sometimes one or more brown or purple spots on each.Petalsusually—though not invariably—wider than the sepals, and resembling them in form and colour, but destitute of spots; both in the sepals and petals the edges are usually more or less curled or waved.Liprecurved at the apex, exceedingly variable in its outline; in some examples almost exactly resembling the sepals, in others taking more or less a panduriform shape (in which case the apex, instead of pointed, is round, emarginate, with a point or mucro); the edges too, which are sometimes entire, are much more frequently jagged or toothed; the short unguis, or claw, is longitudinally callose; and where it expands into the disk, ends in two straight pointed and diverging teeth, which, like the claw, are yellow, the rest of the lip being white, with or without spots of the same character as those found in the sepals; there are a few red or brown lines which radiate or spread out like a fan on either side of the teeth composing the crest, but they do not, as inO. Pescatorei,form a detached flap.Columnshort, arched, club-shaped, with broad truncate wings that are more or less jagged or fringed.

This most charmingOdontoglossumwas discovered in 1863 by Mr. Weir, at an elevation of from 7000 to 8000 feet, in the gloomy forests that clothe the slopes of the lofty mountain-ranges at the rear of the City of Santa Fé de Bogotá. As the wild specimens of the flowers that he sent home to the Horticultural Society indicated not only a new species, but one of surpassing beauty, I did not hesitate at once to dedicate it to the illustrious Princess whose name it will henceforth bear. Since the first description of the plant appeared in the 'Gardeners' Chronicle' many living plants have been received both by the Royal Horticultural Society and by Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., of Clapton, several of which have bloomed and, even in their first feeble attempts to flower, have more than justified the very high expectations formed of the plant which, as it gathers strength, cannot fail to become an established favourite with all Orchid-lovers.

It proves to be a most variable species, and I am not surprised that my accomplished friend Professor Reichenbach should have considered the first examples sent to him from Clapton to differ so materially from those ofO. Alexandræ, as described by myself, as to justify his regarding them as a distinct form, to which, in honour of Messrs. Low's very zealous collector, he gave the designation ofBluntii. Since then, however, so many intermediate varieties have made their appearance that it is clearly impossible to regard the two supposed species as really distinct.

Specimens of the plant have been sent to me by Messrs. Low, Mr. W. W. Buller, Mr. Rucker, Mr. Day, and Mr. Paterson; it has also flowered at Knypersley, but as yet no two specimens have been alike for, while some were beautifully spotted on the lip and petals with brown or crimson, others, with the exception of the golden crest on the labellum, were of the purest white. To the last-named class belonged the specimens grown by Mr. Buller and Mr. Paterson, the latter of which were so eminently lovely that they will form the subject of a separate Plate. Mr. Blunt's name may very properly be associated with the spotted variety now figured, and which was taken from a plant that he sent to his employers at Clapton.

O. Alexandræis nearly allied toO. crispumandO. Pescatorei; but, independently of the structure of its flowers, differs from both in its invariably producing simple racemes instead of branched panicles. It flowers freely in the winter and spring months, and may apparently be cultivated with the greatest ease. Of course, coming as it does from a great elevation, it must not be kept too warm.

Dissections.—1. Lip and column (magnified), seen in front. 2. Ditto, ditto, seen sideways.

Plate XV

Odontoglossum Reichenheimii.Odontoglossum Reichenheimii.

Odontoglossum Reichenheimii.

ODONTOGLOSSUM REICHENHEIMII.

M. REICHENHEIM'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

O. (Isanthium,Lindl.) pseudobulbis oblongis aggregatis diphyllis vix sulcatis, foliis oblongo-lanceolatis acutis scapo maculato laxe paniculato 3-plo brevioribus, bracteis brevibus membranaceis, sepalis petalisque subæqualibus oblongo-lanceolatis apiculatis, labello oblongo basi cordato apice obtusato lobulato, callo tumido utrinque ante basin, carinâ geminâ in imâ basi.Odontoglossum Reichenheimii,Reichenbach fil. in Bonpl.iii. 214;idem in Pescatorea,sub t.19;Walpers,Annales, vi.fasc.6.Lemaire in Illustr. Hortic. pl.213.Habitat inMexico,Ghiesbreght.

Odontoglossum Reichenheimii,Reichenbach fil. in Bonpl.iii. 214;idem in Pescatorea,sub t.19;Walpers,Annales, vi.fasc.6.Lemaire in Illustr. Hortic. pl.213.

Habitat inMexico,Ghiesbreght.

DESCRIPTION.

An epiphyte.Pseudobulbsoblong, slightly furrowed, from 2 to 4 inches long, clustered together.Leaves2 on each pseudobulb, shining and leathery, oblong-lanceolate, pointed, about a foot long, much shorter than the scape.Scapeupright or nodding, from 2 feet to a yard high, spotted, loosely panicled, bearing from 10 to sometimes probably 50 flowers.Bractsfew, short, and membranous, fitting close to the stem.SepalsandPetalsnearly equal, oblong-lanceolate, apiculate, about an inch long, greenish-yellow, barred with dark purplish-brown.Lippurple in some varieties, in others white, with a horseshoe-shaped band of purple on its disk, oblong, rather blunt, and slightly lobed at the apex, somewhat heart-shaped at the base, where there is a callosity on either side, and a double carina.Columnvery slightly winged.

This pretty species is well figured in 'Pescatorea,' where it is stated to be a native of Mexico, whence it was introduced by M. Linden, of Brussels. It was from his establishment that I derived the plant that is represented on the other side, and which flowered at Knypersley in May last (1865). It appears to be very easily managed, requiring the same temperature and treatment asO. læve, to which it is nearly allied, and which forms the subject of the following Plate. It is also very closely related toO. Karwinskii; and I do not feel certain that the two may not eventually have to be united. At present, however, so few plants of either kind exist in the collections of this country, that the materials necessary for an extensive comparison are not forthcoming.

The specific name was given by Professor Reichenbach in honour of M. Reichenheim, of Berlin, whose collection of Orchids and other plants has long been celebrated.

Dissections.—1. Side view (magnified) of lip and column; 2. Front view of ditto.

Dissections of Odontoglossum Reichenheimii

Plate XVI

Odontoglossum læve.Odontoglossum læve.

Odontoglossum læve.

ODONTOGLOSSUM LÆVE.

SMOOTH-LIPPED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

O. (Isanthium) pseudobulbis subcompressis sulcatis diphyllis, foliis oblongo-ensiformibus obtuse acutis apice obliquis, scapis multifloris brevioribus, floribus laxe racemoso-paniculatis, bracteis brevibus membranaceis, sepalis petalisque oblongo-linearibus acutis planis, labelli limbo panduriformi apiculato ungui lævi obsoletissime bidentato, columnæ alis apice rotundatis crispis basi planis.Lindl.

Odontoglossum læve,Lindl. in Bot. Reg.(1844),t.39;L. Fol. Orch.n.52.

Habitat inGuatemala,Skinner.

DESCRIPTION.

Pseudobulbsfrom 3 to 5 inches long, ovate, subcompressed, furrowed, 2-leaved.Leavessword-shaped, obtuse, or obtusely-acute, sometimes slightly oblique at their extremities, a foot or more long, shorter than the many-flowered flower-stems.Flower-stemsloosely branched, 2 to 3 feet long, rather drooping, bearing from 20 to (sometimes) 100Flowers.Bractsfrom half an inch to an inch long, sharp-pointed, clipping tightly hold of the stem.SepalsandPetalsnearly equal, oblong-linear, acute, plane at the edges, usually about an inch long, light green, transversely banded with brown.Lipwith a fiddle-shaped, apiculate limb doubled back on its unguis or claw, white, changing into purple at its base, where it is sometimes very obscurely bidentate.WingsofColumncrisp at the edges, plane at the base.

This is not one of the most attractive species, but its stately appearance, the profuseness with which its flowers are produced and their pleasant aroma, will secure it a place in most collections. It is common in Guatemala, where Mr. Skinner originally discovered it, and it probably extends as far as Mexico, where the nearly allied species (O. Reichenheimii), figured in the preceding Plate, is found. As it is only met with at a great elevation, it must be treated as a very "cool" Orchid, under whichrégimeit will flower abundantly in the spring months. The chief danger to be guarded against is that of its exhausting itself—like many species ofPhalænopsis—by over-much flowering, and to prevent which it is of course only necessary to break off some of the scapes.

Dissections.—1. Lip, seen in front; 2. Lip and column, seen sideways:magnified.

Plate XVII

Odontoglossum atropurpureum.Odontoglossum atropurpureum.

Odontoglossum atropurpureum.

ODONTOGLOSSUM LUTEO-PURPUREUM.

YELLOW AND BROWN ODONTOGLOSSUM.

O. (Euodontoglossum) pseudobulbis ovatis subcompressis diphyllis, foliis ensiformibus racemis multifloris nutantibus subæqualibus, bracteis ovatis acutis squamæformibus, pedicellis internodiis æquantibus, sepalis petalisque subæqualibus oblongo-lanceolatis acuminatis, labelli breviter unguiculati lateribus planis, limbo subpanduriformi antice lacero-serrulato, cristâ ad basin multidigitatâ, columnæ petalis triplo brevioris vix arcuatæ alis multifidis crinitis.

Odontoglossum luteo-purpureum,Lindl. Orch. Linden.n.85;Fol. Orch.n.7.

Odontoglossum radiatum,Rchb. Gard. Chron.(1864,New Plants,n.307.)

Odontoglossom hystrix,Bateman in Gard. Chron.1864,New Plants,n.282.

Habitat inN. Granada, prope Quindiu, alt. 8000 p.,Linden; prope Santa Fé de Bogotá,Weir,Blunt.

DESCRIPTION.

Pseudobulbsabout 3 or 4 inches long, somewhat compressed, ovale, 2-leaved.Leavessword-shaped, sharp-pointed, a foot or more long, about the same length as the many-flowered noddingRacemes.Bractsovate, acute, scaly.Pedicelsequalling in length the average spaces between theFlowers.SepalsandPetalsnearly equal, oblong-lanceolate (the petals sometimes unguiculate), acuminate, of a rich chocolate-brown inside, with edges and tips of a greenish-yellow.Lipwith a very short claw, fiddle-shaped, at its side-edges plane, its centre-lobe minutely serrate and apiculate, with a multitude of finger-like processes (varying in different individuals) seated on the claw, and with their bristles all more or less inclining forwards. The upper portion of the lip is white, with a brown base, which again is banded with white beneath the series of bristles, which are of a rich golden-yellow.Columnonly one-third the length of the petals, slightly arched, with lacerated, hairy wings nearly concealing the anther.

The vicissitudes which the name of this species has had to undergo within the last three years are full of instruction both to botanists and the public. It was first described by Lindley from wild specimens gathered by Linden in the neighbourhood of Quindiu. Mr. Weir was the next to meet with it, and he succeeded in sending to the Horticultural Society several living plants that had been obtained about 100 miles to the south of Bogotá. He also sent wild specimens in admirable condition which, not agreeing with Lindley's description, and being profusely furnished both at the base of the lip and in the apex of the column with long bristle-like appendages, led to my calling itO. hystrix(i. e.the Porcupine Odontoglossum). Messrs. Low also received the plant, through their collector Mr. Blunt, from the same locality as that where Weir met with it, and one of their plants produced flowers which—neither agreeing with Lindley'sO. luteo-purpureumnor with myO. hystrix—received from Professor Reichenbach the name ofO. radiatum. Subsequently many specimens flowered, no two of which were alike, though they all maintained a sort of distant family resemblance toO. luteo-purpureumof which—as the Professor himself was the first to point out—there can now be no doubt that they are all varieties.

The figure is taken from a plant that flowered in Mr. Day's collection in the autumn of 1865, the flowers of which were twice the size of those of a plant that flowered with me,—but still larger varieties have since appeared in the collections of Lord Egerton of Tatton and Mr. Wentworth Buller.

The species, being found at an elevation of 8000 feet or more, requires very "cool" treatment, and should be referred to what—for reasons stated under Plate XX.—I propose to call the "Peruvian house." In this it is very easily grown, and flowers freely.

The markings in the dried specimens being much deeper than in the fresh flowers, led Dr. Lindley to give it a name (O. luteo-purpureum) which is scarcely applicable to any variety that has yet appeared,—nopurpletints having been observed.

Dissections.—1. Front view of lip and column; 2. Side view of ditto:magnified.

Plate XVIII

Odontoglossum Bictoniense.Odontoglossum Bictoniense.

Odontoglossum Bictoniense.

ODONTOGLOSSUM BICTONIENSE.

THE BICTON ODONTOGLOSSUM.

(VARIETY WITH LEAFY FLOWER-STEMS.)

O. (Leucoglossum) pseudobulbis oblongis compressis 2-3-phyllis, foliis ensiformibus undulatis patentibus scapo racemoso duplo brevioribus, bracteis herbaceis lanceolatis acuminatis ovario duplo brevioribus, sepalis petalisque subæqualibus lineari-lanceolatis maculatis, labelli ungue bilamellato limbo cordato acuminato undulato, columnæ alis transverse oblongis integris.

Cyrtochilum Bictoniense,Bateman,Orch. Mex. et Gua.t.6.

Zygopetalum Africanum,Bot. Mag.t.3812.

Habitat inGuatemala,Skinner; circa 6-7000 ped. alt.

DESCRIPTION.

Pseudobulbsoblong, 3 to 6 inches long, somewhat compressed, bearing 2 or 3Leaves,which are sword-shaped, spread open, much shorter than the upright purple many-floweredScape.The latter, in its normal state, is unbranched, and destitute of leaves, but in the variety represented in the Plate has numerous branches, and is leafy at the extremities.Bractsherbaceous, lanceolate, acuminate, not half the length of the ovary.SepalsandPetalsnearly equal, linear-lanceolate, light-green spotted, or banded with brown.Lipwith a bilamellate claw and a heart-shaped, acuminate limb, waved at the margin. In most cases the lip is white or nearly so, in others it has more or less of a rosy or purplish tint.Column-wingstransversely oblong, entire.

The Plate represents a remarkable state of this now well-known plant, which I have observed only in the collection of Mr. Aspinall Turner, of Pendlebury House, near Manchester. In its normal or ordinary conditionO. Bictonienseproduces—in the winter months—simple, upright flower-stems, but in Mr. Turner's plant the stems are branched, and, what is still more extraordinary, areleafyat their extremities! Nor was this peculiarity confined to the growth of a single season, for it has already reappeared at least three years in succession! It produces a very singular effect, though it can hardly be said to add to the beauty of the plant.

O. Bictoniense, so called after Lady Rolle, of Bicton, in Devonshire, was the earliest species of this popular genus that ever reached England alive. It also formed a portion of the first box of Orchids that I ever received from Guatemala, whence they were sent to me in 1835 by my invaluable friend George Ure Skinner, now (1867) alas!—most suddenly and unexpectedly—numbered with the dead!

This is not the place for a memoir of that generous and enthusiastic spirit;—let it suffice to state that Mr. Skinner was on his way to Guatemala for a final visit, when he was attacked by yellow-fever early in February last on the Isthmus of Panama, and carried off after three days' illness! He was collecting plants on the Saturday before his death, and on the Wednesday he was a corpse! He was in his 63rd year, and had he but been permitted to return to England, would have crossed the Atlantic exactly forty times! He was the discoverer ofO. grandeandO. Uro-Skinneri, already figured in this work, and of at least fifty other Orchids, including the well-knownLycaste Skinneriperhaps the most useful and popular of its tribe.

Dissections.—1. Lip and column, seen sideways; 2. Ditto ditto, seen in front:magnified.

Plate XIX

Odontoglossum Alexandræ. (Weirs variety)Odontoglossum Alexandræ. (Weirs variety)

Odontoglossum Alexandræ. (Weirs variety)

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ.

PRINCESS OF WALES' ODONTOGLOSSUM

(WHITE, OR WEIR'S VARIETY).

Of this charming Odontoglossum, which I had the honour to dedicate to H.R.H. the Princess of Wales, there appear to be innumerable varieties. Of these some—like the one figured at Plate XIV.—have crimson spots, others again are spotted with brown, while a third section—like the one represented in the Plate—have flowers of the purest white, relieved only by the rich golden crest of the lip. An excellent example of the latter variety was sent to me nearly two years ago by Mr. Paterson, of Ashville, Partrickhill, near Glasgow, and from this Mr. Fitch's drawing was obtained. Since then, other specimens of the same kind have been communicated to me, especially by Mr. Wentworth Buller, Mr. Jones, of Whalley Range, near Manchester, Mr. Bull, and Mr. Dawson of Meadow Bank. The last was an admirable specimen bearing as it did on a curved stalk about a dozen perfect flowers, all of which faced the same way, so as to form a sort of natural tiara exactly suited to a lady's head and which—especially when worn on dark hair—could not fail to produce a most beautiful effect.

This variety has also flowered at the Royal Gardens, Kew, a fact that is not a little creditable to Mr. Smith's (the Curator's) energy and skill, he being compelled to grow his Orchids in houses that are very ill adapted to such a purpose. Surely the Government of this wealthy country might afford to devote a few hundred pounds to the construction of houses in which these most popular and marvellous plants might be worthily grown!

As the first specimens of thewhitevariety ofO. Alexandræwere collected by Mr. Weir, it is only fitting that his name should be associated with it, just as the name of his rival Mr. Blunt has been connected with the variety distinguished by its crimson spots. Plants of both frequently acquire a reddish tint both in their bulbs and leaves, a tint which, wherever it occurs, is a sure criterion by whichO. Alexandræmay be distinguished from other Odontoglossa that closely resemble it in habit.

O. Alexandræproves to be a slow grower, and to require the coolest compartment of the Peruvian house. If this condition be attended to, it gives no trouble whatever, and produces its exceedingly durable flowers very freely indeed.

Dr. Triana met with it on the trunks of very large trees with dense foliage, ten leagues from Bogotá, and also at Pacho.

Dissections.—1. Lip and column, seen in front; 2. Ditto, seen sideways:magnified.

Plate XX

Odontoglossum maculatum.Odontoglossum maculatum.

Odontoglossum maculatum.

ODONTOGLOSSUM MACULATUM.

SPOTTED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

O. (Xanthoglossum) pseudobulbis oblongis compressis monophyllis, foliis oblongis nervosis acutiusculis, racemis subpendulis multifloris brevioribus, bracteis navicularibus herbaceis ovario brevioribus, sepalis lineari-lanceolatis acuminatis discoloribus, petalis oblongis undulatis acuminatis, labello cordato acuminato subcrenato, appendice unguis bivalvi concavâ cochleari apice liberâ bidentatâ per medium argute serrulatâ, columnâ pubescente subapterâ.Lindl.Odontoglossum maculatum,Llave,Orch. Mex.2, 35;Bot. Reg.1840,t.30;Pescatorea,t.28;Lindl. Fol. Orch.Habitat inMexico,Lexarza,Barker,Karwinski.

Odontoglossum maculatum,Llave,Orch. Mex.2, 35;Bot. Reg.1840,t.30;Pescatorea,t.28;Lindl. Fol. Orch.

Habitat inMexico,Lexarza,Barker,Karwinski.

DESCRIPTION.

Pseudobulbsnarrow, oblong, much compressed, from 2 to 4 inches long, 1-leaved.Leaveslanceolate-oblong, nervose, more or less sharp-pointed, shorter than the flower-scapes.Bractsboat-shaped, acuminate, the lower ones shorter than the upper ones, nearly as long as the ovary.Racemesnodding, sometimes pendulous, 5- to 12-flowered, about a foot long.Flowersvariable in size and colour, which is sometimes a brightish at other times only a greenish-yellow, spotted with brown.Sepalsbrown inside, linear-lanceolate, acuminate.Petalsrather wide, oblong, waved, acuminate.Lipheart-shaped, acuminate, slightly crenate, with a two-cleft process forming a pair of blunt teeth at the upper end of the claw.Columnpubescent, clavate, wingless.

This plant is common in many parts of Mexico, especially on the Irapæan mountains in the neighbourhood of Valladolid, where it was originally discovered and described by Lexarza, that earliest of Orchid-devotees! It was also one of the earliest species of the extensive genus to which it belongs that ever produced flowers in England. The credit of introducing it belongs to the late Mr. Barker, of Birmingham, with whom it bloomed about the year 1839, but it soon disappeared, like nearly the whole of the invaluable collection of Mexican Orchids that I remember having seen in the most splendid condition, shortly after their arrival, in his stoves. Fifteen years afterwards it was reintroduced by M. Linden, from whose establishment the figure in'Pescatorea'was obtained, but it seems to have again been lost. Last spring (1866) I had the pleasure of seeing the species in the best possible health in Mr. Dawson's rich and admirably-managed collection at Meadow Bank near Glasgow, and from his plant, which flowered in April, Mr. Fitch's drawing was prepared. I also received specimens about the same time from Mr. Turner. Still more recently, Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. have imported it in large quantities and excellent condition, and many good varieties have already appeared, though none that I have yet seen are so fine or so richly coloured as that of Mr. Dawson. One that is now flowering at Knypersley is a dull yellowish-green.

In its native country it flowers in March, which is about the time of its flowering with us. As to treatment it will naturally be found more at home in the Mexican house, where a cool and comparatively dry atmosphere should be maintained, than in the Peruvian house, which should be suited to the species that are accustomed to a damper and—not unfrequently—still cooler climate. I have no doubt that this distinction will be found of much practical utility, for although "cool treatment" as opposed to "warm" marks a very important division still, just as among "warm" plants it is necessary to separate the East Indian Aerides from the Brazilian Cattleyas, so among "cool" plants it will be advisable to separate the Mexican Lælias from the Peruvian Odontoglossa. Nay, I apprehend that what I call the "Peruvian house" will itself have to be subdivided into two portions, one of which,i. e.the warm portion, will contain such plants as the Trichopilias, the Anguloas, and such Odontoglossa as are met with below 6500 feet, while the other or cooler portion will be suited to an innumerable multitude of glorious Orchids that are met with at a still higher elevation. Already cultivators have discovered thatO. PhalænopsisandO. næviumcannot be made to thrive in the same house, for though both are "cool" plants the former—coming as it does from a lower level—requires a decidedly warmer climate than the latter, and so it will be in many other cases which are not yet so distinctly understood.

Dissections.—1. Lip and column, seen sideways; 2. Front view of ditto:magnified.

Plate 21

Odontoglossum Hallii.Odontoglossum Hallii.

Odontoglossum Hallii.

ODONTOGLOSSUM HALLII.

COLONEL HALL'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

O. (Euodontoglossum,Lindl.) pseudobulbis ovatis, ancipitibus 1-2-phyllis, foliis ensiformibus in basin angustatis, racemo multifloro (raro sub-paniculato), sepalis petalisque ovato-lanceolatis unguiculatis labello oblongo acuminato lacero, cristâ baseos lamellatâ multifidâ, columnæ alis dente superiore aristato.Odontoglossum Hallii,Lindl. in Bot. Reg. sub t.1992,et Folia Orchid.;Reichenbach fil.Xenia, i. 63;Walpers Annales, vi. p. 828.Habitat inPeru(western declivity of Pichincha),Hartweg; Valley ofLloa, at elevation of 8000 ft.,Col. Hall;N. Grenadain forests of Pamplona, 8500 ft.,Linden.

Odontoglossum Hallii,Lindl. in Bot. Reg. sub t.1992,et Folia Orchid.;Reichenbach fil.Xenia, i. 63;Walpers Annales, vi. p. 828.

Habitat inPeru(western declivity of Pichincha),Hartweg; Valley ofLloa, at elevation of 8000 ft.,Col. Hall;N. Grenadain forests of Pamplona, 8500 ft.,Linden.

DESCRIPTION.

Pseudobulbsovate, 2 to 4 inches long, compressed, 2-edged, bearing generally one, occasionally two, lanceolateLeaves,a foot or more long.Racememany (10-20) flowered, occasionally though rarely branched, 2 to 3 feet long.SepalsandPetalsnearly equal, ovate-lanceolate, exceedingly unguiculate, from an inch to (in some varieties) an inch and a half or even 2 inches long, yellow with large, often very dark, blotches of purplish-brown.Lipwhite, with a few rich spots, oblong-acuminate, jagged at the edges, with a large and handsome yellowCrest,consisting of a multitude of flattened but sharp-pointed teeth, pointing sideways and downwards.Columnwhite, winged, the wings broken into teeth or cirrhi, of which the uppermost is much the largest.

This fineOdontoglossumwas one of the earliest known though one of the latest to reach us alive. It is now (1873) plentiful enough, and forms a most attractive object in our spring Orchid-shows. There are many varieties differing greatly in the size and marking of their flowers, but all maintaining the unguiculate sepals and petals which chiefly distinguish it fromO. luteo-purpureum(Pl. 17), to which it is indeed very nearly allied.O. Halliiis abundant in New Grenada and Peru, but is seldom met with at a lower elevation than 8000 feet, hence it is quite at home in the coolest part of the "cool Orchid-house," in which it grows and flowers very freely indeed.

In the woodcut, a solitary flower of a larger variety of the species is represented, natural size.

Solitary flower of a large variety of Odontoglossum Hallii

Plate 22

Odontoglossum Roseum.Odontoglossum Roseum.

Odontoglossum Roseum.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ROSEUM.

ROSY ODONTOGLOSSUM.

O. pseudobulbis ovatis ancipitibus 1-phyllis, foliis oblongo-lanceolatis racemo gracili multifloro duplo brevioribus, bracteis ovatis concavis subangulatis pedicellis duplo brevioribus, sepalis petalisque lanceolatis, labello trilobo basi bilamellato: lobis lateralibus nanis rotundatis intermedio obcuneato acuto, columnâ elongatâ apice alis 3 membranaceis integris auctâ.

Odontoglossum roseum,Lindl. in Bentham Plant. Hartweg, p. 251.Reichenbach fil. in Garden. Chron. April 20, 1867.

Habitat inPeru,Backhouse, Nuebrada de los Juntas,Hartweg.

DESCRIPTION.

Pseudobulbsovate, two-edged, much compressed, dark-coloured, from one to two inches long, carrying a short solitary oblong-lanceolate leaf.Leavesvery sharp-pointed linear-lanceolate, not half the length of the slender nodding graceful many-floweredRacemes.Bractsovate, slightly angular, much shorter than thePedicels.SepalsandPetalsnearly equal, lanceolate, acuminate, linear, two-thirds of an inch long, of a beautiful bright rose colour.Lipabout same length as the petals, pale whitish rose, three-lobed, bilamellate at the base, side-lobes rounded, very small, intermediate lobe sharp-pointed, obcuneate.Columnstanding forward, rounded, provided at its apex with three membranous wings.

A charming little species long known by the specimens in the Lindleyan Herbarium. It was introduced—though in very limited quantities—by the Messrs. Backhouse several years ago, since which time it has always continued scarce. In Lindley's Herbarium the racemes are about the length of those represented in the figure, but in a specimen exhibited in 1872 by Mr. Linden the pseudobulbs, leaves, and racemes were nearly twice as large and as long as those in the Plate. The precise treatment that it affects has not yet been distinctly ascertained, but there can be no doubt that, being a denizen of high places on the mountain ranges in Peru, it prefers the coldest house.

Plate 23

Odontoglossum triumphans.Odontoglossum triumphans.

Odontoglossum triumphans.

ODONTOGLOSSUM TRIUMPHANS.

SPLENDID ODONTOGLOSSUM.

O. (Xanthoglossum,Lindl.) pseudobulbis ovatis 1-2-phyllis foliis lato lanceolatis acutis, basi attenuatis, racemo multifloro, bracteis triangularibus ovario pedicellato 4-5plobrevioribus, sepalis oblongo-acutis basi bene attenuatis, petalis subæqualibus latioribus, magis acuminatis, utrinque hinc illinc lobulatis, labello unguiculato basi bifalci, utrinque bicalloso laminâ panduratâ apiculatâ, columnæ alis rhombeis ascendentibus margine externo erosulis.Odontoglossum triumphans,Reichenbach fil. Bonpl.ii. 99;Walpers Annales, vi. p. 831;Pescatorea,t.46.Habitat inN. Grenada,Warscewicz.Ocana, 6000-8000 feet,Schlim,Wagener.

Odontoglossum triumphans,Reichenbach fil. Bonpl.ii. 99;Walpers Annales, vi. p. 831;Pescatorea,t.46.

Habitat inN. Grenada,Warscewicz.Ocana, 6000-8000 feet,Schlim,Wagener.

DESCRIPTION.

Pseudobulbsovate, very similar to those ofO. Hallii,bearing generally two stout sharp-pointedLeavesa foot or more long.Racememany-(6-18) flowered, half a yard or 2 feet long, rather drooping.Bractssmall and triangular, 4 or 5 times shorter than the ovary.Sepals1½ to 2 inches long, oblong-acute, narrowed at the base.Petalsabout the same size as the sepals, but broader and more acuminate, sometimes diversely lobed on either side like the sepals, nearly covered with rich chestnut blotches on a bright yellow ground.Lipwhite with deep reddish blotches at apex, shorter than petals, unguiculate, pandurate, partially connate with the column, toothed at the edges, bicarinate at base, provided withCrestconsisting of two sets of falcate teeth, extending about one-third of its own length.Columnwhite, half the length of the lip, furnished with upright rhomb-like wings the edges of which are indented.

This is a very fine species indeed, although it scarcely realizes the expectations excited by the figure inPescatorea, whether as regards the size of the individual blossoms or their colour. In the fresh flowers the prevailing tone is a bright yellow, which serves as a foil to the rich brown or chestnut marking with which the sepals and petals are profusely covered, and which, though to a lesser degree, cover also the lip. But inPescatoreathe lip is represented as white, and as bearing at its upper extremity a rich blotch of bright purple which affords a beautiful contrast to the yellow and brown tints of the other parts of the flower. Probably the figure referred to may have been prepared from dried specimens and hence the mistake as to the colouring.

There are many varieties of this species, some of the best of which were exhibited by Mr. Marshall of Enfield at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society as early as April, 1869.

O. triumphansdoes not appear to be so plentiful in its native habitats asO. Hallii,O. luteo-purpureum, and many other N. Grenada kinds that now swarm in our collections. The range of elevation within which it grows is nearly identical with that ofO. Hallii, hence the same treatment is suitable to both. It is easily grown and flowers freely.

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