MASDEVALLIA DAVISII.[Plate 76.]Native of Peru.

PL. 76.MASDEVALLIA DAVISII.

Epiphytal.Stemsslender, densely cæspitose.Leaveserect, dark green, leathery in texture, evergreen, six to eight inches long, narrowly ligulate-oblong, acute, carinate, narrowed downwards into the shortish petiole, which is invested at the base by a pale green sheath, an inch long, and having a shorter one at its base.Scapesslender, longer than the leaves, sheathed at the base, and furnished also with a sheathing oblong bract about their centre, and another just below the flower.Flowersnearly horizontal, golden yellow;sepalsunited into a sub-cylindraceous tube, half an inch long, gibbous at the base, the dorsal one ovately-triangular, passing into the filiform apex, which is three-fourths of an inch long, the lateral ones broader and longer, connate to beyond the middle, semi-oblong-ovate, broadest at the base, and suddenly acuminate near the apex, the opening having a narrow sinus;petalssmall, dimidiate-oblong;lipshorter than the petals, clawed, its limb linear-oblong, obtuse, deep crimson, sunk in the base of the sepaline tube, and there appearing like a small red eye at the bottom.Columnwingless, toothed at the apex.Masdevallia Davisii,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., ii., 710;Id.Xenia Orchidaceæ, iii., t. 3;Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 6190.

Masdevallia Davisii,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., ii., 710;Id.Xenia Orchidaceæ, iii., t. 3;Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 6190.

New Masdevallias are being introduced to cultivation every year, but it is seldom that we get such a distinct and beautiful species as the subject of our plate, brought under our notice. This little gem is distinct from the other members of this ever-increasing genus both in regard to form and colour, and should be sought for and added to every collection where Masdevallias are grown. Our figure was taken from a plant belonging to W. Lee, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead, in whose collection these singular plants are well cared for, and at the time of our visit were looking remarkably well.

Masdevallia Davisiiwas discovered in 1874, by Mr. W. Davis, when travelling in Peru, at a considerable elevation, and was sent home by him to the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, of Chelsea, who distributed the plant. The flowers are produced singly on the erect peduncles, which proceed from the base of the leaf-bulb, and are generally produced in October and November, lasting several weeks in perfection. The colour is a bright chrome yellow, which from its distinctness contrasts well with any other kinds of Masdevallias that may chance to be in flower at the same time.

Masdevallia Davisiirequires the same treatment as that recommended forM. Harryana cœrulescens, underPlate 24, and is propagated in the same way.

The Effect of Fog on Orchids.—It is astonishing to notice the effects upon Orchids of this the most disagreeable of all natural phenomena. The most vexing part of the matter is, that as regards the culture of Orchids we are unable to cope with it. Extremes of heat and cold, high winds, and hailstorms, heavy falls of snow and rain—all these we are in a great measure able to prevent from doing any harm to our plants; but the fog demon, however careful we may be, outdoes us. We may keep our doors closed, pull down the blinds, shut up the ventilators, but still he is upon us, entering by the laps of the glass, or through the crevices of the framework of the house. Nearly all Orchids which happen to be either in flower or bud at the time a fog comes on, fall a prey to its destructive powers. We have seen hundreds of buds ofPhalænopsis, flowers and buds ofCalanthe, and the inflorescences ofCattleyas, and other Orchids, turn yellow, and the flowers drop off in a very few hours. All this is extremely vexing, especially if after having watched some favourite plant, perhaps for years, just as it is showing flowers for the first time, we see them thus come to an untimely end. It is fortunate that some of the Orchid flowers are able to withstand its effects. Of course, our brother cultivators in the country have not so much to fear as those have who are located in the immediate neighbourhood of the metropolis and other large cities, and we are inclined to envy them their purer surroundings at this trying season of the year—H. W.

PL. 77.VANDA TRICOLOR.

Epiphytal.Stemstall, erect, leafy, producing stout aërial roots.Leavesdistichous, broadly lorate, channelled, longer than the inflorescence, overlapping at the base, obliquely bilobed and somewhat erose at the apex.Racemesfew-flowered.Flowershandsome, sweet-scented, roundish in outline, but longer than broad, their depth being about two and a half inches, beautifully spotted, the pedicels white, striately furrowed;sepalsoblong-obovate obtuse, the edges rolled back, unguiculate, fully an inch long, coriaceous, pale creamy yellow, with a narrow marginal band of delicate rosy pink, spotted throughout, except at the edge, with deep rich brownish-red, white at the back;petalssimilar in size, form, and colouring, but with the pink edge less distinct, and the spots somewhat fewer in number, and inclined to coalesce into stripes;lipof about equal length, three-lobed, with a pair of erect rounded colourless lobes, standing one on each side the short blunt compressed white spur, and a convex cuneate deeply emarginate middle-lobe, which has three ridges extending from the disk to the front, two of which run out quite to the apex, and two white ridges at the mouth of the spur behind the disk; the colour is a bright rosy magenta, paler at the tip, the disk marked with about five white lines, of which the three central ones are longest.Columnfree, short, thick, white.Vanda tricolor,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1847,in note undert. 59;Id.Paxton’s Flower Garden, ii., t. 42;Id.Folia Orchidacea, art.Vanda, No. 10;Pescatorea, t. 42;Warner,Select Orchidaceous Plants, ii., 39 (var. Warnerii);Van Houtte,Flore des Serres, t. 641;Lemaire,Jardin Fleuriste, t. 136.Vanda suaveolens,Blume,Rumphia, iv., 49.

Vanda tricolor,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1847,in note undert. 59;Id.Paxton’s Flower Garden, ii., t. 42;Id.Folia Orchidacea, art.Vanda, No. 10;Pescatorea, t. 42;Warner,Select Orchidaceous Plants, ii., 39 (var. Warnerii);Van Houtte,Flore des Serres, t. 641;Lemaire,Jardin Fleuriste, t. 136.

Vanda suaveolens,Blume,Rumphia, iv., 49.

It is with great pleasure that we here introduce to our readers a genus of Orchids, which has been grown and exhibited for many years, and of which we have in former days seen some wonderful examples produced. What a contrast with those we meet with at the present time, when few really fine specimens are brought out by exhibitors! What is there more splendid or majestic than aVandawhen grown into a large specimen? The Vandas, indeed, possess good qualities that few other Orchids can boast of, for they are stately in their growth, they have beautiful evergreen foliage, they are of graceful habit, and their showy flowers produced in fine spikes on either side of the plant are deliciously fragrant, and continue in perfection for six weeks or more. Sometimes a plant that has but one stem will produce three or four spikes of flower, and bloom twice in a year. We have had plants only twelve inches in height produce two flower spikes, and have bloomed many in an equally dwarf state, as we are glad toknow that others have also done. We are, moreover, glad to notice that growers are now more generally successful in retaining the leaves down to the rim of the pot.

It has been said that Vandas are difficult to flower, but if the proper treatment is given, there is no difficulty about it. We have been growing and exhibiting these plants for nearly forty years, and can with confidence assert that they are the most useful Orchids we have met with for exhibition and decorative purposes. They are also invaluable for furnishing cut flowers to be used either in button-hole bouquets, or in any other convenient manner. The plant now figured, our sketch of which was taken from a small specimen at the Victoria Nurseries, Upper Holloway, we consider the trueVanda tricolor; and there are besides other specially fine forms, which in time we hope to illustrate.

Vanda tricoloris an evergreen plant, with gracefully recurved foliage. It grows to the height of five or six feet, and produces “breaks” freely from the sides of the stem, generally at the base, so that in time the plants form large specimens, and when the growths get strong they all flower. We have seen as many as from ten to fifteen spikes on the same specimen. The sepals and petals are pale yellow spotted with reddish brown, and the lip is magenta, striped with white at the base. The plants bloom at different times of the year, and continue in perfection for about six weeks, perfuming the atmosphere of the house in which they are grown. These Vandas are natives of Java, and are of easy cultivation when they obtain suitable treatment. We have grown them in the same house for more than twenty years, and have never found any difficulty with them, but the plants have been constantly growing, improving, and blooming.

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

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

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

PL. 78.ZYGOPETALUM ROSTRATUM.

Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsoblong-ovate, subcompressed, furrowed, enveloped at the base by pale brown membranaceous bracts.Scapeson the young growth, one to two flowered, issuing from the axil of the bracts which invest the immature pseudobulbs.Leaveslanceolate acute, plaited, about six inches long.Flowerslarge, six inches in depth, the dorsal sepal with the two petals directed backwards, the lateral sepals standing right and left behind the lip;sepalslinear-lanceolate, three inches long, half an inch wide at the base, tapered to an attenuated point where they are bright green, whitish at the base, slightly stained along the median part more than halfway up with dull brownish purple;petalssimilar in size, form, and colouring;lipovate acuminate, recurved, nearly three inches long and over two inches wide, pure white, yellowish behind the disk, which is furnished with a small angulate planted frill or ruff, of a pale lilac purple, and marked with a few (about ten) lines of the same colour, half an inch long, which radiate from the front part of the ruff.Columnwhite, arching, semi-cylindrical, with rounded wings near the apex, where it terminates in a short projecting beak.Zygopetalum rostratum,Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 2819 (as Zygopetalon).Zygosepalon rostratum,Reichenbach fil.,Annales Botanices Systematicæ,VI., 666.

Zygopetalum rostratum,Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 2819 (as Zygopetalon).

Zygosepalon rostratum,Reichenbach fil.,Annales Botanices Systematicæ,VI., 666.

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

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

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

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

PL. 79.ODONTOGLOSSUM GRANDE.

Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsovate-oblong, compressed, ancipitous, about three inches high, diphyllous, sheathed with large membranaceous brown scales at the base.Leavesbroadly lanceolate, striated, wavy, dark green above, dotted beneath with numerous minute dark brown dots.Scaperadical, two to five flowered, furnished at intervals and beneath each flower with a lanceolate membranaceous bract.Flowersvery large and very handsome, seven inches across and nearly eight inches in depth, yellow, with bright chestnut spots;sepalsoblong-lanceolate acute, wavy, four inches long, and about one inch wide, the lateral ones falcate, bright yellow, transversely blotched nearly to the tip with irregular mostly transverse blotches of glossy chestnut red;petalsoblong, acute, three and a half inches long, by about an inch and a half broad, slightly undulated, the upper two-thirds clear yellow, the base marked with an obcordate spot of shining chestnut red, an inch and a half deep, and which appears to be pectinately toothed at the sides;lipsmaller, creamy white, roundish emarginate, unguiculate, auricled at the base, with a row of small pale red irregularly-shaped blotches round the margin, and a few concentric bands of the same colour in front of the disk; the claw of the lip is yellow marked with red blotches, and having a large lobed tubercle in front.Columnsemi-cylindrical, downy, with two blunt wings.Odontoglossum grande,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1840, misc., 94;Bateman,Orchidacæ of Mexico and Guatemala, t. 24;Id.Monograph of Odontoglossum, t. 8;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 3955;Van Houtte,Flore des Serres, t. 21;Paxton,Magazine of Botany, viii, 49;Jennings,Orchids, t. 13;Morren,Annales de Gand, 1845, t. 37;Regel,Gartenflora, viii, t. 270;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 234.

Odontoglossum grande,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1840, misc., 94;Bateman,Orchidacæ of Mexico and Guatemala, t. 24;Id.Monograph of Odontoglossum, t. 8;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 3955;Van Houtte,Flore des Serres, t. 21;Paxton,Magazine of Botany, viii, 49;Jennings,Orchids, t. 13;Morren,Annales de Gand, 1845, t. 37;Regel,Gartenflora, viii, t. 270;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 234.

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

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

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

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

PL. 80.PHALÆNOPSIS MARIÆ.

Epiphytal.Plantstemless, with flat aërial clinging roots.Leavesdeflexed, distichous, oblong or ligulate, acute, somewhat channelled, two inches or more in width, stoutish in texture, dark green, glossy, obscurely striate.Scaperadical, bearing a many-flowered drooping raceme, shorter than the leaves, and proceeding from their axils.Flowersof medium size, elegantly coloured;sepalsnarrowly-oblong, bluntish, about an inch long, the lateral ones slightly falcate, white, with about six bold transverse bars or blotches of a deep chocolate red, the basal spots magenta-coloured like the lip;petalsshorter, broader and more obovate, marked in a similar manner, but with fewer blotches, the colour being the same as in the sepals;lipobovate oblong, apiculate, convex, somewhat constricted at the sides, of a rich deep magenta-rose, the middle lobe plane not pilose.Columnshort, white, without fringes at the apex.Phalænopsis Mariæ,Reichenbach fil. M.S.

Phalænopsis Mariæ,Reichenbach fil. M.S.

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

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

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

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

The plant requires the same kind of treatment as the other species ofPhalænopsis, which has been already explained in connection with Plates11and39of our first volume.

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

We noticed in the Woolton Wood collection some fine specimens ofCattleya labiatain full bloom, one plant having had several grand spikes of flowers upon it; there were also in bloomC. exoniensis,C. gigas, and a very fineC. maxima, which were extremely showy. In the same house, along with many other fine Orchids, were the lovelyVanda cœrulea, with fifteen finely-coloured blossoms; a superb variety ofCymbidium Mastersiiin full beauty, and some grand Cattleyas and Lælias. We also noticed a wonderful specimen ofC. Skinneri alba, such as we had no idea was to be found in the country.

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

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

PL. 81.CATTLEYA CRISPA BUCHANANIANA.

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

Cattleya crispa Buchananiana,supra.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PL. 82.ODONTOGLOSSUM LONDESBOROUGHIANUM.

Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsoblong-ovate, two and a half inches long, glaucous green, becoming furrowed when old.Leavesdeciduous, ligulate acute, channelled towards the base, of a light green colour.Scapethree to six feet long, arching, bearing at the upper end a many-flowered raceme.Flowersshowy, with a large conspicuous bright yellow lip;sepalsoblong, apiculate, concave, narrowed at the base into a short claw, slightly wavy at the edge, pale yellow, transversely barred with short oblong blotches of chestnut-red;petalsovate, concave, with a broad base, sessile, the apex broad, obtusely apiculate, the margins wavy and reflexed about the middle, the upper portion coloured like the sepals, and marked with transverse bars, the basal part marked concentrically;lipwith a long yellow claw, spotted with chestnut-red, and having at its base two small oblong obtuse erect yellow auricles (sagittate), the flat transversely reniform limb one and a half inch wide, of a clear bright yellow; between the basal auricles are two shorter rounded incurved lobes, forming a scoop-like hollow, which is yellow, spotted on the inside, the front being produced below into a prominent keel, having a blunt arm on each side at the base.Columnslender, semi-terete, curved, yellow, with a red line on each of the very shallow wing-like angles.Odontoglossum Londesboroughianum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xvii., 772.

Odontoglossum Londesboroughianum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xvii., 772.

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

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

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

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

There are also in this collection fine examples ofDendrobium,SaccolabiumAërides,Phalænopsis, and other East Indian Orchids; and a very large number of cool Orchids, such asOdontoglossum Alexandræ; of this we saw a fine branched spiked form in full beauty among the many hundreds of good plants in the house, which contains also notable examples ofO. Pescatorei, various species ofMasdevallia, and others. This collection is one full of interest, as there are always many fine varieties in blossom, and the plants are well grown and duly cared for.—B. S. W.

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

PL. 83.CATASETUM CHRISTYANUM.

Epiphytal.Stemsstoutish, fusiform, jointed, six to eight inches long, and clothed with whitish membraneous sheaths.Leavesseveral from the apex of the younger stems, lanceolate-lorate, acuminate, plaited, the basal part channelled and sheathing the upper part of the stems.Scaperadical, bearing an erect six to seven flowered raceme, with distinct sheathing scales below.Flowersremarkable in form, large, spreading, brown and green, each with a narrow bract at its base;sepalslanceolate-acuminate, the dorsal ones erect, the lateral ones spreading horizontally, dark reddish or chocolate brown;petalsconnivent, parallel with the dorsal sepal, of a lighter brown, obscured, spotted with still paler brown at the base;lipshort, with a bluntly conical saccate pouch, and a three-lobed limb: the front lobe obovate apiculate, bent down on both sides, olive-green, ciliate with short brown fringe-like teeth, the lateral lobes squarish, bright green, with much longer purple fringes, the spur or pouch pale brown outside, darker brown within, and having a square oblong mouth with the front margin nearly straight, and the hinder margin with two upright emarginate lamellæ.Columngreen, with a long erect green subulate inflexed beak, on two deflexed setæ below the anther bed, green, curving outwards like tusks.Catasetum Christyanum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xvii, 588.

Catasetum Christyanum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xvii, 588.

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

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

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

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

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

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