ODONTOGLOSSUM PESCATOREI VEITCHIANUM.[Plate 68.]Native of New Grenada.

PL. 68.ODONTOGLOSSUM PESCATOREI VEITCHIANUM.

Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsroundish or bluntly ovate, slightly-ribbed, about an inch high, diphyllous.Leavesstrap-shaped or lorate-oblong, narrowed both to the base and apex, six inches long, of a deep green colour.Pedunclespringing from the base of the pseudobulb, a foot in height in the only specimen which has yet flowered, bearing a raceme of about half-a-dozen flowers rather closely placed back to back at its upper end, with minute bracts at the base of their pedicels.Flowerstwo and a half inches across, the most beautiful which have yet appeared amongst the forms of this species;sepalsoblong acute, over an inch in length, pure white, marked with two or three transverse curved bars of the richest crimson-purple or wine-purple;petalsbroadly ovate apiculate, slightly wavy, white, more irregularly transversely blotched than the sepals with the same rich purple colour;lipundulated at the edge, heart-shaped at the base, contracted in the middle, dilated and cuspidate at the apex, white with a few purple spots round the basal lobes, the disk including the contracted parts bright yellow, furnished on each side with a flat lacerated appendage streaked with red, having a pair of parallel plates between, and bearing a few deep red spots.Columnwith short lacerated wings.Odontoglossum Pescatorei Veitchianum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xvii., 588;Moore,Florist and Pomologist, 1882, 76.

Odontoglossum Pescatorei Veitchianum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xvii., 588;Moore,Florist and Pomologist, 1882, 76.

There is no doubt thatOdontoglossum Pescatoreiis one of the most beautiful species of this extensive and exceedingly beautiful genus of Orchids. Its flowers borne in fine branching panicles, are most pleasing in their form and character, and of a chaste and lovely whiteness, besides which the plant is one of the most free-growing of the Odontoglots. There are in our collections many forms of this species, and most of them are well worthy of cultivation, the flowers being for the most part good in shape and of a pure white, which is a colour generally sought after by those who have a keen taste for floral beauty. A hundred of these gems can be cultivated in a small space, and they can now be purchased at so cheap a rate that they are within reach of everyone who can afford to erect a small house; and being really cool Orchids they require but little fire heat at any time, and none whatever during the summer months.

The variety,Veitchianum, which we now introduce to our readers, bears most charmingly and wonderfully spotted flowers, as will be seen from the accompanying plate. It bloomed last spring for the first time in the fine collection of Orchids belonging to Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, who imported it with many thousands of plants referrible to this specific type, and amongst them manyhundreds of good kinds have been flowered, but none approaching in richness of hue or in beauty of marking, to the one now before us. We hope the Messrs. Veitch may be fortunate enough to bloom more of the same, as cultivators will be glad to procure it for their collections. The plant in question has, we understand, now passed out of their hands into Baron J. H. Schroeder’s collection at Staines.

Odontoglossum Pescatorei Veitchianumhas the same habit of growth as the type. The flowers on the specimen which bloomed last year, and was certificated both by the Royal Horticultural and Royal Botanic Societies, formed a close raceme, and were large and showy, the sepals and petals being white, heavily transversely blotched at the base with a lovely shade of crimson-purple, the lip being also white, and spotted around the base with the same colour, while the bright yellow disk was striately marked with crimson. This specimen bore several flowers on the spike, and we have no doubt that as the plant increases in strength the spikes will branch into panicles, as those of most of the plants ofO. Pescatoreiare branching in habit. They are graceful in appearance, and of long duration, which renders them most useful for decorative purposes, the more so as even when cut and placed in water they keep fresh for a long time. The treatment these plants require is the same as that ofO. Alexandræand the other cool-house Orchids.

The greatest pest in the cultivation of cool Orchids, and one which is consequently a great annoyance to cultivators, is a small black slug that takes up its home in the moss and about the plants, and which often eats many of the young flower spikes when they first appear. These should be sought after night and morning as it is at these periods they do their mischief. They seem to enjoy the temperature of the cool Orchid house. The method we adopt for catching them is to look the moss carefully over at once, when the spikes first appear, and be sure there are no slugs allowed to remain among it; then we place a wire round the pot, and suspend it from the roof, and in this manner we secure the flower spikes. This is done when they are young, which is the favourite time for these marauders to attack them. The plants are well worth this trouble, as after watching them for a length of time it is most annoying to find the flowers destroyed.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ.—We have received from H. J. Buchan, Esq., Wilton House, Southampton, a grand spike of a fine variety of this most variable Orchid. The flowers are large, and of fine form and substance; the sepals and petals are pure white, beautifully serrated; the lip is broad and distinctly coloured on the upper part. This is one of the best forms ofO. Alexandræwe have met with. Mr. Buchan has a good collection of cool Orchids, and has been growing them for many years.—B. S. W.

Odontoglossum Jenningsianum.—R. Smith, Esq., Brentham Park, Stirling, has sent us a splendid inflorescence of this novelty. The flowers are produced in a panicle, which is much branched, and bears numerous blossoms. This species somewhat resembles a spotted form ofO. Alexandræin the markings of the flowers, but the form is more like that ofO. Andersonianum.—B. S. W.

PL. 69.CATTLEYA ACLANDIÆ.

Epiphytal.Stems(pseudobulbs) clavate, slightly furrowed, jointed, four to five inches long, sheathed at the joints with membranaceous spathes.Leavesterminal, two in number, elliptic, obtuse, thick and fleshy in texture, dark green.Scapeterminal, bearing about two flowers and issuing from between the leaves.Flowerslarge, about three inches across, and strikingly beautiful from the boldly contrasted colours;sepalsandpetalsnearly equal, somewhat fleshy, obovate-lanceolate, yellowish green heavily and transversely blotched and spotted with rich dark chocolate-purple, the markings more distinctly coloured on the inner surface, but apparent though less distinct on the back or exterior surface;liplarge, fully two inches long, flat, panduriform, three-lobed, the lateral lobes pale rose marked with transverse veins, small and not enclosing the column, the front lobe one and a half inch across, broadly kidney-shaped, emarginate, of a bright magenta colour, the disk marked by a yellow line.Columndark magenta, parallel with the lip, obovate, with two wing-like margins.Cattleya Aclandiæ,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1840, t. 48;Paxton’s Magazine of Botanyix, 1;Flore des Serres, t. 674;Illustration Horticole, t. 565;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 5039;Bateman,Second Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 119;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 114.

Cattleya Aclandiæ,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1840, t. 48;Paxton’s Magazine of Botanyix, 1;Flore des Serres, t. 674;Illustration Horticole, t. 565;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 5039;Bateman,Second Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 119;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 114.

TheCattleya Aclandiæthough a small-growing epiphyte, is one of the most beautiful of the Cattleyas, notwithstanding that there are several others which are of dwarf habit and produce richly coloured flowers. The specimen we now figure is growing in the fine collection of Baron J. H. Schröder, The Dell, Staines, to whom we are indebted for the opportunity of having our drawing made. It is a highly-coloured and finely marked form, quite as good as any we remember to have seen. This species does not, however, vary so much as many other kinds.

Cattleya Aclandiæis an evergreen species of dwarf stature, growing about six inches in height, and blooming at different times of the year, previous to the completion of its new growths. It generally produces two or three flowers on a spike; the sepals and petals are greenish yellow, heavily blotched with chocolate-purple, while the lip is a bright magenta, distinctly veined, which gives it an unique appearance. When vigorous the plants frequently make a second growth, which also produces flowers, these lasting in perfection for several weeks.

We have found these plants do best grown in pans or baskets, in a compost of good fibrous peat and lumpy charcoal, and good drainage must be provided to ensure success. We have also seen them well cultivated on blocks of wood, but as theythen require more attention as regards watering than when in pans or baskets, we prefer them grown in the latter way. An abundance of moisture should be provided for them during the growing season, when the plants will be throwing out their new roots. At this period close attention should be given in order to prevent the injuries that may occur from the attacks of insects on the young and tender roots, since these are frequently produced above the soil; even if the plants recover from such a check they are apt to get into a sickly condition, or to shrivel and dwindle away.Cattleya Aclandiæis not one of the easiest of Orchids to cultivate, and for this reason it requires extra attention to keep it in good condition. We have, however, seen many fine plants of this beautiful species where it has had the treatment suitable to it. We have found the Cattleya house to afford the best temperature in which to grow it. A position as near the glass as possible, with not too much shade, will be found to suit it best; though care should always be taken to prevent the burning sun from injuring the leaves, and to keep the bulbs in a plump state, for, if allowed to shrivel or get into bad condition, the plants might as well be thrown away, since they seldom recover. During the resting season, therefore, sufficient water should be given to keep the bulbs from shrinking.

Always bear in mind that cleanliness is one of the great secrets of successful Orchid-growing, and that this little gem, if allowed to become the prey of insects or to get dirty, will invariably fall into a bad state of health from which it will rarely emerge. These pests may be kept under if taken in time. Both thrips and scale will sometimes attack the young growth, but they should be thoroughly routed out and destroyed.

Oncidium Phalænopsis.—This lovely Orchid comes to us from E. Salt, Esq., of Ferniehurst, Shipley, near Leeds. It is now extremely rare, and is seldom seen in collections. Mr. Salt informs us that this same plant, last year, before it was divided, produced one spike with six flowers. It is a glorious Orchid, allied toO. nubigenumandO. cucullatum; the flowers are, however, much larger than in either of these, and more beautifully coloured. The sepals and petals are cream coloured, barred, and spotted with purple; the lip is large, reniform, creamy white, spotted about the base with violet-crimson, the crest being golden yellow, and forming a striking contrast with the violet spotting which surrounds it. The species is a native of Peru.—B. S. W.

PL. 70.CYPRIPEDIUM FAIRRIEANUM.

Epiphytal, Acaulescent.Leavesgreen, radical, leathery in texture, distichous, loriform, obliquely apiculate, the base carinate and equitant.Scapessolitary in the axils, longer than the leaves, green, pilose, terminating in a short sheathing woolly bract from which the blossom emerges.Flowersmedium-sized, elegantly venose;dorsal sepallarge, oblong-cordiform, ciliated, concave, the apex recurved, blunt, greenish white flushed with carmine and beautifully veined with bright crimson-purple;lateral connate sepalsunited into one small ovate obtuse sepal, which is whitish with streaks of green and crimson-purple;petalsoblong-lanceolate, deflexed and recurved “like the horn of a buffalo”, hairy at the base, white flushed with green, and having longitudinal stripes and a marginal band of crimson-purple, the edge being undulated and ciliated;lipprominent, brownish-green with faint purple reticulations.Staminodeorbicular-lunate, greenish white tinted with purple, downy, with a downy proboscis between the horns of the crescent.Cypripedium Fairrieanum,Lindley,Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1857, 740;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 5024;Van Houtte,Flore des Serres, t. 1244;Bateman,Second Century of Orchidaceous plants, t. 140;Reichenbach fil.,Xenia Orchidacea, t. 133;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed. 153.

Cypripedium Fairrieanum,Lindley,Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1857, 740;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 5024;Van Houtte,Flore des Serres, t. 1244;Bateman,Second Century of Orchidaceous plants, t. 140;Reichenbach fil.,Xenia Orchidacea, t. 133;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed. 153.

The Cypripediums form a very large genus of Orchids, which is also one of the most useful for decorating our Orchid-houses or plant stoves, as well as for exhibition purposes. Nearly all the species continue long in flower and are of easy cultivation. The plant before us was first flowered by A. Fairrie, Esq., of Aigburth, Liverpool, in 1857, and was exhibited in London by him and named by Dr. Lindley in his honour. Since that time it has become exceedingly rare, and is now to be met with in but very few collections. As far as we are aware it has only been once imported, a circumstance much to be regretted, as it is one of the most distinct and lovely of the whole family. Our drawing was made by M. P. Stroobant from a well-grown plant in the fine collection of Dr. Baddaert, of Ghent, Belgium, who has one of the best collections of Orchids in that country.

Cypripedium Fairrieanumis an evergreen dwarf-growing species, with light green leaves about three inches long. The flowers are produced singly on upright stalks. It blooms during the autumn months and continues in perfection for some considerable time.

ThisCypripediumis not so free in its growth as many others, although we have seen it very fine in years gone by, and we are of opinion that if imported plants could only be obtained, cultivators would be able to succeed with it as well as withany other. There is no doubt that on account of the plant being so rare, those who fortunately possess it are too anxious to increase it, and too frequently cut the plants into small pieces, which get into a bad condition and ultimately die. We have found the East India house to afford the best temperature in which to cultivate it, though we have grown it equally well at the warmest end of a Cattleya house. The material used was fibrous peat and charcoal. The pots should be filled three parts full of broken potsherds, a layer of sphagnum moss being placed on the top of the drainage material; and in potting the plant requires to be kept well elevated above the rim of the pot, so that the roots may not become sodden. Not having the thick fleshy pseudobulbs which some Orchids possess to support them, these plants require more attention as regards the application of moisture to the roots. Water should be given judiciously even when the plants are in vigorous growth, as, if too much is applied, the potting material becomes soddened and the plants get sickly. This species does not root so freely as many of the stronger growing Lady’s Slippers and should be grown in a position where plenty of light is obtainable.

Cattleya aurea.—R. P. Percival, Esq., of Southport, has kindly sent us a glorious inflorescence of this splendid novelty, with four fully expanded flowers. This species resemblesC. gigasin its growth, while the flowers are somewhat akin to those ofC. Dowiana, but the markings on the lip are much brighter, and the golden yellow is much more prevalent than inC. Dowiana; the front part of the lip is bright magenta, while the sepals and petals are not partly rose coloured as inC. Dowiana, but are entirely nankin-yellow. Baron Schröder, of Staines, has also sent us a spike of this great beauty, but the variety differs a little from the preceding.—H. W.

Cypripedium Parishii.—A. Paul, Esq., of Edinburgh, sends us a fine spike of this curious Orchid, bearing six flowers. He informs us that the plant produced four spikes of six blooms each. When flowered in this way, it makes a fine object during the dull time of the year. It requires the same treatment as other Cypripediums, and delights in a good supply of moisture during the growing season.—B. S. W.

PL. 71.ODONTOGLOSSUM MADRENSE.

Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsligulate or narrowly-oblong, ancipital, three inches or more in length, pale green.Leaveslorate or linear-lanceolate acute, nervose, keeled, usually two but sometimes one only from the apex of each pseudobulb, sometimes with a leaf sheathing the base.Scapeslateral, twelve to eighteen inches long, bearing an inclined raceme of from six to eight flowers from the axils of brown membranaceous triangular acuminate bracts.Flowersfragrant, white blotched with reddish purple, three and a half to four inches in their vertical diameter, and somewhat less transversely;sepalslanceolate, acuminate, keeled behind, about two inches long, white, with on oblong bilobed reddish purple blotch at the base;petalsbroader, oblong, apiculate, white, with a bilobed purple blotch twice as long as that of the sepals and more distinctly separate;lipsmaller than the sepals and petals, recurved, with a short hollow claw, which bears two small retrorse lateral lobes, having between them and in front two collateral pairs of retuse bipapulose calli; the front lobe triangular or trowel-shaped, cuspidate, with crispy margins, white with the disk and calli orange-yellow.Columnshort, greenish, wingless, hairy at the base.Odontoglossum madrense,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., ii. 804; viii, 102.Odontoglossum maxillare,Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 6144—fide Reichenbach; not ofLindley.

Odontoglossum madrense,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., ii. 804; viii, 102.

Odontoglossum maxillare,Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 6144—fide Reichenbach; not ofLindley.

Our present subject,Odontoglossum madrense, is not only pretty but distinct, and very different in its growth, as well as in its flowers, from most of the Odontoglots, as will be seen by the accompanying figure, taken from the best grown specimen of the kind we have yet met with, which is in the select collection belonging to R. Vanner, Esq., of Camden Wood, Chislehurst, who certainly succeeds admirably in the cultivation of this plant. The subject from which our illustration was prepared, has flowered for two years in succession in the same grand way, and we have no doubt that as the plant gets more fully established it will produce more and more flowers on the spike. It is a very free-growing plant, but we find that it does best in a warmer temperature than that in which most Odontoglots thrive. The temperature of the Cattleya house seems to suit it best, and it should be suspended from the roof, and grown in a shallow pan in a compost of peat and sphagnum moss. It requires a liberal supply of water during the growing season, and should not be kept too dry when at rest, sufficient water being given to keep the soil moist, and the bulbs plump. We have also grown this plant successfully in the warm end of the Odontoglossum house.

Odontoglossum madrenseis an evergreen plant, with upright pseudobulbs of a light green colour. The leaves are about six inches long. The flowers are produced on upright spikes which are produced from the sides of the bulbs after the plant has completed its growth; the sepals and petals are white with a large purplish brown blotch at the base of each; the lip is orange at the base, white in front. The plant blooms during the autumn months, and lasts for several weeks in perfection.

This is a plant that every Orchid-grower should possess, as it can be bought at a reasonable price, and does not take up much room. Propagation is effected by division, leaving two or three bulbs with the leading growth to each divided piece. We find the best time to perform this operation is just as the plant begins to start into growth. After division the young plants should be potted and kept in a shady place until they begin to grow, when more light should be given to them.

Mr. Lee’s Orchids.—The collection of Orchids at Downside, Leatherhead, is fast becoming the most important in this country. East India Orchids are special favourites with Mr. Lee, and this section of the family is well represented. In the Phalænopsis house are to be found several grand plants; we particularly noticed some well-grown specimens ofPhalænopsis Schilleriana; one plant ofP. amabiliswas the largest we have ever seen in cultivation, having many growths, and showing several flower spikes;P. Stuartianawas well represented, and seems quite at home here;P. intermedia, with its varietiesPorteiandBrymerianawere also in good form; as well asP. violacea, which was in flower. Mr. Lee is not content with having a few plants of this lovely class of Orchids, but possesses them by the hundred, so fond is he of them. The Vanda house also contains some marvellous examples of cultivation,Vanda tricolor Warneribeing well in bloom, also other varieties of the same species, together withV. lamellata Boxallii, &c. In the same house were some well grown plants ofCattleya Walkeriana, in flower, suspended from the roof. Amongst the Cattleyas was a fine variety ofCattleya labiatain flower, the picture of health. The different kinds ofAëridesandSaccolabiumwere looking equally well. In the Lycaste house,Lycaste Skinneri amabile, andL. Skinneri albawere in flower, also a fine lot ofCattleya marginata, and ofLælia præstans, andL. Dayana; indeed we had never before seen such a grand display of those little gems. In the cool houses the different sorts ofOdontoglossumandMasdevalliawere represented by some magnificent plants, some of which were in flower. Mr. Lee is still building Orchid houses with a view to giving his plants more room. One house in particular took our fancy, but of this we hope to furnish some particulars at another time.—H. W.

PL. 72.MILTONIA REGNELLI PURPUREA.

Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsovate, obtuse, compressed, diphyllous.Leaveslorate, acute, narrowed to the base, pale green, about a foot long.Scapesbearing three or four large showy flowers, each with a small bract at the base of its pedicel.Flowersshowy, larger than in the type, being nearly three inches across;sepalslanceolate, about an inch and one-fourth in length, of a delicate shade of rosy pink, paler almost white at the edges, and with a darker median line;petalsoblong, somewhat broader than the sepals and similar in colour;lipflat, subpandurate, broad, one and a half inch across, emarginate at the apex, cuneate at the base, of an intense magenta-crimson, marked with indistinct reticulations of deeper crimson; the disk white, and furnished with three small elevated crests, of which the middle one is shorter.Columndeep crimson at the base, whitish at the apex.Miltonia Regnelli purpurea,Hort. Veitch;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 4 ed., 209; 5 ed., 224;Floral Magazine, t. 490.

Miltonia Regnelli purpurea,Hort. Veitch;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 4 ed., 209; 5 ed., 224;Floral Magazine, t. 490.

The Miltonias form a small genus allied toOdontoglossumand containing some beautiful species and varieties, most of which have been inmates of our stoves and Orchid houses for many years. We remember some of them as long as we have had the management of Orchids, which is now for forty years, but even before that time there were large specimens cultivated in some old-established gardens, such as those at Bothwell Castle, where may now be found many fine plants ofM. spectabilisand its variety,Moreliana, which have been grown by Mr. Turnbull, the gardener, for more than forty years.M. ClowesiiandM. candidahave been in cultivation for quite as long a period. We mention these facts to show to the present generation of Orchid-growers that they should not complain as they are apt to do, that these plants are difficult to cultivate. This is not the case, in witness whereof these grand old plants, which have been grown, as above stated, for so many years, without much care having been bestowed upon them, may be cited. In the collection above referred to, for example, they do not profess to cultivate Orchids specially, but grow them in the ordinary plant stoves. Surely the cultivators of the present day should have no difficulty in attaining the same degree of success. We have seenM. spectabilisas much as three feet across, one mass of bloom, a sight never to be forgotten. We do hope that Miltonias will be more grown than they are at present, as they come into flower at a time when comparatively few Orchids are in bloom, and keep on flowering during the autumn months. They will be found useful for cutting purposes, as well as for our autumn exhibitions. What, for example, could be morelovely than the plant ofM. spectabilis, shown by A. Paul, Esq., at the Edinburgh Exhibition, in September of the present year?

The variety we now illustrate is a most beautiful one, and differs considerably from the type. We are indebted to the kindness of Mr. B. Findlay, of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Manchester, for the opportunity of figuring this gem, which was imported by him. Mr. Findley is a great lover of Orchids, and has a nicely grown collection of them, amongst which flowering specimens may be seen at all times of the year. This,Miltonia Regnelli purpurea, is much richer in its colouring than the original species. It is evergreen, with light green pseudobulbs and foliage, which, together, reach to about ten inches or a foot in height. It produces its flower spikes from the sides of the pseudobulbs after they have completed their growth, which is during August or September. The sepals and petals are delicate rose colour, margined with white; the lip intense crimson-purple, with white crests.

This plant, we repeat, is of easy cultivation and blooms very freely, when grown in a mixture of rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, with good drainage. Our experience points to the coolest end of the East India house as the best position in which to grow it; but we have also found it to do well in the Cattleya house. It is necessary to bear in mind that the plant must be shaded from the burning sun, for it has thin leaves which are easily affected by the sun’s rays; all the light possible should however be given. It will do well either in a pot or basket, and should not receive too much moisture at the roots, as Miltonias frequently suffer if too much water is given them. The soil must be kept freely moistened during the growing season, the supply of water being decreased when the season of rest approaches.

Odontoglossum grande.—C. Walker, Esq., Brettargh Holt, Westmoreland, sends us a grand spike of a fine variety of this, the king of Odontoglots. The spike bore six of its enormous flowers, and was much the finest we remember to have seen. Our artist has made a sketch of this spike, and we hope to publish it at some future time—H. W.

PL. 73.VANDA HOOKERIANA.

Epiphytal.Stemselongate, rigid, terete, pale green, producing aërial roots from the joints, resembling in habit and character those of its near ally,Vanda teres.Leaveserect, terete, tapered to a subulate mucronate point, channelled on the upper side, two and a half to three inches long, of a pale green colour.Pedunclesfrom near the top of the stem, opposite, and longer than the leaves, erect, bearing a two to five-flowered raceme (two-flowered in the examples bloomed in this country).Flowerslarge, two and a half inches in diameter, and extremely beautiful, white, heavily striped and venosely dotted with deep rich magenta;dorsal sepalobovate, cuneate, wavy, projected forwards, white, tinted with rose; thelateral sepalssimilar in form, but larger, apiculate, white;petalsspathulate oblong, obtuse, undulately-crisped, standing right and left above the column and lip, white, spotted with magenta;lipwith a pair of large triangular entire auricles standing erect, one on each side the column, of a deep purple colour, mottled with a paler hue, the front portion expanding from a cuneate base into a very broad transverse trifid limb, two inches broad, which is concave, the lower edge being projected forwards, the lateral lobes oblong obtuse, the central one shorter, bluntly ovate, crenate, undulate, white, the disk marked longitudinally with bold rich magenta-purple lines, from which diverge in the direction of the lateral lobes several parallel stripes of a similar colour, the front part of these lobes, as well as the front lobe itself, marked with dots of rich magenta-purple ranged in lines.Spursmall, acute, with two blunt calli in front of its mouth.Columnhairy below, white, tipped with purple.Vanda Hookeriana,Reichenbach fil., inBonplandia, iv., 324;Id.Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xviii., 488.Moore,Florist and Pomologist, 1882, 155.

Vanda Hookeriana,Reichenbach fil., inBonplandia, iv., 324;Id.Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xviii., 488.Moore,Florist and Pomologist, 1882, 155.

This lovely plant, which was unanimously awarded a First Class Certificate by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, when shown for the first time in this country in September last, appears to have been originally discovered by Lobb, at Labuan, being represented by No. 347 of his Collection; and from Lobb’s specimen in the Hookerian Herbarium, it was named by Professor Reichenbach, in compliment to Sir William Jackson Hooker, and published amongst other Orchid notes and descriptions in the volume of theBonplandiaissued in 1856; so that, despite some well-merited laudatory remarks, such as “planta admirabilis inexspectatissima,” and “plantam insignem spectabilem,” it has been long in finding its way to our Orchid collections, which it appears to have done in the summer of 1873, according to Reichenbach, who adds, “I believe all went direct to Sir N. de Rothschild, Bart., and the plants one afterwards saw at other places were all presents from TringPark. Now, after nearly ten years, Mr. Hill, Sir N. de Rothschild’s orchid grower, has succeeded in flowering the plant.” It was also flowered about the same time by Mr. Ebbage, gardener to J. S. Bockett, Esq., Stamford Hill, from whose plant our plate was prepared. Our impression is, though we have not had an opportunity of making the comparison, that Sir N. de Rothschild’s flowers were appreciably larger than those here delineated.

Vanda Hookerianais a very distinct looking plant, It has terete foliage, resembling that of a slender form of theVanda teres, but having the tips of the leaves more acute. The flowers are produced on short spikes, which are thrown out from the stem. As far as we have seen, only two flowers have been produced on a single spike, but since as many as five flowers have been counted on the imported spikes, we have no doubt that with judicious attention and cultivation it may produce more. The fact that it does so in the wild state speaks well for its free-flowering qualities. The flowers of this species are white, richly spotted with rosy purple, and the lip is longitudinally and transversely marked with lines of the same colour.

Vanda Hookerianais a slender tall-growing plant, requiring an abundant supply of moisture during the growing season, after which it should be gradually dried off to predispose it to flower. A raft or block of wood will be found the best contrivance to grow it upon; this can either he plunged in a pot or hung up to the roof of the house, in a position where the plant may obtain plenty of sunlight and air. A little sphagnum moss about the roots will be found beneficial, since it will aid in keeping the young succulent points moist. While growing it should be placed in the East India house, and plenty of water should be given it. After flowering, a slight rest should be allowed, and after that water may again be given as soon as it shows signs of starting into growth.

This plant is subject to the attacks of scale and thrips, which should be disposed of by sponging and fumigation. Propagation is effected by cutting down the plants, care being taken to see that the shoots are furnished with roots. These cut portions should be put in pots, or placed on blocks or rafts, and kept in a shady position until established. After this operation has been performed, the old stem will throw out side shoots, which can again be detached when rooted should more stock be required.

PL. 74.EPIDENDRUM WALLISII.

Epiphytal.Stemserect, three to four feet high, reed-like, as thick as a raven’s quill, leafy throughout, the sheaths, which nearly cover the spaces between the leaves, rugose and spotted with brownish-purple.Leavesdistichous, oblong-lanceolate, acute, about five inches long, and an inch or rather more in breadth.Inflorescenceracemose, the racemes many-flowered, with sheathing scales at the base, and furnished above with triangular-ovate bracts much shorter than the pedicels; the racemes are both terminal and lateral on the stems, the lateral ones being placed opposite the leaves.Flowersnumerous and showy, fully an inch and a half across, picturesquely coloured, fragrant, with a pleasant smell of honey and musk;sepalsandpetalsligulate-oblong, acute, deep golden yellow, marked with rather small distant deep carmine-crimson spots;lipcuneately-flabellate, an inch broad, quadrifid, with a broad sinus in front, and smaller lateral ones, white, radiately pencilled with feathery lines of magenta-purple, which are minutely tuberculated, the disk yellow, bearing three or five short crests.Columnadnate, the anther-bed with a quadrifid limb.Epidendrum Wallisii,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., iv., 66; ix., 462.

Epidendrum Wallisii,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., iv., 66; ix., 462.

We have here one of the comparatively few ornamental species ofEpidendrum, but this, as has been truly remarked, is a real beauty—interesting, moreover, as representing a peculiar type of the genus, that has no pseudobulbs, but tall distichously-leafy stems, that bear both lateral and terminal racemes of flowers at the same time and on the same stems.E. Wallisiiappears to vary somewhat in its flowers; one of those bloomed by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons being recorded as producing flowers with unspotted yellow sepals and petals, and a lip with three orange-coloured keels, and dark purple veins with small spots and lines on a white ground.

This wonderful plant, which was first described in 1875 by Professor Reichenbach, is peculiar in having its racemes of flowers both terminal and lateral, on which account it will at once be seen it is of a very floriferous habit. Our plate was prepared from a plant in the grand collection belonging to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking, where, under the care of Mr. Spyers, it seems to have grown remarkably well. We were, indeed, much surprised to find that it has attained to such large dimensions. The first plants that flowered in this country grew not more than from fifteen to eighteen inches high; and, according to Mr. Wallis’s dried specimens, the plant in its native habitat is even dwarfer. Nowwe have the plant, in the case of Sir Trevor Lawrence’s specimen, attaining several feet in height, and producing an immense quantity of flowers, thus showing how Orchids may be improved by good cultivation. The flowers of this plant are generally produced in October and November, and they last in perfection for a considerable time.

Epidendrum Wallisiishould be grown in the Cattleya house, and does best in a pot. We have found a mixture of peat and sphagnum to be the most fitting compost in which to pot it. The plant should be elevated well above the rim of the pot, and have a good supply of drainage. It delights in a liberal supply of water during the growing season; and when at rest should receive a less quantity, only just enough to keep the bulbs from shrivelling.

Vandas Flowering in a Small State.—It is generally thought that these Orchids only flower when they have attained considerable size, but such is not the case. At the present time may be seen in the Victoria Nurseries plants ofVanda tricolorand its varieties, as also ofV. suavis, in bloom, though only from fifteen to twenty-four inches high, having in some instances two spikes each. These are not cut-down plants, but young offshoots that have been taken from the bases of the old stools, and grown singly in pots. The secret of this is, that the growth is well matured, in consequence of too high a temperature not being maintained during the growing season, but plenty of light and air given to the plants. These are conditions which Vandas delight in, as is proved by the results.—B. S. W.

PL. 75.LÆLIA ANCEPS.

Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsnarrowly ovate-oblong, compressed and two-edged, with prominent angles on the flattened sides, thus tetragonal, four to six inches long, clothed while young with large membranous scales.Leavesoblong-lanceolate, bluntish, two, or more rarely one, from each pseudobulb, five to eight inches long, leathery in texture, dark green.Scapeterminal on the pseudobulbs, erect, often two feet long, terminating in a spike of three to five flowers, jointed, clothed with carinate bracts, and two-edged or ancipital, whence the name.Flowersvery large and attractive;sepalslanceolate, acuminate, about three inches long, spreading, of a charming delicate pinkish-rose;petalsovate-acuminate, of the same colour as the sepals;lipthree-lobed, the lateral lobes inflected over the column, purplish-rose, paler on the lower side, yellow, and striped with purple inside, the reflexed front edge deep magenta-purple; middle lobe oblong-acute, recurved, rich deep velvety magenta-purple, white towards the base, the disk within the base yellow, traversed longitudinally by an elevated thickened ridge, which terminates in front in three crests.Columnsemi-cylindrical, wingless.Lælia anceps,Lindley,Botanical Register, t. 1751;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 3804;Paxton,Magazine of Botany, iv., 73;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 202.Bletia anceps,Reichenbach fil., inWalpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 418.

Lælia anceps,Lindley,Botanical Register, t. 1751;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 3804;Paxton,Magazine of Botany, iv., 73;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 202.

Bletia anceps,Reichenbach fil., inWalpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 418.

In the subject of our present plate we have one of the oldest inhabitants of our Orchid houses. It was introduced as far back as the year 1833, and is one of the most beautiful of the numerous MexicanOrchideæ. As a winter-flowering Orchid it stands unrivalled, coming as it does into flower in mid-winter, and retaining its beauty for a long period. It should be grown in quantity by every one on this account, for a more useful decorative plant it would be difficult to discover.

There are several varieties of this handsome species, which are very distinct from the type. Notably there isLælia anceps Dawsoni, a white form, which was figured in this work atPlate 44. Then there areL. anceps alba,L. anceps Hillii,L. anceps Barkerii, andL. anceps rosea, a pretty rose-coloured form, differing considerably from the type. Our plate was prepared from a plant in the collection of D. B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks, who was kind enough to allow our artist to make a sketch of the plant.

Lælia ancepsis a dwarf-growing evergreen species, having oblong-ovate bulbs, from four to six inches in length, furnished with oblong-lanceolate leaves, which areproduced from the apex of the bulb. The flower-spikes are erect, produced just as the young growth is completing itself. The sepals and petals are rosy lilac, the throat yellow, with dark purple markings, and the lip rich magenta.

This plant should be grown in the coolest end of the Cattleya house, in a position where it may obtain a plentiful supply of the sun’s rays, and a liberal supply of air. If the cultivator could have partitioned off from the cool house a small division in which to grow the sun-loving Mexican Orchids, it would be advisable, as there are several kinds which delight in the same treatment as this gem, viz.,Lælia autumnalis,L. majalis,Odontoglossum citrosmum,Oncidium Barkerii,O. tigrinum, and many others we could mention; in fact, the reason we so seldom see these plants grown as they should be, is that enough sun and air are not given to them.

Lælia ancepsdelights in a copious supply of moisture when growing, and like other Orchids when at rest requires only just sufficient to prevent the bulbs from shrivelling. It should be grown in a pot or basket suspended from the roof, in a good airy position; the compost best suited to it is good fibrous peat, with the addition of a little moss. The plant is increased by division just as it starts into growth.

Cattleya labiata.—H. Gaskell, Esq., of Woolton Wood, Woolton, Liverpool, has been kind enough to send us one of the finest inflorescences of this old favourite we have ever seen. The spike carries five large flowers, the sepals and petals are magenta-rose colour, the lip rich crimson. This is one of the most useful Orchids for autumn-flowering, and we regret to find it has become extremely rare.—B. S. W.

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