CYPRIPEDIUM MELANOPHTHALMUM.[Plate 109.]Garden Hybrid.

PL. 109.CYPRIPEDIUM MELANOPHTHALMUM.

Epiphytal. Acaulescent.Leavesdistichous, coriaceous, oblong-lanceolate, acute, of a pale dull green colour, chequered with coarse elongate reticulations of a darker green.Scape(peduncle) greenish, clothed with purple hairs, having near the apex a short acuminate hairy bract, which is strongly ciliated.Flowersmedium-sized, of a rather showy character, solitary;dorsal sepalbroad ovate-acuminate, an inch and a half long, white flushed with purple towards the base, distinctly marked with green veins, of which the two pairs on each side the central one are alternately long and short, while the rest become gradually shorter as they approach the edge; unitedlateralones narrow ovate, whitish with green veins;petalsglossy, linear oblong, dull purple on the upper side towards the base, and marked with a series of blue warty hairy dots on the upper edge, the apical portion bright reddish purple or wine-red, the lower half somewhat greener, both margins ciliate;lipbold, an inch and three-quarters long, with a somewhat compressed pouch an inch long, of a dull reddish purple suffused with green—the green colour most apparent towards the tip and back—and distinctly marked with darker purple reticulations, the sides veined, pale yellowish spotted with crimson warts within, their upper angles produced into auricles.Staminodevery prominent, hexagonal, emarginate in front with a small tooth inside, veined with green in the centre, pale purplish green at the edge, the surface shortly downy.Cypripedium melanophthalmum,Reichenbach fil.,Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xiv., 525.

Cypripedium melanophthalmum,Reichenbach fil.,Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xiv., 525.

This is one of the numerous hybrid Lady’s Slippers that have been raised by R. Warner, Esq., Broomfield, Chelmsford. All these are of free-blooming character, every small growth bringing its quota of flowers. The foliage of the several forms is differently variegated, while the flowers of all the kinds are of long duration, which is an excellent quality in any plant. It will be seen from our illustration thatCypripedium melanophthalmumis a pretty plant, and one well worthy of cultivation, since it produces flowers which are valuable for cutting purposes, the stems being firm and long, which makes it useful for vases and other decorations for the adornment of living rooms. The plants are grand for exhibition purposes, as they carry well without injury by tying each flower-stem to a small stick.

TheCypripediaare of easy cultivation. They may, moreover, be freely hybridized, and are more readily produced from seed than many other subjects, as may be seen from the number which have been brought before the public, by those who make it their study to raise them in this way. Some persons are moresuccessful in this branch of culture than others. There is no doubt that it requires a good deal of skill and tact to find out the best sorts for crossing, and also to effect the best crosses; moreover, it occupies a good deal of time, but we do not know of anything more delightful than this self-imposed task of improving the beauties of nature, and where one can devote attention to it, there must be a great deal of pleasure in watching the progress of one’s pets and noting the results of one’s labours when they put forth their blossoms.

Cypripedium melanophthalmumis an evergreen plant, having light yellowish green foliage with dark reticulations and blotches. The flower stems grow about six inches high, bearing the interesting flower at the top; the dorsal sepal is white flushed with purple at the base, and veined with green; the petals are bright reddish crimson, with darker veins and black hairy blotches or wart-like spots on the edge; the pouch is bright crimson with a green base, netted with green and reddish brown.

It requires the same treatment asC. barbatum—that is, it should be potted in rough fibrous peat, with good drainage, and the plant should be well elevated above the pot-rim, so that the roots can run over and also into the soil. These plants require a good deal of water, nearly all the year round, as they have no thick fleshy bulbs to support them. It must always be borne in mind that they must be kept free from insects to ensure successful and satisfactory progress.

Aërides Lawrenciæ.—At Stevens’ Auction Rooms, on the 19th day of September last, there was a magnificent newAëridesoffered for sale, which realized the large sum of 235 guineas (£246 15s.), the purchaser being Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P. It is encouraging to see that Orchids are more esteemed than ever they were, and that in spite of the enormous importations which are continually being received, good things are realising higher prices than ever. This newAëridesresembles in habit a large growing form ofA. quinquevulnerum: the flower-spike measures two feet in length, and bears thirty-two of its lovely blossoms, which seem to be intermediate between those ofA. odoratumandA. quinquevulnerum, possessing the strong aroma of the first-named plant. The flowers are very large, the sepals and petals white tipped with rosy-purple, the lip white marked with rich amethyst. It has just been named in compliment to Lady Lawrence.—H. W.

PL. 110.MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA MINIATA.

Epiphytal.Stemsshort, tufted, slender.Leavespersistent, of leathery texture, the blade spathulate, channelled at the base, keeled behind, tapering down into the petiole, which is invested by whitish brown membranaceous sheathing bracts.Scapeissuing from the bract, investing the leaf base, radical, about a foot high, stiff, pale green, thickly striate-blotched with purple, with one or two distant sheathing bracts, and surmounted by the curved six-ribbed ovary, which is dotted with purple.Flowersremarkably brilliant in colour;tubeabout a quarter of an inch wide and upwards of half an inch long, orange-yellow, the open tube forming a yellow eye to the flower;dorsal sepalfiliform, recurved, two inches long;lateral sepalsdeflexed falcate-ovate acute, fully two inches long by one inch wide, of a bright vermilion-red flushed with scarlet, and having the principal ribs of a rich deep crimson;petalsminute, oblong-obtuse, white tinged with purple;lipstill shorter, the tip recurved yellow, the disk with a deep furrow between two obtuse ridges.Columnwhite, shorter than the petals, the winged margin extending upwards into a toothed hood.Masdevallia Harryana miniata,Williams and Moore,supra.

Masdevallia Harryana miniata,Williams and Moore,supra.

This is a most charming variety ofMasdevallia Harryana, being quite a new colour in this section; it is the most distinct and beautiful for its brightness of hue—one which we have not yet seen developed to such perfection of brilliancy in any other variety. It may also be noted, that when mixed with other forms of various colours it blends with them most charmingly. How exceedingly bright and beautiful it is will be seen from our figure, in which, however, it has been extremely difficult for our artist to imitate the natural tint of the flower. Our sketch was taken from a well-bloomed plant in the large collection ofMasdevalliasgrown by W. Lee, Esq., of Downside, Leatherhead. It is a very rare as well as showy plant, and we shall be glad to see more of it, as it will assuredly be sought after.

Masdevallia Harryana miniatais a dwarf compact-growing plant, with foliage about eight inches high of a bright dark green colour. The flowers are scarlet-vermilion with a bright yellow eye. It blooms during May and June, and lasts about four weeks in full beauty.

This plant will thrive under the treatment recommended for the forms of theHarryanasection in our first volume (Plate 24), where all the necessary particulars will be found. Mr. Woolford, the gardener at Downside, is a most successful cultivator, and has under his charge a house nearly 100 feet long filled withMasdevallias, wherein, when we last saw them, there were many hundreds of expanded blossoms of large size and high colour. They are potted in the same way that we recommend. Mr. Woolford seems to diffuse a great deal of moisture about the house during the summer months, and the soil they are growing in is kept very moist. If anyone wants to see these lovely plants in perfection and well cultivated, this is the place at which to find them.

Orchids at The Dell, Staines.—The collection of Baron Schröder is well worthy of a visit, there being always something to see and to learn. The Baron takes such great interest in his collection that he will have good species and good varieties. He does not fill his houses with numbers of imported plants to take the chance of what he may get, but he secures at once good healthy established plants of all the choicest and best known kinds. Of course, there is a chance of getting good forms among the imported plants, but along with them one finds a great many that one does not care for, but which have occupied valuable space; besides which such plants are unsightly in a show house. A few rough imported plants spoil the appearance of a whole collection, and we know ladies prefer to see good flowers accompanied by fine green foliage, which always renders a plant more agreeable to the eye.

We noticed many fine plants here in August last, when but few Orchids are in bloom: indeed there are always good plants blooming here. A splendid house has been allotted toCattleyas, of which there are some grand and noble specimens; we noticed several fine plants ofCattleya exoniensis, also of the best form ofC. labiata, with some wonderful specimens ofC. TrianæandC. Russelliana,C. Mendelii,C. Warnerii,C. Dominianain two varieties, and many new hybrids. OfLælia purpuratathere were fine specimens of the best varieties; also some good forms ofL. elegans. There were several fineVandasin this house. We also noticedRenanthera Lowii, showing a vigorous spike of bloom, and by the side of this was a good specimen ofCattleya crispa grandiflorawith several spikes, one having nine flowers; also one ofC. gigaswhich bore seven flowers, and had a very large lip, quite distinct in colour. Associated with this was the rareLælia callistoglossawith a rich magenta lip, in full beauty and very showy. There were other good plants in bloom.

In the Saccolabium house there had been many fine kinds in flower. We noticed a very handsomeS. Blumei giganteumwith a spike two feet long and of large size—the plant and spike we have seen. There were also fine varieties ofPhalænopsis violaceain bloom, and grand specimens of other rare species, also ofCattleya Eldorado, with some goodAërides,Angræcums, &c.

There were some handsome Odontoglots in bloom, and others had thrown some fine flower spikes; also some good plants ofMesospinidium vulcanicum, one with nine spikes of its richly-coloured flowers and others equally good; this plant produces a fine contrast among the whiteOdontoglossums, and such effective colours should be sought after, especially when, as here, associated with fine form.—B. S. W.

PL. 111.ODONTOGLOSSUM ELEGANS.

Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsoblong, somewhat furrowed, three inches long, diphyllous.Leavesligulate, acute, tapered and channelled towards the base, of a pale green colour.Scaperadical, slender, arching.Flowersracemed or panicled, stellate, three inches in breadth, highly coloured, and showy in character, the yellow centre being very conspicuous;sepalslanceolate, attenuately not suddenly acuminate, recurved and wavy at the edge, the dorsal two inches, the lateral ones about an inch and three quarters long, white, yellow towards the tip, with dark chocolate blotches, which almost cover the surface leaving only a few broken bars near the base and a patch at the apex;petalsspreading at the extreme base, then incurved, and finally having the tips recurved, ovate-lanceolate attenuately acuminate, the basal part white with irregular spots and small blotches of chocolate brown, with a larger spot about midway, exterior to which the petal is sometimes spotless and sometimes marked with two or three spots;liphaving its basal portion parallel with the column, then turned down at a right angle, panduriform with a recurved cuspidate apex; at the angle is a spreading fringe of many (about eight) projecting processes, the two front ones continuous with the crest along the basal portion of the lip, yellow with chocolate tips, and three shorter ones yellow with a chocolate stripe; behind these are five reddish chocolate stripes which appear like continuations of the teeth; hinder portion about half an inch broad, pale yellow blotched with brown at the edge but strongly recurved, succeeding which is a restricted part wholly covered by a rich brown spot, after which the lip widens and passes into a recurved cuspidate apex, which is white with one or two chocolate blotches.Columnhalf an inch long, clavate, with two subulate horns, white spotted with chocolate, the stigmatic hollow and its margins stained with chocolate purple.Odontoglossum elegans,Reichenbach fil.,Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xi., 462.

Odontoglossum elegans,Reichenbach fil.,Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xi., 462.

The subject of our present portrait is a most beautiful and distinct Odontoglot, and one with which we believe our subscribers will be glad to become acquainted. It is an extremely rare plant, and the only specimen we have seen, was imported with a lot ofOdontoglossum cirrhosum. It is doubtless a natural hybrid, of which that species is one of the parents, as it resembles it both in the shape of its flowers and growth. This plant was exhibited by H. M. Pollett, Esq., Bickley, Kent, before the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, from whom it received the highest honours. It has bloomed in this well-known collection for two successive years, the flowers very much finer and the growth stronger on the last occasion. It is an astonishing trait in the character of this Odontoglot, that the stronger the plants become the finer are the flowers, that is, provided they have a proper houseand proper treatment. Mr. Pollett has some small span-roofed houses in which the plants seem to enjoy their position, as they are thriving well under his gardener’s care.

Odontoglossum elegansis an evergreen species of compact growth, with light green foliage about ten inches in height. The pseudobulbs grow about three inches high. The sepals and petals are cream-coloured, tipped with yellow and irregularly blotched and barred with chestnut brown; the lip is long and similar in form to that ofO. cirrhosum, having a large golden yellow crest. It blooms during the spring months, and lasts in beauty for several weeks, its drooping spikes producing more flowers than are shown in our drawing, as our artist was not able to show the full spike in his representation, from its being too long. This particular plant has been distinguished as Pollett’s variety, an unwieldy form of naming which we prefer not to adopt.

The plant requires the same cultivation and treatment asOdontoglossum Alexandræand others of that class, of which we have given full particulars in our first volume, underPlate 47.

Vanda Sanderiana.—It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce the flowering of this magnificent novelty, in the collection of W. Lee, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead, where it may now (September) be seen, bearing three spikes of its gorgeous flowers. One spike bears twelve flowers, and another eight. If the reader will imagine a dozen of these lovely blossoms, each from four to four and a half inches in diameter, collected together on one spike, he may form some idea of the magnificence of this grand novelty. In growth the plant resembles a giganticV. cœrulea, but having much broader and longer leaves, and stouter stems and flower-spikes than that species. The spikes are produced from the axils of the leaves in an erect position. The leaves are from nine to twelve inches long, and about an inch broad, deeply channelled. The flowers are fully four inches in diameter; the upper sepal and the two petals are nearly of one size and of a blush-pink, about the colour of a pale variety ofOdontoglossum vexillarium; the lower sepals are much larger and broader than the petals, two inches across, tawny yellow distinctly and beautifully reticulated with dull crimson over the entire surface; the lip is dull brownish crimson, and has three keels along the centre extending from the apex to the base. The contrast of the crimson markings on the yellow sepals renders this new Vanda one of the most distinct species we have ever seen. We have had a sketch of this plant prepared, and it will shortly be presented to our readers.—H. W.

PL. 112.CATTLEYA SKINNERI ALBA.

Epiphytal.Stemsobovate-oblong, compressed, furrowed, attenuated below into a terete jointed stalk.Leavestwo, palish green, spreading, leathery, oblong-obtuse, sub-emarginate.Scapesix to eight-flowered, issuing from a short oblong spathe.Flowersexceedingly chaste and elegant, pure white in colour, measuring four inches in depth and breadth;sepalsplane, lanceolate, acute, recurved at the extreme tip, half an inch in breadth, pure white;petalsovate-obtuse, one and a quarter inch in breadth, slightly undulated towards the tips, also pure white;lipwhite, the basal part very closely and narrowly rolled around the column, and there showing exteriorly on the lower side a slight stain of rose, which, when unrolled, appears as a small rosy blotch, the front lobe roundish reniform.Columnwhite, clavate, about an inch long.Cattleya Skinneri alba,Reichenbach fil.,Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., vii., 810.

Cattleya Skinneri alba,Reichenbach fil.,Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., vii., 810.

The fine genusCattleyais becoming more and more interesting and valuable every year, since many new forms and colours are continually coming before us. We feel great pleasure in being able to figure this chaste and lovely variety ofC. Skinneri, which has pure snow white flowers. It is quite astonishing to find that white forms of so many different kinds ofCattleyaare being brought home by our energetic collectors. Many, indeed, have turned out to be white-flowered when we have bloomed them, without any knowledge of the fact on the part of those that have collected them, the reason being that often they do not find them in bloom, and it is, of course, difficult to know their colours unless they are in flower; moreover, it sometimes occurs that there are not many of the pure white forms. There may be others of a rosy hue, and it is frequently the case that seedlings come intermediate in colour. We hope our collectors may be fortunate enough to find pure white forms of other species in bloom, as they are so charming. The variation of colour which occurs in some of the species in their native country, is no doubt due to the intervention of insects, the action being just the same as that of the hybridizer in our plant-houses.

We bloomed a very fine pure whiteCattleya Skinneri, an imported plant, some years ago, and we have since seen several white varieties, but the figure we now publish was taken from a plant in the collection of Sir Nathaniel de Rothschild, of Tring Park. The spike, as may be seen from our plate, was a good one, with well-expanded blossoms, not quite so large as in the parentCattleya Skinneri, which is of a most charming rosy purple, and one of the most distinct and showy of Orchids. Thereare fine varieties of this species, especially one that has been grown in collections for many years, and that we have been in the habit of exhibiting for the past 35 years—even before that there were fine specimens of it in cultivation. The species was named after the late G. Ure Skinner, Esq., who imported it from Guatemala, together with many other Orchids, and whose name will always be associated with this class of plants, many fine kinds having been named after him.

Cattleya Skinneri albais an evergreen plant, with light green stems and foliage. The stems are about twelve inches high, and each produces two leaves about four inches long. The spikes proceed from an oblong sheath at the top of the stem in March and April. The sepals and petals are pure white with the throat of the lip pale yellow. It continues in bloom for two or three weeks, but it must be kept free from damp, as white flowers soon become spotted if kept in too cool and damp an atmosphere; it is always best to have a dry, warm house for plants that are in bloom, as they then last so much longer. Mr. Hill, the gardener at Tring Park, must have kept this specimen in a dry, warm house, as the flowers were most perfect when they reached us.

This plant requires the same treatment asC. Skinneri. It is best grown in a pot or basket, with good fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, the pots being filled three-parts full of drainage, then filled up with rough peat, placing some pieces of charcoal amongst it; this will keep it open and porous, and the roots will run freely among the charcoal. In the growing season the soil requires to be kept rather moist, but the plant does not like too much water about its roots at any time. It is best grown near the light, with a little shade when the sun is hot, the shading not being required at any other time. We find the warm end of the Cattleya house to suit it, as it requires more warmth than some of the other Cattleyas. When the growth is finished in autumn, very little water should be given, and during winter only just sufficient to keep the stems plump, until they begin to throw up their flower spikes in March, when a little more may be supplied to assist the flowers in opening, and to secure finer blossoms.

They begin to grow after their flowering season is over, which is the best time for division if it is required, but it is best to avoid cutting this rare plant as much as possible, as sometimes the divided pieces will not succeed so well, especially if the plant is not strong and vigorous. When divided, place them in a shady, moist place until they get established; then they may be removed to a position more exposed to the light.

PL. 113.DENDROBIUM WARDIANUM GIGANTEUM.

Epiphytal.Stemsstout, pendulous, deciduous, attaining three feet in length, knotty at the nodes.Leavesoblong-lanceolate, attenuate at the apex.Racemestwo or three flowered, issuing from the nodes of the matured stems.Flowerslarge and conspicuous from their striking colours;sepalsoblong-lanceolate, bluntish, white tipped with magenta-rose, the margins reflexed;petalsoblong-ovate, obtuse, white more deeply tipped than the sepals;lipcucullate, the base folded over the column, the anterior portion ovate-obtuse, recurved at the tip, entire, the surface covered with crystalline processes, the colour golden yellow at the base with a pair of maroon-crimson spots, the margin and middle portion creamy white, the apex tipped like the petals with deep magenta;spurshort.Columnshort, depressed, almost hidden in the base of the lip, the anther-case white.Dendrobium Wardianum,R. Warner,Select Orchidaceous Plants, ser. i., t. 19;Jennings’ Orchids, t. 2;L’Illustration Horticole, ser. 3, t. 277;Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., viii, 241, fig. 50.Var.GIGANTEUM.—Habit more vigorous and more erect than in the ordinary form; stems stouter and less nodose, four to five feet long; flowers larger, and of stouter substance, otherwise as in the type.Dendrobium Wardianum giganteum,Williams & Moore, supra.Dendrobium Wardianum Lowii,Smith,Moral Magazine,N.S., t. 212.

Dendrobium Wardianum,R. Warner,Select Orchidaceous Plants, ser. i., t. 19;Jennings’ Orchids, t. 2;L’Illustration Horticole, ser. 3, t. 277;Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., viii, 241, fig. 50.

Var.GIGANTEUM.—Habit more vigorous and more erect than in the ordinary form; stems stouter and less nodose, four to five feet long; flowers larger, and of stouter substance, otherwise as in the type.

Dendrobium Wardianum giganteum,Williams & Moore, supra.

Dendrobium Wardianum Lowii,Smith,Moral Magazine,N.S., t. 212.

The flowers of the plant we now bring under the notice of our readers are of the most perfect form, of the richest colours, and also of very large size. It is altogether a stronger grower than the type of the species named in compliment to Dr. Ward, of Southampton, and of which a fine figure is published inPlate 19of the first series of Warner’sSelect Orchidaceous Plants. By a comparison of the two illustrations, it will be seen that the typical plant has much thinner and more tapering stems, and that the flowers are of a smaller size than in the variety now treated upon, though the colour and marking are equally brilliant in both. The larger form,giganteum, also comes from a different country, the smaller kind having been introduced from Assam, while the larger one comes from Burmah, which difference may account for the difference in their growth. Our sketch was taken from a plant in the collection of D’Alroy Salamon, Esq., of Clapham Park, where it has bloomed two years in succession. There is in cultivation a variety ofD. Wardianumwith white flowers, which has been bloomed during the last two or three years from imported plants. It is quite interesting to find that in most of the principal generawhite varieties are turning up to meet the growing taste for white forms of the different Orchids.

Dendrobium Wardianum giganteumis a deciduous plant, sometimes producing growths four or five feet long, with somewhat knotty joints all up the stems. The foliage is of a bright green colour, and begins to fall off after it has completed its growth. The sepals and petals are white heavily tipped with deep magenta-rose, while the lip is of a deep orange-yellow at the base, with two blackish crimson blotches, the tip of the lip being bright magenta-rose. It blooms during the winter and spring months according to the time of the completion of its growth. We have seen it in bloom in the month of October, so by having a number of plants started at different periods, it might be had in bloom for many months, some of the plants being retarded by keeping them dry in a warm house—for it is not safe to put them into a cold house, as this often injures the growth for the following year.

The plants are best grown in baskets or pans suspended from the roof, where they get all the light, but just keeping them from the burning sun. We find rough fibrous peat with sphagnum moss and good drainage to suit them. They must be kept moist at the roots during the growing season, but when their growth is completed only just sufficient to keep the stems plump must be allowed them until they begin to show their flower buds: then give a little moisture at the roots, which will induce them to bloom finer, and to start into growth after their flowers are over. Sometimes they will start growing during the blooming season, and if so this should not be checked.

We find the East India house the most suitable one for them, or they will grow in any house where the heat is kept up during the growing season. When at rest less warmth will suffice. They must be kept free from insects. Sometimes the red spider and thrips will attack the leaves, but these may be kept under by syringing or using tobacco-smoke—the latter sparingly, as too much will be very injurious to the young growths.

Cattleya Trianæ formosa(Plate 108).—In the remarks on this Cattleya, instead of “the lip rich rose-magenta being beautifully frilled and edged with a lighter tint of the same colour. The flowers, which are two and a quarter inches in diameter, have the throat orange veined with a deeper orange, and are produced,” &c., read “the lip rich rose-magenta being beautifully frilled and edged with a lighter tint of the same colour, two and a quarter inches in diameter, the throat orange veined with deeper orange. The flowers are produced,” &c., &c.

PL. 114.TRICHOSMA SUAVIS.

Epiphytal.Stemsthin, terete, tufted, from a short rhizome, with a few sheathing verrucose scales at the base, the apex diphyllous.Leavessomewhat fleshy, broadly lanceolate acuminate, obsoletely three-nerved, the base contracted into a sheathing petiole.Flowersin short terminal racemes, fragrant;sepalslanceolate, spreading, the dorsal one free, the lateral ones somewhat broader, adnate at the base with the foot of the column, so as to form a short chin, creamy white;petalserect, lanceolate, resembling the dorsal sepal, creamy white;liparticulated with the foot of the column, with a short incumbent claw, the limb three-lobed, the side lobes plane striped with brownish crimson, the middle one undulated, yellow spotted with red and bearing five crispy lamellæ or crests, there being also four such crests on the disk.Columnshort, semiterete, marginate, the anther-bell irregularly toothed at the edge, the anthers incumbent affixed within the margin.Pollen-masseseight.Trichosma suavis,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1842, t. 21.Cœlogyne coronaria,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1841, misc. 178.Eria coronaria,Reichenbach, inWalpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 271.

Trichosma suavis,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1842, t. 21.

Cœlogyne coronaria,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1841, misc. 178.

Eria coronaria,Reichenbach, inWalpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 271.

The Orchid, of which we now submit a figure, is a very pretty free-growing species; it is also distinct from any other Orchid, and one well worthy a place in any collection. Almost every one who sees it in flower admires it, not, perhaps, so much for its showy character, as for its neat pleasing inflorescence and fragrant flowers. There are admirers of small flowered Orchids as well as of those with larger and more showy blossoms.

ThisTrichosmahas curious slender fleshy stems, scaly at the base, and surmounted by a pair of dark green three-nerved leaves from between which, at the top of this stem, the flower spike is produced, as will be seen from our figure. The inflorescence forms a short erect spike or raceme, bearing several very sweet-scented flowers, which have a pleasing appearance.

Trichosma suavisgrows about ten inches in height, and produces its blossoms very freely. The sepals and petals are of a creamy white colour, the lip profusely striped with purplish crimson and having a bright yellow crest.

This plant flowered with us in March, and continued for several weeks in bloom; but we have also seen it blossoming at different times of the year, according to the period of the completion of its growth. We find it does well grown in a pot with rough fibrous peat and good drainage, and when in vigorous growth itmust be kept moderately moist at the roots. It should never be allowed to get dry as it has no thick fleshy bulbs on which to draw for support. We find it succeeds well in the Cattleya house, shaded from the burning sun during the summer season.

Dr. Paterson’s Orchids.—The charming locality of the Bridge of Allan has long been celebrated for this collection of Orchids. Dr. Paterson is an enthusiastic lover of this most noble family, for as he truly says, “There are no plants like them.” There are others of the same opinion, and we believe there is no class of plants that afford such an amount of pleasure and interest to the cultivator, for the more one gets acquainted with them, the more one finds to admire, in their bright colours and their infinite variety, the length of time they last in blossom, and their usefulness when cut; besides all this there is the interest of novelty attaching to them, many new species and varieties continually appearing. There are, in fact, no flowers to surpass them.

At Dr. Paterson’s there is always to be seen a grand display of Orchids. The way in which they are cultivated, and the order and cleanliness that surround them, seem to be made quite the study of their owner. No doubt cleanliness is one of the principal items in their successful cultivation. It is marvellous how this collection has sprung up since our visit in September of last year. Nearly all the best specimens had then been sold, many of them at high prices, and scattered in different directions; buyers came from far and near, as there were many unique specimens of fine species and select varieties. These were sold to make room for the young plants, which now bid fair to be as fine in a few years’ time, for they are at present making rapid strides. The East Indian kinds are in a specially flourishing condition. We noticed a vigorous plant ofVanda Cathcartii, three feet high, and the specimens ofSaccolabium,Aërides,Cattleya,Lælia,Vanda, &c., are making fine growths. To enumerate the plants that are doing well would occupy too much of our limited space, but we cannot conclude this note without mentioning the cool Orchids, such asOdontoglossum Pescatorei,O. Alexandræ, and many other kinds, some in bloom, and others showing fine spikes and making good pseudobulbs. The specimens ofMasdevalliawere making good progress. Next to these wasOncidium Barkerii, with its bright yellow flowers. The different kinds ofPleionewere also finely in bloom.

Visitors go from all parts to see this collection, Dr. Paterson being as pleased to show the plants as others are to see them. The Bridge of Allan is a charming spot situated among the Perthshire Hills, and is a place of healthful resort, especially in winter, as the climate is mild. It is within easy distance of the town of Stirling; it can also be reached from Glasgow and Edinburgh in very little time, and is well worthy a visit.—B. S. W.

PL. 115.CATTLEYA WHITEI.

Epiphytal.Stemsclavate, furrowed, monophyllous.Leavesshort, ovate-oblong, coriaceous.Racemesthree-flowered, issuing from a pair of oblong-obtuse compressed sheathing bracts.Flowersmedium-sized, very handsomely coloured;sepalsligulate-oblong, entire, recurved at the edge, of a deep rosy tint with a flush of olive green, which is more evident on the outer surface and at the tips, about as long as the lip, the dorsal one longer, the lateral ones falcately deflexed, all acute with the tips recurved;petalsbroader (an inch and one-eighth wide), ovate-oblong, acute, undulated towards the recurved apex, of a bright magenta-purple;liptwo and a half inches long, stipitate, the lateral lobes truncate with the upper angle acute, pale blush towards the base, where they are rolled closely over the column, the tip which is recurved tinted with magenta, the lower side of the tube and throat bright yellow; front lobe of lip an inch long and an inch and a half broad, roundish reniform, with the edge neatly undulated, and distinctly fimbriate-denticulate, the ground colour magenta-rose, veined closely all over except the extreme edge, which is white, with deep crimson-magenta, the veins running back in a wedge-shaped figure to just within the tube, where they pass to crimson; a strong central line of magenta passes half way down at the back.Columnclavate, semiterete, the edge thin, almost wing-like, whitish with a tint of blush at the apex.Cattleya Whitei,Reichenbach fil.,Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xviii., 586.

Cattleya Whitei,Reichenbach fil.,Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xviii., 586.

This most beautifulCattleyais of recent introduction, and is one of the most rare, chaste and distinct kinds that has been introduced of late. It is supposed to be a natural hybrid, the result of insect fertilisation in its native country. The specimen in the hands of Holbrook Gaskell, Esq., Woolton Wood, Liverpool, in whose fine collection it bloomed in July last, and through whose kindness we have been enabled to figure it, is believed to be the only plant ever imported; and we must congratulate the owner on his being the means of bringing such a magnificent species to the notice of Orchid growers. It is very gratifying to find that so many new forms ofCattleya, both species and varieties, have been brought home by our collectors within the last few years; they are grand acquisitions to our collections, as there are no other Orchids that make such an effective display. Now that there are so many and such varied kinds introduced, we shall be able to have Cattleyas in bloom all the year round, by procuring the different species and varieties which are of nearly all shades of colour, many of them being very brilliant and distinct. We are glad to know there are some kinds that will do in cooler houses and others of them are small-growing species, which will increase their value to those who have only small houses in which to grow them.

Cattleya Whiteiis an evergreen plant with handsome, good-looking dark green foliage. In growth it is much like the dark variety ofC. labiata, its foliage and pseudobulbs being similar; it produces three flowers on a spike, the sepals and petals being bright magenta-crimson, with a flush of brown on the front portion, the lip pale magenta distinctly veined with intense magenta-crimson, and the throat bright yellow. It blooms in July, and Mr. Davies, the gardener, tells us that it lasts two or three weeks in beauty.

This novelty requires treatment similar to that given toC. MossiæandC. labiata—namely, to be potted in good rough fibrous peat, with thorough drainage. It should have the heat of the Cattleya house, with all the light possible, during the whole year, which will enable the plant to properly mature its stems and foliage, after which we may expect good results. A slight shading must be given during hot sunny days.

Orchids at Melrose, the residence of A. Curle, Esq.—We paid a visit to this place a short time since and were well pleased with the collection. The mansion is prettily situated on rising ground, well backed up with trees, while the view of the ruins of the old abbey in front gives the place a quaint aspect which renders it specially interesting to visitors. There is a range of glass houses consisting of vineries, and greenhouses. Then we come to the Orchid houses, in which there is a well-grown collection of these plants, which are doing well and making fine growth. The centre table has a row of good plants, such asVanda tricolorDalkeith variety, also a beautifulVanda suaviswhich was reported to be a fine variety, and some other good Vandas. We, moreover, noticed a telling plant ofCattleya Harrisoniana violaceafinely in bloom, which, with its violet-coloured flowers, is very showy. There are some grand specimens ofCattleya gigas,C. Mendelii, andC. Mossiæ, showing excellent growth, and many other Cattleyas and Lælias making rapid progress. Suspended from the roof we noticed a plant calledLælia pumila spectabilis, but it was not in blossom; since our visit, however, we have received a fresh bloom of it from Mr. Sharp, the gardener, and a most beautiful flower it is, being of good shape, the sepals and petals dark rose, the lip rich purple and of stout substance. The foliage is very dark which is the case with some of the varieties ofL. præstans, of which there are several in cultivation, this being one of the best we have seen. In the same house was a goodVanda cœruleashowing fine spikes, and associated with it were some handsome forms ofCypripedium Spicerianumin bloom. We noticed also some well-grown specimens ofDendrobium Wardianum giganteummaking strong growth, several plants being five feet high.

In the next house were many fine examples ofOdontoglossum Alexandræ,O. Pescatorei, and others making good pseudobulbs; also Masdevallias and many other good plants. We noticed a splendidZygopetalum Mackayi, so called, but we think it was distinct from any we have seen, the colour being intense, and the lip of a very rich purple.—B. S. W.

PL. 116.AËRIDES VANDARUM.

Epiphytal.Stemsterete, flexuose, rooting, clothed with the sheathing bases of the leaves, growing two feet or more in height, of it purplish brown colour.Leavesdistant, harsh in texture, four to six inches long, as thick as the stem, subulate, terete narrowed to an acute point, with a narrow furrow on the upper side, evergreen.Pedunclelateral, opposite the leaves, one or two flowered.Flowersrather large, delicate but durable, white;sepalsspreading, the dorsal one ligulate with a stalk-like base, the lateral ones subcrenulate united to the foot of the column, the margins always undulated;petalsobovate cuneate, undulated;liptripartite, the lateral (basal) divisions linear-falcate, toothletted, the middle one deeply two-lobed, the lobes reniform, concave, crenate narrowed at the base into a claw, with a small toothed segment on each side and a sharp keel between;spurextinguisher-formed.Columnshort, wingless.Pollen-massestwo.Aërides Vandarum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle, 1867, 997.Aërides cylindricum,Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 4982, non Lindley;Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., iii, 537, fig. 115.

Aërides Vandarum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle, 1867, 997.

Aërides cylindricum,Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 4982, non Lindley;Gardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., iii, 537, fig. 115.

There is no doubt that the species ofAëridesrank among the most beautiful of the East Indian Orchids. The one we now introduce to the notice of our readers is very distinct in its manner of flowering, and also in its foliage, the general aspect of the plant being much like that ofVanda teres, whence the name given it by Professor Reichenbach ofAërides Vandarum. The flowers are large and the manner of its growth makes it a very interesting subject. Few cultivators, however, have seen it in blossom. Our artist took a sketch last March from a plant blooming at the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, where it flowered for several weeks.

Aërides Vandarumis an evergreen species and grows about two feet in height. The foliage is terete and acutely pointed, like that of a small growingVanda teresand the stem is of a purplish brown colour. It produces two flowers on a spike, and these are of a pure white colour; it blooms in March and April, and lasts three weeks in perfection.

This plant requires the heat of the East India house, with all the light possible. It will thrive in pots or baskets with sphagnum moss, or even on rafts of wood, but when grown on these it requires more frequent supplies of moisture.It should have about the same treatment asVanda teres, growing well during the summer if provided with plenty of moisture over the foliage and roots during the growing period, and having a good rest during winter, when it needs only just sufficient moisture to keep the stems and leaves from shrivelling. When it begins to show flower, it should have a little water to plump the stems and encourage them to throw out the blossoms freely and to develope growths for the summer season. We find it thrive best suspended near the glass, so that it can have all the light possible.

Orchids at Eastwood Park, Glasgow, the residence of David Tod, Esq.—This collection of Orchids is doing well, especially the cool kinds, and the Cattleyas which latter are special favourites with Mr. Tod, since they do not require so much heat as some others. There are here many hundreds of Odontoglots, and we noticed some fine forms in bloom, especially in the large house, in which was a grand display ofOdontoglossum Alexandræ, many of the plants with well furnished spikes. OfO. Pescatoreithere are also some fine examples with vigorous branching panicles, and other wonderfully fine specimens, having massive pseudobulbs, which had produced noble spikes of blooms. Mr. Ewart, the gardener, takes great interest in the plants, which have much improved during the last two years.

There are two other houses filled with Odontoglots and Masdevallias. Here many of the Odontoglots are smaller, but they are doing well. We noticed two very fine specimens ofOdontoglossum Andersonianumshowing well for bloom, and these, Mr. Tod informed us, are very fine varieties. By their side stood the rareO. Ruckerii, just coming into flower. The collection also includes many other rare Odontoglots. In another house, half-span roofed, there is a numerous collection of miscellaneous Orchids, including some fine specimens ofPhalænopsis Schillerianaand others. There are also good plants of Cattleyas of most of the leading kinds, as well as Lælias and Dendrobiums; and fine specimens ofCypripedium caudatumon the front stage are doing well, and had produced many flower spikes. In this houseOdontoglossum Roezliigrows very freely, and is in a clean and healthy condition, the plants seeming to get the treatment they like. Mr. Tod parted with his fine specimens of this species last year, but the pieces that are left are making good plants.

Adjoining this house is a most splendid Fernery, beautifully laid out, and planted with the best Ferns, Palms, Begonias, &c., which are in vigorous health.—B. S. W.

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