THE ORCHID ALBUM.
THE ‘
ORCHID ALBUM
COLOURED sevens wal DESCRIPTIONS
NEW, ARTES ND BEAUTIFUL
ORCHIDACEOUS PLAN 1S.
si ren . CONDUCTED BY
sf ~ ROBERT WARNER, F.LS.,-F.R.HS.,
: AUTHOR OF SELECT ORCHIDACEOUS PLANTS,
*
AND
BENJAMIN Shitcthet WILLIAMS, ‘F.LS., #.R.ELS.,
AUTHOR OF THE ORCHID- GROWERS MANUAL, ETC.
THe BoraNnical Dcetiens BY THOMAS MOORE, F.L.S3 F.R.HLS.,
CURATOR or. tum CHELSEA BOTANIC GARDENS.
4° +s" bas i,
¢
Ed
THE COLOURED FIGURES B¥ JOHN NUGENT FITCH, F.L.S.
LONDON:
PusiisHeD BY B. S. WILLIAMS,
sd ‘AT THE
VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERIES, UPPER HOLLOWAY, N.
§
: DEDICATED
BY SPECIAL PERMISSION
ie? #¥ -
»
ee eek Pe, ee
aro * #§ « “oe ¥
BBB. The Princess of Whales,
we,
s a =
a &.
_ HER ROYAL HIGHNEss’
a Very obedient and humble ‘Servants,
; ROBERT WARNER,
| , _ BENJAMIN §. WILLIAMS.
ae
Me
¥
gta :
oe
PREFACE.
THE great advances which have been made within the last few years in the
introduction and the cultivation of Exotic Orchids, have suggested the desirability
of devoting a monthly publication to the illustration of the best forms of these
‘singular and captivating aristocratic plants, and also to the explanation of the most
successful, methods of growing them, its object being to supply such information
concerning them as the Orchid Grower may be likely to find useful in directing
his purchases, and in suggesting the various points of discreet and masterly
management. Moreover, we have found that figures of the better varieties of
Orchids are much in request.
These conaidestatii have induced us to commence the publication of the
OrcHip ALBUM, in the confident expectation that we shall meet with sufficient
support and encouragement to enable us to continue it, and, so far as our experience
goes, we have no reason to feel disappointed, for we find that Orchid growers, both
amateur and professional, are taking a marked interest not only in the plates but
also. in the cultural notes.
In regard to the subjects for illustration, we hope in due course to figure not
only the a form of all the more popular and interesting species, but also the
leading varieties, when they prove sufficiently distinct and meritorious. It is for
these that we anticipate our subscribers and readers will most anxiously look.
Being of Royal “Quarto size, the pages of the Album are sufficiently large to
enable the artist to produce ample and intelligible portraits of the plants without
their becoming cumbersome ; and, as they will be drawn and coloured in the best
style, we confidently hope they will prove to be acceptable to the lovers and
growers of Orchids generally. Thus we trust we may be permitted to lay before
our patrons an acceptable Annual Album of Floral Pictures, which will be, at once,
welcomed both to the Drawing-room and the Library.
The work has been .commenced in deference to the urgent representations of
: %
many of the leading cultivators of these ‘remarkable and fascinating plants, who E
have pointed out to us the want which we* are now endeavouring to meet. The
great advantage and pleasure which Orchid Growers have derived from the publication
of such illustrated works as the Select Orchidaceous Plants, and such practical
instructions as are given in the Orchid Grower's Manual, lead us to believe that
there exists a desire and a taste for further Orchidic literature, which we trust
the Orcuip ALBUM may in some considerable degree supply. Our chief aim will
be to give authentic information as to the nomenclature of the plants, and_ to
disseminate correct instructions in regard to their cultural requirements. The finer
new Orchids, as well as the older meritorious species and varieties, will be figured
with equal fidelity, and described with equal accuracy. We shall at all times feel
grateful to those Amateurs or Trade growers who may give us. Information as to the
flowering either of novelties or of remarkably fine forms of the older kinds, especially *
if they are such as will be suitable for figuring. —— * «
The Annual Volumes will consist of the twelve Monthly Parts issued up. to June
in each year, when the volume will be completed y the Publication of a Title Page
and Index.
B. 8. WILLIAMS.
* Es.
: a
s ~*~
* i x e z
VICTORIA AND Parapis—E NursERIEs, ve x
aoa te
Urem Hottoway, Lonpon, N., : . oo
June 1st, 1882. oe
4 “a ®
: ‘ ae
* = 4
.
© i i : = .
: 2 - 5
¥ Be a
“ my
oe : -
va
a pea
phe sy it ees
=a ee inns
INDEX TO PLATES.
AERIDES LOBBII, Hort. Veitch
ANGRACUM EBURNEUM, Du Pet.-Th.
ANGULOA RUCKER os
Lindl.
BURLINGTONIA CANDIDA, Lindl.
CALANTHE VEITCHII, Lindl.
“OATTLEYA GUTTATA LEOPOLDII,
Lind. ote Rehd. fo. ws.
CATTLHYA MENDELII GRANDI-
FLORA, Williams et Moore . ¢
CATTLEYA MORGANA, Williams et Moore
CATTLEYA SUPERBA SPLENDENS,
Lem.
CATTLEYA TRIANAB, Lind. et Rehb. fe
CATTLEYA VELUTINA, Rehb. f..
OGLOGYNE MASSANGEANA, Retb. f
CYMBIDIUM PARISHIL, Robb. f
CYPRIPEDIUM CHLORONEURUM,
Rehb. f. «
CYPRIPEDIUM TAWRENOEANOM,
Rt f 5
ovreiPaproif POLITUM, Rehb. ,
CYPRIPEDIUM STONEI, Low
DENDROBIUM =
ROSEUM, Moore . :
DENDROBIUM BIGIBBUM, Lindl,
DENDROBIUM SUAVISSIMUM, Rend. 7.
DENDROBIUM SUPERBUM, ichb. /. .
EPIDENDRUM VITELLINUM MAJUS,
Hort. :
LALIA ANCEPS DAWSONI, Anders. .
LALIA ELEGANS ALBA, Williams et
Moore ;. es
ay ay,
*
16
a
LAILIA PURPURATA WILLIAMSIL,
Hort. ; é 9—10
LALIA cea Williams et Moore
LASLIA XANTHINA, Lindl. .
MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA CCERU-
LESCENS, Hort.
MASDEVALLIA SHUTTLEWORTHII,
Rehbe f.
MILTONIA CUNEATA, Lindl.
ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRA,
Batem. .
ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRA
FLAVEOLUM, Williams et Moore .
ODONTOGLOSSUM ANDERSONIANUM,
Rehb. f
ODONTOGLOSSUM
Lindl.
ODONTOGLOSSUM KRAMERI, Rehb. f.
ONCIDIUM CONCOLOR, Hook. 4
ONCIDIUM GARDNERI, Lindl. .~
ONCIDIUM HASMATOCHILUM, Lindl..
PAPHINIA CRISTATA,, Lindl.
PESCATOREA KLABOCHORODM, Fchb. f.
PHALAINOPSIS AMABILIS DAYANA,
Hort.
PHALANOPSIS
NOBILIS, Rehb. f.
PROMENAA CITRINA, Don.
TRICHOPILIA SUAVIS ALBA, Hort. .
VANDA CCERULESCENS, Grif. .
BREVIFOLIUM,
STUARTIANA
| VANDA PARISHII, Rehb. f.
ZYGOPETALUM GAUTIERI, Lem.
¥
2
23
35
'
ne
x 4
INDEX TO NOTES AND SYNONYMS.
UNDER PLATE
Aérides Fieldingii, Dr. Ainsworth’s
Leeanum, Mr. Law-Schofield’s
Schréderii, Dr. Ainsworth’s
suavissimum, Mr. Coates’
Angrecum eburneum virens
Angrzecum sesquipedale, Mr. Coates?
Angrecum superbum, Du FPet.-Th.
Bletia xanthina, Rchb. .
Bollea ccelestis, as a bleuk plant
Bolleas, Mr. Gair’s
Cattleya Dowiana, Mr. Dodgson’ 8
Cattleya Dowiana, Mr. Lee’s .
Cattleya gigas, Mr. Bockett’s .
Cattleya gigas, Mr. Lee’s ‘ otis.
Cattleya labiata Lindigiana, Karst.
Cattleya labiata Trianze, Duch. .
Cattleya Leopoldii, Hort. Versch.
Cattleya superba, Sir T. Lawrence’s
Cattleya Trianze, Mr. Wright’s
Cattleya Trianze Dodgsoni.
Cattleya Trianzee Osmani
Cymbidium eburneum, correction
Cypripedium barbatum =—*
Dodgson’s :
ypripedium insigne, es Harpo ;
ypripedium Spicerianum, Mr. Bockett’s.
ypripedium villosum, Mr. Wyatt’s
yrtochilum citrinum, Hook. .
lendrobium Ainsworthii, Moore
Mr.
eco 6) Oc
_ Dendrobium Falconeri, Marquis of Lothian’ 8
Findleyanum, Mr. Bowring’s |
Dendrobium >
Dendrobium
Dendrobium
Dendrobium
Dendrobium
Dendrobium
Prince of Wales’ ‘ ‘
Dendrobium Wardianum, Mr. flelaciow's ;
Dendrochilum filiforme, Mr. Hill’s
Epidendrum elatius, var., Rehb. Pores
Epidendrum labiatum Triana, Rehb. f é
Kpidendrum nemorale, Sir T. Lawrence’s
Lelia anceps Dawsoni, Mr. Dodgson’s
Lelia autumnalis atrorubens, Mr. Cham-
berlain’s . ‘
Lelia Dominiana rosea, fink. Veitch.
Lelia elegans prasiata
Lelia Philbrickiana, Hort. "Veitch
Limodorum eburneum, Bory.
Masdevallia chimera, Dr. danwcrties
Hilli, Mr. Wyatt’s
macranthum, Hook.
macrophyllum, Lindl. .
nobile, a three-lipped . ;
superbum (macrophyllum),
odoratum majus, Mrs. Arbuthnot’s
Masdevallia Harryana, Echb. f.
Masdevallia Lindeni, Hook.
Masdevallia Lindeni Harryana, dna
Maxillaria citrina, Dvyons 7
Maxillaria cristata, Lindl. .
Miltonia speciosa, Kl..
Odontoglossum Alexandre, ‘De. Ainaworthie
Oren bone Alexandree sophia Mr.
Hard
basatotassun Demis reginis
Odontoglossum Bluntii, Rehb. BS A
Odontoglossum crispum, Inndl. .
Odontoglossum crispum flaveolum, Reb. f:
Odontoglossum ease Mr.
Law-Schofield’s ;
Odontoglossum Robblii, ee Todd’s
Odontoglossum vexillarium. Mr. Bull’
autumn-flowering variety
Odontoglossums at Trentham
Oncidium luridum purpuratum, Toda
Oncidium speciosum, Rchb.f. .
Orchids, Dr. Ainsworth’s .
Orchids, Baron Schréder’s
Orchids at Arnot Hill
Orchids at Ferguslie .
Orchids at Manchester, 1881
Orchids in Belgium, Dr. Boddaert’s
Orchids in Belgium, m. D: — rs?
Orchids, from Dr. Paterson
Orchids, from Perth, N “B.
Orchids, raised blinds for.
Orchids, shading :
Pescatoreas, Mr. Gair’s .
Phalznopsids, Mr. Bockett’s
Phalenopsis intermedia Portei,
Schréder’s ‘
Phaleenopsis Stuartifiis, Rehb. 7. :
Restrepia antennifera, M. D. Massange’s .
Rodriguezia candida, Batem.
Sphagnum, best kind for Odokitoglots
Trichopilia suavis, Lindl. .
Vanda Catheartii, M. D. Macdaieece”
Vanda ccerulea, Marquis of Lothian’s
Vanda Lowii, Sir T. oe .
Vanda suavis, Dr. Ainsworth’s
Vanda suavis, Mr. Dodgson’s .
Vanda tricolor, Mr. Broome’s .
Vanda tricolor planilabris, Mi. Massange’ 8
Zygopetalum Klabochorum, Rehb. f..
a
30,
ae
Baron
pisfare
ONCIDIUM CONCOLOR
—
ONCIDIUM CONCOLOR.
[Puate 1.]
Natiwe of the Organ Mountains of Brazil.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs small, tufted, ovate or ovate-oblong, compressed, somewhat
furrowed, two-leaved. Leaves subcoriaceous, oblong-linear or ligulate, acute, bright green.
Scape radical, springing from the base of the young pseudobulbs, drooping, furnished
with small bracts. Flowers yellow, racemose ; sepals dorsal) ovate-lanceolate or obovate,
acute, the lateral ones smaller, lance-shaped, and united behind the lip for about half
their length ; petals obovate, acute, somewhat undulated, about as long as the sepals;
lip (labellum) large and prominent, roundish subpanduriform, -emar inate, somewhat
clawed, furnished with a pair of plates or lamelle (bilamellate) at the base, of a clear
yellow colour, as are the sepals and petals. Column about half as long as the petals,
with a projecting tooth on each side.
Oncipium concotor, Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 3752; Lindley, Folia Orchidacea,
Art, Oncidium, No. 65 (excl. syn. Klotzsch) ; Reichenbach fil. in Walpers’ Annales
Botanices Systematica, vi. 731.; Carriere, in Revue Horticole, 1881, 30, with tab.
Cyrrocuitum crrrinum, Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 4454.
¢
The brilliant little plant here figured—a representation in the tribe Vandee, of
the great genus Oncidiwm—belongs to the group of Oncids which Lindley named
Tetrapetala micropetala, in which two of the sepals are united so that the petaloid
organs, as distinguished from the lip, are reduced to four in number (tetrapetala),
and” at the same time the petals, which are about equal in size to the sepals, are
comparatively small by comparison with the remaining organ.
This species, although not new, was until recently extremely rare, and was, indeed,
seldom met with in collections ; now, however, the little gem is very plentiful,
thanks to the indefatigable zeal of our collectors, so that growers who do not possess
it may obtain it at a very small cost. The species is one of the most compact-
growing and beautiful of the Oncidiums, producing, as it does, from the base of the
new bulbs, many-flowered drooping spikes of rich yellow blossoms. It is an excellent
subject for planting in a pan or basket to be suspended from the roof of the
house, where the brightly-coloured flowers , produce a charming effect; indeed, we do
not know of any Orchid which has a_ better appearance when grown in this way.
Oncidium concolor succeeds best in a compost of peat with a little sphagnum
moss added, and with plenty of good drainage. We have grown it most successfully
in small pans, but it can be cultivated either in a basket or on a block. It would
ee :
succeed equally well in a pot, but the drooping character of the flower-spikes renders
it a most fitting subject for growmg in either of the above-named receptacles, and
for suspension: from the roof. As to temperature, we find it succeeds best in the
Odontoglossum-house during the summer months. After it has flowered, and while
it is making its growth, a copious supply of water should be given to it, always
keeping the soil moist until the growth of the bulbs is completed. When it has
finished its growth, it should be removed to the Cattleya-house, where it should be
kept moderately dry until it produces its spikes about March or April.
For exhibition purposes this is a most valuable little plant, being easy of
cultivation, distinct in colours and flowering during the principal exhibition months,
May and June; its long lasting quality is also a great point in its favour. In
order to preserve the flowers for a considerable time, they should be kept free from
damp, for if allowed to get wet they soon become spotted, and fade, but when kept
in this way, they will last at least six or seven weeks. The plant is altogether a
most valuable Orchid, and as it takes up but little room, we recommend growers to
procure a good stock of it, as its effect when suspended among other flowering
Orchids is charming. | AER
OrcHips IN BreLgrum.—When in Ghent a few days ago, I had the good fortune
to receive an, invitation to view the celebrated collection of Dr. Boddaert of that
city. The collection is a very extensive one, and the plants are exceedingly well
grown and healthy. There was a good show of flowering Orchids, among which
may be mentioned :—Trichopilia crispa marginata with forty-two expanded flowers,
a marvel of cultivation; Odontoglossum Phalenopsis with twenty-six flowers, a fine
well-grown plant; Cypripedium Argus with six flower spikes; the new Trichophilia
suavis alba, of which we hope to give a plate later on: Angulow Ruckerit: sanguinea
with several flowers ; also the rare NManodes Meduse, with Odontoglossums, Vandas,
Masdevallias, &e., in great variety. | *
’ H. WILLIAMS.
A SCHRODERI.
Nugent Fitch del.
I
LAL
LZLIA SCHRODERII.
[Piars 2. |
Native of Bahia.
Epiphytal. Stems (or pseudobulbs) club-shaped, about a foot and a half high,
monophyllous, furrowed when mature. Leaves coriaceous, oblong, acute, broad to the
base, light green. Scape three to four-flowered, issuing from a terminal oblong
compressed bract, an inch wide and five inches long. Flowers large, subhorizontal,
about seven inches across, delicately coloured, with a prettily veined lip; sepals
lanceolate, reflexed, three-fourths of an inch wide, white; petals convex, ovate,
narrowed to the base, somewhat crispy at the edge, pure white, scarcely as long as
the lip; Jip (labellum) membranaceous, three-lobed, the lateral lobes convolute around
the column, yellow outside, striped with deeper yellow veins, the middle lobe ovate,
obtuse, undulated, the anterior portion and margin white, the mouth veined with
magenta-rose, the disk naked, and the tubulose basal portion deep yellow, veined
with magenta. Column much shorter than the lateral lobes of the lip.
L&LIA SCHRODERII, supra.
This plant belongs to that tribe of the Orchid family which is called Epr-
dendrew, and of which the genus Epidendrum is regarded as the type. This group
is known by its waxy pollen-masses, which are attached to a distinct caudicle, but
bear no separable stigmatic gland as occurs in the tribe Vandew. The genus is
closely related to Cattleya, and contains some of the finest ornaments of our
Orchid-houses. :
The subject of our present illustration is a new and most beautiful Orchid,
‘now figured and described for the first time. It is closely allied to Lela grandis,
but is distinct from that species, inasmuch as the sepals and petals are white,
whereas those of JZ. grandis are of a nankeen yellow. It is named in honour of
Baron Henry Schréder, an enthusiastic admirer of this handsome class of plants. The
species flowered for the first time this year, in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries.
The flowers are produced in May and June, three or four together, on spikes
which are produced from the apex of the new bulbs; they have a delicate and
pleasing appearance, the sepals and petals being pure white, while the lip is white,
striped with rose, throat deep yellow, veined with magenta. It should be kept
free from damp when in flower, as the blossoms being of a delicate nature, soon
spot: and go off; but kept in this way free from moisture they will last about four
weeks in a fresh and perfect state. :
In growth the plant somewhat resembles Z. purpurata, the bulbs and foliage
being about eighteen inches in height, and of a light. green colour. It succeeds
well grown in the Cattleya-house in pots filled with peat and a little sphagnum
moss, over plenty of drainage. It should receive a moderate supply of water at
the root during the growing season, and should never be allowed to get thoroughly
dry. When it has made its growth it should be allowed. to rest, and at that time
should be kept rather dry, only giving it sufficient water to prevent it from
shrivelling.
Lelias are subject to the attacks of white scale, but this can easily be got rid
of by sponging with clean water. Thrips sometimes attack the young growths, and
if allowed to increase, soon disfigure the leaves,
CATTLEYA GIGaAs and C, Dow1ana.—These Catileyas have been considered to be |
shy-flowering species, and we have sometimes found them to be so in our own
experience, but we are beginning to change our opinion on this subject. No doubt
there are some plants that grow and flower more freely than others, but a great deal
depends on the conditions in which they are placed and the treatment they receive.. I
recently had the pleasure of visiting the collection of W. Lee, Esq., of Leatherhead,
which in time will be one of the finest to be seen in this country. The Estate
is situated in an open part of the country, and the Orchid-houses are built on the
side of a hill where they get the full light and sun, while they are sheltered from
the driving winds; these houses are, indeed, all that can be desired, the requisitions
of the various classes of plants having been well studied. Every accommodation is .
provided for those kinds, such as Cattleya gigas and C. Dowiana, that are difficult to
a nankeen yellow, and the lip of a
with lines of gold. We hope at some
as near the light as possible, and the treatment
vigorous growth, and then to give them a good rest
at the same time keeping them well exposed to the light, and giving them merely
sufficient water to prevent them from shrivelling, & more ample supply of water beng
given as soon as they show signs of flowering. There was also in this collection
another species that is generally considered difficult. to ‘grow, namely, Vanda teres, of
which there were three plants which had been blooming very finely. When cultivated
as these are, they well repay all the trouble taken with them. These are grown at —
one end of the house, without any shade.—B. §. W. —
after the growth is completed,
DIFLORA
GRAN
CATTLEYA MENDELIT GRANDIFLORA. -
[Puate 3.]
Native of the United States of Columbia.
-
Epiphytal. Stems oblong, club-shaped, furrowed when mature, twelve to eighteen
inches high. aves solitary coriaceous, ligulate-oblong, acute, dark green above,
paler beneath. Scape three to four-flowered, issuing from a terminal oblong com-
pressed bract, which is three to four inches long, and an inch broad. Flowers very
large and exceedingly handsome, measuring eight inches across; sepals an inch
wide, lanceolate, recurved, white ; petals spreading, clawed, broadly ovate, measuring
nearly three inches across, plane towards the base prettily frilled in the anterior
portion, the apex recurved, white, with a scarcely perceptible tint of blush near
the edge ; lip obovate emarginate, three and a, quarter inches long, the basal ha
entire, rolled over the column, the anterior portion expanded and_ beautifully fringed,
about two inches in breadth and rather more in depth, the apical half occupied
with a solid blotch of rich magenta rose, passing to white at the frilled edge, the
side portions white, the disk and throat of a delicate tint of nankeen yellow, the
_ extreme base white, with numerous divergent lines of magenta rose, a few of which
{about two) run out to join the blotch at the tip of the anterior lobe. Column
about half as long as the convolute base of the lip, club-shaped, decurved, semiterete,
with a rounded keel at the back.
CATTLEYA MENDELIIT GRANDIFLORA, supra.
4
—+
When Cattleya Mendelix was first flowered by S. Mendel, Esq., some few years
ago, many botanists were of opinion that it was not sufficiently dissimilar from, but
only a variety of, C. Triane. Since that time it has been flowered in many different
collections with but little variation of character, and, as we think, has fully vin-
dicated its right, whether as a species or race, to be regarded as a distinct Orchid
of first-rate merit. :
The subject of our plate is a gigantic variety of the Cattleya Mendelii, which
has just flowered in our own collection. It proves to be in every way larger, and
altogether superior, to the old type, the flowers having much more substance, and
being of better form, which results from the greater width of the lip and _ petals.
The sepals and petals are white, the latter being very broad and of good substance,
while the lip is broad and well fringed, pure white in its upper part, with a
large bright magenta patch at the front part, and the throat is orange, with
reddish crimson veins, which stand out in fine contrast against the pure white of
the remaining portions of the flower. It produces as many as four flowers on a
spike, each flower measuring over eight inches across, and the flowers are thrown
~
well up above the foliage, and thus produce the grandest appearance we have as yet.
seen in any Cattleya.
Cattleya Mendelii succeeds well in a compost of peat, with the addition of a
little sphagnum moss, and requires good drainage. We have found it to do best.
in pots, with the plant well elevated above the mm, but it can be grown with
success either on a block or in a basket suspended from the roof of the house.
The temperature of the Cattleya-house suits it best.
This is a grand plant for exhibition or decorative purposes, as ‘the pure white
and magenta of its flowers are exceedingly effective amongst the other species of
Cattleya which flower at the same time of year. The flowering season is May and
June, after which time C. Mendelii begins to make its growth. It should then
receive a moderate supply of water—not too much, ‘as an over bountiful supply is.
apt to cause the young growths to rot. After the annual growths are completed
the plants should be gradually dried off, only giving them sufficient water to keep
them from shrivelling. |
_ The species of Cattleya are all subject to white scale and thrips. These insect
pests may, however, be easily removed by careful sponging, either with water or a
little insecticide ; they should be cleaned off as soon as discovered, as if allowed to.
establish themselves they disfigure the leaves and bulbs, and so spoil the appearance
of the plants. _ Cleanliness and good cultivation are the chief points to be considered
in the successful keeping of Cattleyas.
Vanna Lown, &c.—One often hears that Vanda Lowii does not bloom until it
attains a large size. This, however, is erroneous, for we have flowered it when not
more than two feet high; and we have also seen a plant of about the same
size in the collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., with a flower spike some four
or five feet long, in full beauty, with its two bright orange-yellow flowers at the base,
the rest of the blossoms being of a bright brownish-crimson colour. This was a most
extraordinary spike for so small a plant. When the specimens attain a larger size
they often produce six of these long spikes, which extend to seven feet in length.
We have one now showing this number of spikes, but the plant is fully five feet
high. We were glad to see in this collection a grand mass of Epidendrum nemorale:
meajus, which is figured in the first series of Warner’s Select Orchidaceous Plants,
but we never expected to see such a specimen as that in the collection of Sir Trevor
Lawrence, which must have been three or four feet across, and had eighteen spikes of
its beautiful rosy and mauve-coloured flowers. This plant was well worth going to-
see, as were many others: indeed, the fame of this collection is so widely spread
that it is almost needless to comment upon it; suffice it to say, that it is the
finest and best kept collection we know of. At the time of our visit we were
pleased to see some fine plants of Cattleya superba with their splendid deep rose
and crimson flowers; this is one of the most distinct and beautiful of all Cattleycs,.
and had been grown in the East India House, suspended from the roof—B. S. W.
EPIDENDRUM VITELLINUM MAJUS.
Nugent Fitch del.
tS
*
EPIDENDRUM VITELLINUM MAJUS.
[PLATE 4. |
Native of Mexico.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs ovate, clustered, two-leaved. Leaves oblong-ligulate, acute,
‘sheathing at the base. Scape erect, six to nine inches high, racemose, many-flowered,
longer than the leaves. Flowers brilliant orange-scarlet, nearly two inches across,
much larger than the typical form; sepals spreading; petals flat, elliptic, somewhat
broader than the _ sepals, spreading, lanceolate, acute; lp clawed, linear, abruptly
acute, with a bifoveate (two-holed) callosity below the middle, deep yellow passing
to orange-scarlet at the tip. Column parallel with and nearly half the length of
the lip, to which it is adnate towards the base, the anther-bed marginate in front.
EPIDENDRUM VITELLINUM MaJus, of gardens. :
_ The original form of Epidendrum vitellinum, of which a good though pale-
«coloured figure will be found in the Botanical Register for 1840 (t. 35), is one of
the most brilliant of the Hpidendrew, on account of its remarkable fiery colour,
which makes it invaluable for contrasting with other subjects, both in the Orchid-house,
in the jardiniére, or in the bouquet. The same colour, or something near it, occurs in
a few other Orchids, which are equally valuable from a decorative point of view,
as for example in Lelia cinnabarina, Lelia harpophylla, and Ada aurantiaca, all
of them being plants, which, under favourable conditions, yield a brilliant effect. The
‘subject of our plate has the advantage of producing larger and more showy flowers
than its type, and to this extent is the more desirable of the two for the house-
stage, or exhibition table.
Until within the last few years this plant was very rare, but having been
imported in large quantities it is now to be found in every collection, however
limited its pretensions. The bright colour of its orange-scarlet flowers, produced in
‘considerable numbers on upright spikes, renders it a most striking and distinct species.
We have known the flowers to last as long as twelve weeks in perfection; in fact,
we have on several occasions exhibited a plant of it at as many as six different
successive exhibitions. Mixed with other Orchids it has a most telling effect; and a
well-flowered specimen once seen by a novice is likely to produce a lasting impression.
In the Broomfield collection it is used very largely in association with Odonto-
glossums, and the effect of the orange-scarlet flowers amongst the numerous spikes
of Odontoglossum Alexandre, and other species, is charming.
We have found this Epidendrum to do well in the Odontoglossum-house in
a compost of peat and sphagnum moss. It does equally well in a pot or in a
basket, and should receive a fair supply of water while growing. The plant seems
to revel in a good amount of sunlight, but it must be kept from the burning rays.
of the sun by a slight shading, too much sunshine being apt to make the foliage
become blotched and sickly-looking.
The variety majus blooms at a different time of the year from the original
species, which has the flowers much smaller, and which blooms in August and
September from the young growths; whereas the variety majus flowers from the tips.
of the bulbs of the previous year’s growth. There are several forms of the plant,
some with flowers much larger and brighter than others: indeed, the one here.
figured is not so large as some that were flowered years ago, which may be due to
the fact that they were old-established plants. We remember the late Mrs. Lawrence,
of Ealing Park, exhibiting a remarkably strong specimen at one of the Chiswick shows,
thirty-five years since, a perfect blaze of flower. §&. Brunton, Esq., also exhibited a
grand plant of a good variety a few years back ; and ©. W. Lea, Esq., Parkfield,
Worcester, had a wonderful example in bloom, last year. These several plants were.
all part of the early importations. 3
Tae Mancuxster SHow or Orcumps, J UNE, 1881.—The display of Orchids at
the Manchester Exhibition was a very fine one, and no Orchid grower should have
missed the sight. The specimens were truly marvellous, especially the sixteen plants.
shown by R. Dodgson, Esq., of Blackburn, amongst which were a Vanda suavis with
about a dozen flower-spikes ; Lelia purpurata and Cattleya Warneri, both wonderful |
Specimens, as also was Masdevallia Harryana ; Cypripedium barbatum superbum.
which had a hundred blooms upon it, and was not made up for the occasion, but
had been grown on from a single plant; and Dendrobium Wardianum which was.
& magnificent plant. Great credit is due to Mr. Osman for his talent, in successfully
cultivating so fine a collection. @. Hardy, Esq., of Timperley, exhibited some
wonderful plants, especially of Cattleyas, Lelias, Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, Oncidium
Marshallianum, Odontoglossum vewillarium, &e. R. F. Ainsworth, Esq., M.D., also:
exhibited some fine specimens, especially Vanda suavis, Aérides Fielding, and A.
Schriderii ; these three are most extraordinary plants, and have been grown in the
collection for eighteen years, which is a_ sufficient proof of what can be done by
perseverance, and, moreover, gives one an idea how well Orchids can be grown and
exhibited for many successive years. We have known these three specimens to be
shown at the Manchester e&hibitions and elsewhere for the past ten or fifteen years,
and they are now in the finest possible condition, as they have always. been, under:
the successful management of Mr.. Mitchell, There were besides, other exhibitors.
whose specimens were well worthy of note—B. 8. W. oe |
Nugent Fitch del. et ith.
MASDEVALLIA SHUT TLEWORTHII.
MASDEVALLIA SHUTTLEWORTHII.
[Puate 5.] 3
Native of the United States of Colombia.
Epiphytal. Rhizome slender, slowly creeping. Leaves crowded, petiolate, the
petiole with a sheathing scale at the base, the blade about equalling the petiole,
two to three inches long, elliptic-oblong, acute, pale green, obscurely three to five-
nerved. Scapes numerous, slender, as long as or longer than the petioles, green,
with an ovate acuminate appressed bract at the top. owers yellowish, tinted with
rose, rather large for the size of the plant; the perianth tube very short and
swollen at the base; dorsal sepal of a pale yellowish red, indistinctly dotted with
pale rosy red spots, and marked with from five to seven (or nine according to
Reichenbach) longitudinal wine-coloured nerves, fully an inch long, sub-erect, concave
or somewhat hooded, obovate, suddenly contracted into a tail two or three times
its own length, the tail green below and becoming orange-yellow towards the tip;
lateral sepals obliquely ovate, spreading, and decurved, thickly studded with wee
red spots, and tapering off into a tail similar to that of the dorsal sepal; petals
small, linear-oblong or ligulate, bilobed at the apex; lip very small, broadly oblong,
recurved at the tip, with two keels or ridges running down the centre. Column
short, three-toothed at the apex.
Maspevatuia Saurrieworrut, Reichenbach Jil. in Gardeners’ Chronicle, x.s. iii., 170;
Looker fil., Botanical Magazine, t. 6372.
Of this interesting plant, one of a popular genus inhabiting the cool temperate
humid regions of Northern and Western South America, Professor Reichenbach, by
whom it was dedicated to Mr. Shuttleworth, one of Mr. W. Bull’s collectors, remarks
that it is “rather a nice thing amongst Masdevallias of the second order of beauty.”
It was first flowered in 1878 by W. H. Punchard, Esq., of Poulett Lodge, Twickenham.
Our figure was prepared from a plant which has bloomed in our own collection
recently. We find it to be a very free-blooming species.
The Masdevallias comprise many interesting species and varieties, some of very
remarkable structure, and others with colours of extraordinary richness and brillianey.
Our present subject is not one of the most showy, but it may be ranked with the
more curious of the species, and is certainly of a distinct and pleasing character,
as is well represented in our Plate. The plant was discovered by Mr. Shuttleworth,
when travelling for Mr. Bull, and by him it was first transmitted to Europe. Since
then we have received it from the same country through our own collector, Mr.
Carder. The Masdevallias are plentiful in their native habitats, but the difficulty of
obtaining them in this country lies in the risks attending importation, which are
mainly attributable to the fact that they have no thick fleshy bulbs to support them
: o
during their journey. We have heard of thousands of plants of this particular species
having been sent off, but of these comparatively few have been received alive, so that
unless some more successful means of introducing them into England can be found,
it will always remain a rare plant.
Masdevallia, Shuttleworthi is of free-blooming habit, and the flowers last a long
time in perfection. It generally blossoms during the spring and ‘summer months.
The plants require but little room, as the foliage is of neat growth, and the whole |
height of the plant does not exceed from six to eight inches. The leaves are of a
dark green colour and firm texture. The flower-scapes proceed from the young growth,
and attain the height of about eight inches, the more conspicuous spreading long-
tailed sepals being of a pleasing yellowish rose colour thickly marked with wine-re
spots, while the petals and lip are small and inconspicuous. :
We find the plants grow well when potted in small pots or pans suspended from
the roof, and filled with peat and sphagnum moss; but they require thorough drainage,
since they need a liberal supply of water during summer. In the autumn and
winter months they do not require so full a supply, but they must have sufficient
to keep them moist. They thrive best in the same house with the Odontoglots, —
where they obtain shade, and are kept cool. None of the Masdevallias like heat,
and most of them require the same kind of treatment. The house in which they
are grown should have a north aspect, so that they may not get too much sun-heat,
as this causes the leaves to become spotted, to the great disfigurement of the plant.
Insects become a nuisance if allowed to accumulate on the plants. The thrips,
which is one of their greatest insect enemies, constantly attacks them, and must be
subdued by cleansing them frequently and thoroughly with a sponge and warm
soft water.
The propagation of Masdevallias is effected by dividing the plants, leaving a few
old bulbs with a leading one in front. They are the easiest of all Orchids to
increase, and are best divided up occasionally, as when the plants get too large
they do not flower so freely. The most suitable time to perform this operation is
just as they commence to make their growth. They should at first be put into
small pots, and shifted into larger ones as they increase in size, and develope abundance
of roots. }
Lava PxrvpricKtana.—This new Hybrid was exhibited at the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, South Kensington, by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons. It was raised
between Cattleya Aclandie and Lelia elegans, partaking of the dwarf habit of
C. Aclandie. The plant grows about eight inches high, and produces its leaves in
pairs, of a dark green colour, about four inches in length; from between these the
flower-sheaths proceed. The sepals and petals are of a glossy purplish crimson-
brown, spotted with darker spots; the lip is of a bright crimson, the basal part
purple and white. It blooms in June and July, and will be a very useful addition
to our collections.—B. S. W.
<
CATTLEYA MORGAN.
[PLatE 6. ]
Native of the United States of Colombia.
Epiphytal. Stems short, oblong or somewhat clavate, furrowed when mature,
attaining with the leaves about eighteen inches in height. Leaves solitary, coriaceous,
ligulate-oblong, acute, of a light green colour. Scape three to four-flowered, issuin
from a terminal oblong compressed bract, which is about two and a half inches long.
Flowers large and pleasing on account of their delicate colouring, about six inches
across when expanded; sepals lanceolate, entire, three-fourths of an inch broad and
about three inches long, recurved at the tip, white; petals spreading, clawed, broadly
ovate, fully two inches across, the margin entire at the base and much undulated
in the anterior portion, white; lip obovate, emarginate, about three inches long, the
basal portion entire and rolled over the column, the anterior portion moderately
expanded and beautifully frilled, white, like the rest of the flower, with a small
blotch of pale magenta near the apex, but not quite extending to the margin,
and stained on the disk with an obcordate blotch of clear yellow, passing into orange-
yellow in the throat, the deeper portion being veined with yellow lines. Column
concealed by the convolute base of the lip. :
CaTTLEYA MorGAN, supra.
One of the most chaste and charming of the summer-flowering Cattleyas, and
quite distinct in aspect from all others in cultivation. We have great pleasure in
dedicating it to Mrs. M. Morgan, of New York, who is a great admirer of this noble
class of Orchidaceous plants, and, moreover, -has a fine and valuable collection of
them. The first specimen we bloomed produced ten flower spikes, and was exhibited
at the Manchester Botanical and Horticultural Society's Show in June, 1879; the
plant was the admiration of all who saw it, and was on that occasion awarded a
First Class Certificate on account of its distinct and pleasing character. ’
Cattleya Morgane belongs to the same section of the genus as C. Mendeli,
of which section there are many races or varieties, all of which are beautiful and
rich in the colouring of the lip, some having the sepals and petals white, while
in others they are of a rosy hue, more or less intense. The plant now before us
grows about eighteen inches in height, and has light green foliage with a somewhat
drooping habit. It produces its flowers freely, as many as four together on the
spike. The sepals and petals are pure white; and the lip is white with a light
magenta blotch near the apex, its throat orange colour, the incurved base white,
and the edge beautifully fringed. | The® flowers are produced in May and June,
and last from five to six weeks in perfection. It makes a fine subject for decorative
purposes, since its pure white flowers form a charming contrast with the high-
#e
coloured varieties of other species of Cattleya, of which there are many that come
into bloom at about the same time
Cattleya Morgane requires the same treatment as C. Mendel and C. Mossie,
and will thrive well, grown either in a pot or basket, planted in good fibrous peat
and sphagnum moss. It will also succeed on a block suspended from the roof. As
in the case of the other Cattleyas, it prefers to have all the light possible, but to be
just sufficiently shaded to keep off the direct rays of the sun. It must be borne
in mind that the plants are found growing naturally on the branches and stems of
trees in the forests, where they get some shade, and a free circulation of air,
which it is of great benefit to secure, and which should be made a point of
the utmost importance in the artificial cultivation of all Orchids, as of most other .
plants. It would be a great boon to cultivators if our collectors would note down
and supply fuller and more precise information on these points, for although of course
the natural conditions could not in all cases be carried out to the full extent, yet
we should then be better able to imitate them, and thus supply the natural wants
of the plants. In giving as much air and light as possible, however, cold draughts
must be avoided, which may be effected by fixing the ventilators near the hot-
water pipes, and should a cold wind prevail by giving air on the opposite side,
always closing the house in good time. In summer water should be freely
sprinkled about the tables and paths twice a day, namely, in the morning, and
about three or four o'clock in the afternoon. During the dull dark days of winter,
very little moisture is required, but on warm days some water may be given to
the plants, especially in springtime when the days begin to lengthen. Syringing
should be avoided during the winter, except in the case of those on blocks, for
a little dewing with the syringe during the day, will not hurt these, as the moisture
quickly dries off. The water should always be used in a tepid state.
One of the most important items in Orchid culture is cleanliness. Every plant
should be cleansed as soon as any indications of insect life are perceived upon it,
since there are Insecticides andé other remedies sold to destroy all such pests.
Cockroaches, Snails, and Woodlice are very troublesome, and should be well looked
after at night when they come out to feed on the young shoots and _ flowers.
Woodlice may be caught by laying down here and there traps, consisting of some
moss, at night, or half potatos or turnips scooped out in the centre, and placed
about “in quiet nooks and corners, or on the pots; the woodlice will harbour under
them, and may be caught and destroyed in the morning.
CATTLEYA GIGAS.—See note under Plate 2. We have since received a wonder-
fully grand flower of Cattleya gigas from the fine collection of J. §. Bockett, Esq-,
of Stamford Hill; it is eight and a half inches in diameter; the sepals and petals
ee of a light rose colour, the lip three Inches across, and three in length, of the
richest crimson-magenta, margined with a lighter colour, and the throat partly
magenta and partly orange. The spike bore four of these flowers.—B. 8. W.
ji Nias einen cee? Serres. Pos gt Me ee aT OH a — Si hae a alt
pe ON a ee et ae WES Ae gr Se Se, Nyce PRs eee [Rag SiS cep meee Ste wget Gees eae RTL aa UNS yt eR eee Re Se ee AGE ples eee OT.
sitll’
PROMENEA CITRINA.
[PLATE 7. |
Native of Brazil.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs small, ovate, tetragonal. Leaves three to four inches in
length, oblong-ligulate, acute, tapering below into a narrow petiole, growing two
together at the apex of the pseudobulb, of a pale green colour. Scapes two to
three inches long, bearing largish ovate bracts in the upper part, and smaller bracts
elow, and terminated by a solitary deep yellow showy flower, measuring about an
inch and a half across; sepals obovate, acute, concave or curving forw at the
tip, bright yellow; petals yellow, also converging, similar to the na in size,
form, and colouring; lip larger and broader than the sepals and _ petals, spreading,
three-lobed, the two lateral lobes erect, oblong obtuse, rising up on each side of the
column, yellow spotted with red on the inner face, the front lobe plane, obovate,
apiculate, unspotted yellow, with a prominent crest at its base. Colwmn erect, semi-
terete, incurved, stained in the front with brownish red.
PRoMEN#A crrrina, Don, Hortus Cantabrigiensis, ed. 13, 720 (1845); Loudon, Hortus
Britannicus Supp. 618 (1850); Williams, Orchid Growers’ Manual, ed. 4, 253,
ed. 5, 281; Rand, Orchids, 377. ;
Maxiiiaria crrria, Lyons, Treatise on Orchidaceous Plants, 176.
-Promenea is a small genus of Orchids which was separated from Mazillarva
about forty years ago (1843) by Lindley, who at the same time also dissociated
from it the plants respectively referred to Warrea, Paphinia, Lycaste, and Scuticaria.
Later on Reichenbach classed Promenwa as a section of Zygopetalum. Dr. Lindley
distinguished the group of species which he referred to Promenwa, and which he
regarded as fully entitled to generic rank, by the following peculiar features,
namely, their spreading sepals, their three-lobed lip, crested or tuberculate at the
base, their short semi-terete column, and their ovate glandule with four, that is
two double, sessile pollen masses. The species then proposed were P. stapelioides,
P. wxanthina, P. lentiginosa, P. Rollissonii, and P. graminea, To these Reichen-
bach added P. guttata in 1856, and P. microptera in 1881. Neither of these
authorities, so far as we can trace, refer to P. citrina; but, according to Don and
Loudon, the plant was introduced to our gardens in 1840, though they attribute
to it the erroneous habitat of Mexico. Our good friend, Professor Reichenbach,
suggests that it is a garden name, sometimes applied to P. Rollissonii and sometimes
to P. guttata; but it has long been recognised as a distinct plant by English and
Continental Orchid growers, and is certainly different from the P. Rollissonii figured —
by Dr. Lindley; nor does it correspond with the description of P. guttata,.so far
as the materials at hand enable us to judge.
This, it will be seen, is a very neat-growing plant, the small tetragonal pseudo-
bulbs slowly creeping over the surface of the blocks on which the plants are grown.
It is, moreover, of small stature, the leaves, which grow in pairs from the top of
the pseudobulbs, rarely exceeding three or four inches in height, and the flower-
scapes attaining even less elevation. The flowers, which are rather large for so small
a plant, being of a rich and brilliant colour, become rather effective; and though,
of course, they do not compare at all in gorgeous beauty with those of many of
the larger-flowered Orchids, they are by no means to be despised even from the
decorative point of view; indeed, when grown on a block, as represented in the
accompanying Plate, and suspended from the roof of the house, the plant forms a
very pretty and distinct object, occupying, as it does, but a small space in which
it displays much beauty and attractiveness. The bright orange-yellow flowers are,
moreover, very freely produced, and if kept dry, continue for a long time in a fresh
and pleasing condition. pry
There is another species of the same habit, Promenea stapelioides, which comes
into bloom about the same time as this, and in which the flowers are spotted with
dark purple, so that they appear to be nearly black. The contrast of these two
when grown and flowered on the same block is very effective. In the noble collection
of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., we saw a large pan-full of P. citrina growing
freely, which had a very beautiful appearance, but we prefer to see the plant grown
on a block, as in this manner the flowers hang downwards, and are shown off to
much greater advantage. There are certain varieties to be occasionally met with,
in which the flowers are without spots on the lip, but those which have this
latter peculiarity are to be preferred, as the two colours afford a pleasant relief.
Fibrous peat and sphagnum moss seem to suit the plant well when it is grown
in either pots or pans; but when cultivated on blocks of wood, a little sphagnum
moss only about its roots will be quite sufficient, though if grown in this latter
way it requires a more liberal and more frequent supply of water, in order to
keep the roots moist. We find the Cattleya-house to suit it best, and we grow
it suspended against a wall at the end of the house, where it gets syringed in warm
weather. The manner in which its blooms are produced may be seen from our
Illustration, which is an excellent representation of the habit of the plant, not only
as regards its general manner of growth, but also of its mode of flowering.
ieee
zat
oo
\
liahha)
PITA Tae
i v Fitch ee t
: CYPRIPEDIUM STONEI.
[PuaTE 8. |
Native of Borneo.
Terrestrial. Stem wanting, the short erect crowns each furnished with numerous
radical evergreen leaves, and emitting stout fleshy roots. Leaves distichous (two-
ranked), a foot or more in length, leathery or somewhat fleshy, oblong, obtuse, with
a short recurved mucro, dark green above, of a paler green beneath. Scape dark
purple, issuing from the centre of the leaves and furnished with a sheathing bract
at its base, about two feet in height, three to four-flowered, the pedicels subtended
by green lanceolate acuminate bracts. lowers large, richly-coloured, measuring when
spread out four inches in the direction of the sepals, and nine to ten inches in
that of the petals; dorsal sepal broadly cordate, acuminate, nearly two inches broad,
white, marked in front with a bold central, and on each side with two or three
curved lateral stripes of deep purple-brown, keeled behind, and there stained with
purple-brown ; lateral sepals (united) ovate-acuminate, with a central and on each
side three lateral stripes extending nearly to the base, greenish-white, edged with
purple-brown ; petals set at a right angle to the sepals, one-fourth of an inch broad,
five inches long, tapering gradually to the apex, decurved, greenish-white with dark
purple-brown veins and spots, becoming wholly purple at the tip, and having near
the base a purple margin, and a few scattered marginal purple hairs; lip large,
prominent, calceoliform, the basal portion ban age from the introflexion of the
margin, greenish, the apex large, pouch-shaped, like the front of a shoe or slipper,
dull purplish-red reticulately veined with darker purple. Column white, with a rin
of yellow hairs at the base, two-branched, the lower branch three-lobed, the late
lobes bearing each a small orbicular sessile yellow anther, the terminal lobe forming
a large white ovate fleshy disk (abortive third stamen) the upper or stigmatic
branch cordate-obovate, convex, whitish, tinged with purple, and fringed at the back
and sides with yellow hairs.
Cypripepium Stone1, Low; Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 5349; Van Houtte,
Flore des Serres, xvii., t. 1792-3; Lemaire, IMustration Horticole, ix., p. 107; x. t. 355 ;
Bateman, 2nd Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 141; Jennings, Orchids, t. 12.
This magnificent plant is one of the most beautiful species of the genus
Cypripedium. Several varieties of it are known, and though they are all good and
well worth growing, that which we have selected for illustration is the best and
darkest that has come under our notice. The plant from which our figure was
taken, bloomed in the Victoria Nursery, and had five flower-spikes, two of which
have been in bloom for the past six weeks, and are now as fresh as ever.
Cypripedium Stonei was first flowered by Mr. Stone, gardener to John Day, Esq.,
of High Cross, Tottenham, after whom it has been named. It was for a long
period a very rare species, and, indeed now, though small plants may be purchased
for a moderate sum, yet large specimens are scarce and valuable. It makes a fine’
show plant, its lasting qualities being a great recommendation to it, both from an
exhibition and decorative point of view.
The plant is a native of Borneo, and was introduced to this country by the
Messrs. Low, of Clapton. It produces dark green foliage of about twelve or in some
of the varieties we have seen as much as fifteen inches in length. From the
eentre of this tuft of leaves the flower-spikes are produced and rise to a height of
about two feet, each bearing three or four of its large slipper-shaped blossoms,
which are the most exact representations of a shoe or slipper of those of any *
the species, and most completely justify the trivial name of the eee Lady's
Slipper. The sepals are large, white, striped on the veins or nerves, with dark
purple, and tinged with yellow; the petals are five inches in length, and are yellowish,
streaked and blotched with purple; and the lip is large and of a dull reddish-
purple, veined with deeper purple-red. It is of free-blooming habit, and when the
growths are strong it produces a flower-spike from each crown, but it takes some
considerable time to complete its growth before it sends forth its spikes ; indeed, It:
begins to grow soon after its blossoms have faded. The plant having no thick
fleshy bulbs from which to derive support, requires a more continuous supply of moisture
than many other Orchids, The roots are coarse and fleshy, and should in consequent
be supplied with a stronger soil than is required by some of the other kinds. We
find it to thrive best in good fibrous loam, with a small quantity of charcoal, and
a little leaf-mould or peat, all being well mixed together, giving the pots good
drainage, but not so much as is required in the case of Cattleyas, for example.
As it is a strong rooting plant, it is best grown in a pot, and should be a little
elevated above the rim. We have found the East India house to supply the most
suitable atmospheric conditions in which to cultivate it; here it should be placed on
the side-tables near the light, but out of the sun. The finest specimen we have seen
exhibited was staged by Mr. Child, gardener to Mrs. Torr, Garbrand Hall, Ewell,
Surrey, at the South Kensington Show, in 1878. .
There is a very distinct variety of this plant called Cypripediwm Stoner
platytenium, of which a figure has been lately published in Mr. Warner's Select
Orchidaceous Plants, 3 ser., t. 16. Of this form, living plants were till recently only
to be found in the collection of John Day, Esq., but they were distributed when Leese
collection was recently dispersed by auction sales, and were purchased at high prices
by Baron Schréder and Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., in whose collections they
may now be seen. This variety is just like C. Stonei in its growth, and the
flowers are closely similar, the chief difference being, that the petals are shorter and
broader, amd resemble those of C. superbiens.
LALIA PURPURATA WILLIAMSII.
[PLaTes 9—10. |
Native of St. Catherine’s, Brazil.
Epiphytal. Stems (or pseudobulbs) clavate-oblong, monophyllous, two feet or more
in height, somewhat furrowed when mature. Leaves coriaceous, evergreen, narrowly
oblong, emarginate, dark green. Scape three to four-flowered, issuing from a stout
sheathing oblong bract or spathe, four to five inches long. Flowers large, and very
handsome ; measurin _ eight inches across, of a delicate rose colour, with a purple-
crimson lip; 5 8¢ inear-lanceolate, acute, of a pale rosy tint, pencilled with simple
rosy-purple longitudinal lines; petals oblong: aa obtuse, of a beautiful delicate
rose colour, pencilled with divergent forke
lines of deeper phat g lip (labellum)
three-lobed, the lateral lobes obsolete, convolute around ‘the column, the front lobe
large, broad, and roundish, of a rich dark crimson- nta, the tip» paler and reticulately
veined, and the throat yellow, beautifully veine with crimson- magenta, Column
scarcely reaching to the middle of the convolute base of the lip.
Lanta purpurata Wiiuramstt, Hort.; Williams’ Orchid Grower's Manual, ed. 4,
196; e@ 5, 208
The species, of which this is one of the finest known varieties, and as genus
Lelia to which it belongs, together with the neighbouring genus Cattleya, are placed
by the great Orchidist, Reichenbach, in his amplified genus Bletia, so that the Lelia
purpurata of Lindley, in Paston’s Flower Garden, becomes the Bletia purpurata of
Reichenbach in Walpers’ Annales, vi. 423. The name of Lelia is, however, that
which is adopted amongst cultivators of Orchids.
The Lelia which we have now to describe, was named many years ago in the
Orchid Grower's Manual, when it was exhibited at the Crystal Palace and reéeived
its present appellation. The plant now represented was flowered at the Victoria and —
Paradise Nurseries, but has now passed into the select collection of Baron Schréder,
of The Dell, near Staines. It was a wonderfully strong plant, and produced two
spikes of its highly coloured blossoms, which led all those who saw it in its beauty,
to pronounce it to be the finest Jealia they had ever witnessed. Our artist has
given a good representation of the plant and its blossoms. The club-shaped stems
_and foliage stood thirty inches in height, and were provided with very strong ~
sheathing bracts whence the flower-spikes issued, each bearing four flowers, which
were individually eight inches in diameter. It has bloomed with us in the same
style for two successive years. The plant that we flowered some years ago was
not so large as that now figured, the reason being that it was not so strong a
specimen, and, therefore, not able to produce such fine flowers, This is sufficient,
D
>.
evidence of the advance the plants make before they get to their full strength and
vigour. In the variety before us the sepals and petals are of a delicate rose,
veined with a beautiful dark tint of the same colour, while the lip is very broad,
large, and splendidly coloured, the prominent parts of a rich dark crimson-magenta,
paler and veiny at the tip, and beautifully veined with crimson on the yellow
ground-colour of the throat. The blooming season is in May and June, the flowers
continuing in perfection for three or four weeks, if kept free from damp and in a
dry place. We have a house set aside specially for Orchids when in flower, and
in it very little moisture is used, by which means we seldom get the flowers
spotted or prematurely decayed. |
There is another fine form of Lelia purpurata with white sepals and_ petals
that are quite flat, not at all recurved; this variety has a rich dark crimson-
magenta lip. We exhibited this form with nine flower spikes at the Regent's Park
Exhibition, and it produced a grand effect. There are many other fine varieties.
Lelia purpurata when well cultivated is a good looking plant, and even when
not in bloom it is an object of attraction, on account of its stately evergreen foliage.
It is a native of Brazil, and is found growing on the branches of trees on the out-
skirts of the forests where the plants get light, and are yet shaded from the burning
sun. They are best grown in the Cattleya-house, and will thrive either in pots or —
baskets, but we find the pot system the best, as they are strong growing plants,
and require ample space to bring them to perfection. They are the better for being
moved about, especially if they are required for exhibition. There are ho more
showy Orchids for exhibition purposes, and this is especially true of such varieties
as that now before us. 7 3
We find that they thrive best in good fibrous peat, and some live sphagnum
. Moss on a part of the surface; when in a growing state the moss keeps them moist
without too much water being given whilst they are making their growth. Tn
watering them be careful not to wet the young shoots. The pots should be three
parts filled with drainage, which must be formed of broken pots and lumps of charcoal
intermixed. The plants must be elevated about two inches above the rim of the
pot. The best time to pot them is after they have done blooming just as they
begin to make new growths, and before the roots start, when they will soon commence
to work into the clean sweet peat. If the plant is in a sufficiently large pot, and
the soil about it is sweet and clean, it will not require re-potting, but it will
benefit the plants greatly to give them some fresh fibrous peat just before they
begin to root, as the old soil is apt to become hard and inert through constant
watering. They require to be kept moist during the growing season, but must not
- even then be soddened with water. In winter only just sufficient must be given
them to keep them moist, and to prevent their stems and leaves from shrivelling.
PHALANOPSIS AMABILIS DAYANA.
PHALAINOPSIS AMABILIS DAYANA.
[Pate 11.]
Native of the Eastern Archipelago.
Epiphytal. | Stem none, or consisting of a short crown furnished with rigid
fleshy leaves, and emitting succulent roots, which latter are flattened, and cling to any
congenial object with which they come in contact. Leaves large, thick and
coriaceous, distichous, oblong, obliquely retuse, dark green above, purple beneath.
Scape long, drooping, issuing from the base of the plant, or the leaf axils, and
bearing the large moth-like flowers in a two-ranked raceme. Flowers large, pure
opaque white, spreading, the lip beautifully coloured; sepals oblong-obtuse, white, the
lower ones prettily dotted with carmine; petals larger and broader, sub-rhomboid,
narrowed towards the base, pure white; Jip furnished with a callus at the base,
smaller than the petals, three-lobed, the lateral lobes ovate obtuse, ascending or
incurved, yellowish along the antical margin and dotted with carmine-crimson near
the base, the central lobe trowel-shaped, carmine-crimson across the base and at
the edge, and marked with a central crimson stripe; the lip is concave, bearing
at the narrowed apex two incurved twisted white cirrhi. Column semi-terete,
recumbent on the ovary.
PHALENOPSIS AMABILIS Dayana, Hort.
The genus Phalenopsis belongs to the tribe Vandew, which is distinguished
amongst those with waxy pollen-masses, by having these attached to a distinct
caudicle, united to a deciduous stigmatic gland. It no doubt comprises several of
our finest Orchids, which are prized no less on account of the graceful development
of their inflorescence than for the attractive white blossoms of the more familiar
species. Our drawing of the charming Phalenopsis amabilis Dayana here figured, was
taken from a fine specimen in the collection of W. Lee, Esq., of Downside, Leather-
head, who was kind enough to allow us to publish an illustration of it. The variety
is very rare; indeed, we believe this is the only specimen known to be in cultivation
in this country. It was named in compliment to John Day, Esq., of Tottenham,
from whose collection it was obtained by Mr. Lee. . From the markings about the
base of the lip it will be seen to be very distinct, though it is no doubt a form
of P. amabilis, with which it agrees in foliage and in the general character of the
flowers, but differs in the distinct markings just referred to. The plant grows to
about the same size as P. amabilis.
There is at Downside a grand collection of Phalenopsids, which are especially
well managed by Mr. Woolford, the gardener. They are great favourites with Mr.
Lee, and he has built a house to meet their special wants. This is undoubtedly a
good plan to adopt where there is such a fine and comprehensive set of plants as
are to be found in this establishment, since they require different treatment to most
other Orchids. They have thick fleshy leaves, and the stems of the plant are also
fleshy, while, unlike many Orchids, they have no thick pseudobulbs from which to
derive support; hence it follows that they require more ‘moisture than many others.
We do not, however, agree with giving them so much as we often see supplied.
One great advantage of having a separate house for them is that thei individual
treatment and wants can be more carefully studied and more exactly met.
We have seen Phalenopsids grown well amongst other East Indian Orchids. For
instance, we exhibited a plant so grown of Phalaenopsis grandiflora for ten successive
years at the Chiswick and Regent’s Park Exhibitions, and at several shows during
each year, and it generally bore from sixty to seventy blossoms. This was the
variety imported from Java, which we consider the best, as it produces more flowers
than the variety from Borneo. We see that growers now-a-days are obliged to put
several plants together in order to make a specimen fit for exhibition. There were
others who about that time also exhibited these large plants, and, amongst them
Mr. Kinghorn showed at Chiswick a wonderful specimen, bearing the best flower-
spike we have ever seen.
Phalaenopsis amabilis Dayana requires the same treatment as P. grandiflora and
P. amabilis, and will do either in a pot, basket, or pan, suspended from the roof.
It will also thrive on the side stages, but in this case requires to be elevated
so that the roots can hang free, for they are abundant rooting plants. If
suspended from the roof the plants have more room to throw out their thick fleshy
roots, and in this way they approach nearer to the manner in which they grow
in their native habitats, for they are found on the branches and stems of trees,
where they obtain a free circulation of air. When thus suspended they get without
restraint the fresh air that circulates through the house. They can also be cultivated
on blocks, but under these circumstances they will require to be more freely supplied
with moisture. These are plants that like plenty of light, but they must be shielded
from the sun by shading. The best material to grow them in is sphagnum moss,
with good drainage, and they require to be kept moist all the year round, In warm
weather they of course require more than in winter, when just a sufficient quantity
to keep the moss in a moist condition will be all that they will need. It is
imperative never to allow water to reach the heart of the plant, for that will
sometimes induce it to rot, and will often cause the leaves to go spotted.
The plants must, of necessity, be kept free from insects. Sometimes the thmps
will attack them, but this should be cleaned off. To be thoroughly successful with
Orchids they require constant watching. Cockroaches are a great pest to all those
that throw out thick fleshy roots, which they injure by gnawing them off, thereby
weakening the constitution of the plant. J. 8. Bockett, Esq., of Stamford Hill, has
one of the finest grown collections of Phalenopsis we have ever seen, but this, of
course, has been in process of formation for years, and the plants have become
large established specimens. 2
Negent Fitch del. et Lith.
ONCIDIUM GARDNERI.
i
ONCIDIUM GARDNERI.
[Puate 12.|
Native of the Organ Mountains of Brazil.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs oblong-ovate, furrowed, about two inches in height, dark
green, purplish beneath. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, acute, coriaceous, about six inches
long, growing two together from the apex of the pseudobulbs. Scape one and a
half foot high, including the panicle of handsome flowers, lateral, that is, springing
from the base of the pseudobulbs. Flowers showy, of medium size, ‘nical
fragrant ; sepals oblong, acute, the lateral ones semi-connate ; petals twice as large as
the sepals, roundish in outline, clawed at the base, the edges undulated, and as well
as the bars across the sepals of a light chestnut or bronzy brown colour with a
narrow margin of pale yellow; lip large, three-lobed, the middle lobe large, trans-
versely emarginate, bright yellow, with a belt of confluent parallel oblong chestnut brown
blotches just within the margin, the lateral lobes auriculeform, obsolete, yellow; the
crests of the lip consist of two pairs of tubercles with the intermediate space
warted. Column furnished with dwarf roundish wings.
.. Oncrprum Garpyert, Lindley, London Journal of Botany, ii., 662; Id. Folia
Orchidacea, art. Oncidium, 19; Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices
Systematice, vi. 728.
This charming Orchid is very nearly related to Oncidium curtum, O. pretextum,
and O. amictum. It belongs to an extensive genus of Vandeous Orchids, many of
the species of which are exceedingly beautiful on account of the brillianey of their
flowers, which are mostly of a bright yellow colour, often prettily spotted, . and
generally produced in graceful spikes or panicles. No collection should be without
some of the best and most ornamental of them. The figure which we now publish
represents a very charming Brazilian species, one of the best forms of the plant we
have .seen. Our drawing was made from a specimen in the select and varied
collection of W. Vanner, Esq., of Chislehurst, who was kind enough to permit our
artist to avail himself of it. This collection occupies several houses which are
respectively filled with species belonging to the different groups or classes, and
among which are some very rare specimens, all well cultivated by Mr. Milford,
the gardener, who, for many years has been a successful grower of Orchids.
Oncidium Gardneri is a compact growing plant, furnished with dark green
pseudobulbs, which are from two to three inches in height. The foliage is also dark
green in colour, and about six inches in length. ‘The flowers are very freely produced
in branching spikes or panicles, and are generally developed in June and July,
lasting for several weeks in perfection. The sepals and petals are brown, narrowly
margined with pale yellow. The lip is large, of a bright golden-yellow colour,
margined with bright brown oblong parallel’ blotches. The flowers, moreover, are
deliciously scented. There are many varieties of this plant, all of which are worth
growing, since they take up but little space, and when grown in quantity, produce
a good effect. We saw about fifty spikes of the different varieties, some in bloom,
and others showing, in the collection of C. G. Hill, Esq., of Arnot Hill, near
Nottingham, and we shall not soon forget the effect produced, as the group of plants
appeared to be one mass of bloom. By cultivating plants of this character space may
be economised, since they grow as freely on blocks as in baskets. We also find
them to thrive well in small pans suspended from the roof of the Cattleya-house or in
any situation affording them the same temperature, with very slight shading from the
sun. They are best grown near the glass, so that they may get all the light possible.
As a root medium, a mixture of good sphagnum moss and fibrous peat suits them best,
but the plants must have, good drainage, since they must be kept moist during the
growing season, though when at rest a more limited supply will suftice—just sufficient
being given to keep the bulbs plump, for on the other hand, it is not a plant that
likes to be dried up. The bulbs sometimes shrivel when they flower too freely;
if this is observed do not allow the blossoms to remain too long on the plants,
as they will keep a good time in water when cut from . the plant. Being of a
graceful character they are well adapted for the decoration of drawing-room stands,
in which, if intermixed with foliage and other flowers, they help to produce a very
charming effect. Indeed no flowers are so useful as Orchids for decorative purposes,
as they last so long when cut.
~
Latta DomIntana RoskA.—This is the finest hybrid Lelia that has come under
our notice. It is the result of a cross between Cattleya Dowiana and C. exoniensis,
and the parentage is very evident in the novel form thus obtained. The lip is
like that of C. Dowiana, of a rich purple-crimson, crisped at the margin ; the
sepals and petals are of a pale lilac colour. It is a most beautiful Lelia, and is
named in honour of Mr. Dominy, who has been most successful in raising seedling
Orchids. There have been many wonderful hybrids brought out by the Messrs.
Veitch and Sons, through the indefatigable exertions of Mr. Dominy, who has long
been known as one of the oldest and most successful of Orchid growers, and whose
name will be kept in remembrance as long as Orchids are cultivated.—B. 8. W.
DV ld oy tat
IMUN.
M SUAVISS
U
DENDROBI
DENDROBIUM SUAVISSIMUM.
:
[PuaTE 18. ]
Native of Burmah.
Epiphytal. Stems (or pseudobulbs) about a foot long, cuneately-fusiform, tapering
below into a longish stalk-like base, bluntly angulate, bearing one or two pairs of
leaves at the top, and invested below with close ovate membranaccous bracts. Leaves
somewhat coriaceous, oblong-ligulate, cuneate at the base and acute at the apex.
Flower-spikes ten to twelve inches long, bracteate at the base, terminal or nearly
terminal, produced freely on the two-year-old stems. Flowers large, showy, numerous,
of a brilliant yellow; sepals ligulate acute, bright golden yellow; petals broader,
cuneately-oblong, obtusely-acute, of the same colour as the sepals; lip (labellum)
deep bright yellow, marked on the® disk with a broad curved band of rich dark
sanguineous purple, almost black, cucullate, cuneate-oblong at the base, where it is
folded over the column, roundish and emarginate in front, undulate and ciliolate at
the margin, densely asperulous with erect. acute papille forming a close crispy
covering over the surface.
DENDROBIUM sUAVIssIMUM, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.8., i. 406; v. 756.
This fine Dendrobe, of which Reichenbach remarks:—I believe it is one of the
best Dendrobia ever imported,” was introduced in 1873 by Mr. Low, of Clapton,
as recorded in the Gardeners’ Chronicle for 1874 (N.8., i. 406), where it was first
described. It is again referred to in the same publication in 1876 (x.s., v. 756),
where the German Professor remarks :—‘The species stands indeed, as has been
stated before, close to Dendrobium chrysotocum. The flowers are smaller, the fringe
is made by much shorter papille, the chin is shorter, the petals are narrower, the
lip does not expand to an open mass, but its lateral parts keep bent over the base,
thus forming a cucullate body so as to allow the beautiful dark blackish spot to be
seen, and which contrasts “so well with the deep yellow of the flower. There are
also a few blackish streaks on each side of the base of the lip.”
Dendrobium suavissimum is one of the most beautiful species of the yellow-
flowered section of this vast genus, and one that is much admired and sought after
by Orchid growers. The accompanying plate is a good re : e8t ntation of the plant,
and from this it will be seen that it is one of the most attractive of summer-
flowering Orchids. Our sketch was taken from a specimen exhibited by us during
the present year, at the Royal Botanic Society’s Garden in the Regent's Park.
Formerly this was a very rare plant, but within the last few years it has been
sent home in considerable quantities by collectors, and it has in consequence become
. $ :
+.
*
comparatively cheap. In growth it resembles Dendrobiwm chrysotoxum, but the flowers
are much more showy; in D. chrysotoxwm they are wholly yellow, whereas in this
species there is a large sanguineous purple blotch on the lip, forming a. striking
contrast to the rich golden yellow of the sepals and petals; in addition to this
they are sweet-scented. The plant is of free-flowering habit, and when well-grown
produces finely-developed flower-spikes. We » have seen as many as three spikes
proceeding from a single stem. . .
In habit of growth Dendrobiwm suavisssmum is very compact. The stems or
pseudobulbs are about a foot in height, and furnished with one or two pairs of
dark green leaves at the apex. The flower-spikes proceed from the tops of the two-
year-old bulbs, and average from ten to twelve inches in length. ‘The stems will
sometimes produce spikes for several years in succession. The flowers last from two —
to three weeks in. perfection if kept from damp.
Like other Dendrobiums, this species is found growing on the trunks and branches
of trees in positions where it gets plenty of light and air. With us it thrives well —
grown in a basket suspended near the roof, so as to obtain all the light and air —
possible ; the bulbs thus become well matured. The best material for growing it m
is sound sweet fibrous peat, with a good supply of drainage. The plants should be
watered liberally at the roots during the period of growth, which is after they have
done blooming. The temperature that suits them best is that of the East India-
house while they are making their growth; but when the growth is completed very
little water should be given them until they begin to show their spikes in spring,
when it may be increased, as it will assist them to produce stronger spikes. The
plant is propagated by division; two or more old bulbs should be taken off with
a young growth in front. Insects should be well looked after, and when found be
speedily removed.
2
Nugent Fitch b:
.#
h
TRICHOPILIA: SUAVIS ALBA.
NR 8 RR
Se
TRICHOPILIA SUAVIS ALBA.
[PuatTE 14, ]
Native of Central a i
Epiphytal, Pseudobulbs roundish-oblong or obcordate, thin, é.e., very much com-
pressed, clustered, monophyllous. Leaves broadly oblong, acute, leathery in texture,
almost sessile, of a pale green colour. Scapes radical, two to four-flowered, pendent.
Flowers large, showy, and fragrant, each emerging from the axil of a thin ovate
bract. Sepals linear-lanceolate, acute, somewhat undulated, spreading, and, as well as
the similarly-formed petals, of a pure white colour; lip large, rolled up closely at
the base, suddenly expanded upwards so as to become funnel-shaped, and then spread
out into a large oblique limb, which is three-lobed, with the edges wavy and crisped,
the middle lobe larger, slightly deflexed and emarginate or bilobed. Column elongate,
terete, bearing at the back of the anther a hood of three fimbriated lobes.
Tricorri1a suavis, Lindley, in Paaton’s Flower Garden, i. 44; 53, t. 115 Hooker,
Botanical Magazine, t. 4654; Van Houtte, Flore des Serres, viii., 761; Lemaire,
Jardin Flewriste, iii. 277; Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices
Systematice, iii, 558, et vi. 681.
Var. apa: flowers pure white, the lip with a yellow blotch in the throat.
TRICHOPILIA suAvIS ALBA, Hort.
This plant belongs to a small genus of Vandeous Orchids, some of the species
of which are exceedingly pretty, and well worthy of a place in every collection.
Dr. Lindley calls Trichopilia suavis “a delicious Orchid,” and says that “ the flowers
emit the most delicate odour of hawthorn.” The fragrant and richly spotted flowers
make it a great favourite amongst growers, and no doubt it is one of the best
and most showy of the species yet known. The variety alba, of which we have
now the pleasure of publishing an authentic figure, the first which has appeared, is
new to cultivation, and is also extremely rare. Our plate was prepared from a
specimen which flowered in the fine collection of Dr. G. Boddaert, of Ghent, Belgium,
who kindly allowed us to have a drawing made from it.
Trichopilia suavis alba was imported, with the typical 7. suas, and is a
compact evergreen plant, with foliage attaining from six to ten inches in height, and
three inches in width, and of a light green colour. The pendent flower-seapes are
produced from the base of the bulbs, and bear two or three, or sometimes four,
flowers, which thus hang over the sides of the pan or basket in which the plant
is cultivated. “When suspended from the roof of the house they thus have a very
charming appearance. The sepals and petals are pure white: the lip is white, with
a pale yellow stain in the throat. The plant blossoms during May and June, and
lasts about two weeks in perfection. We have flowered this variety during the
present year, and it was very much admired by every one who saw it.
Trichopilia suavis alba was exhibited by J. 8. Bockett, Ksq., of Stamford Hill,
at one of the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, and was awarded a
First Class Certificate of Merit.
The Cattleya house is the best position for the plant, but it should be placed
at the coolest end. I€ will flourish either in a basket or pot, in a compost of
fibrous peat, with good drainage, but it must be well elevated above the rim, so
that the flowers may hang down according to their natural habit. Propagation is
effected by division of the plant after blooming; two or three bulbs should be
severed from ‘the original plant, or more if a larger specimen is desired.
ARIDES ODORATUM MaAsus.—This fine old Orchid was shown by Mrs. Arbuthnot
*
at the Chislehurst Exhibition, on the 16th of July, and in this case it was a most
wonderful example of good cultivation. The plant was one mass of its beautiful
racemes of flowers, about fifty in number, many of them measuring fifteen inches
in length. The flowers are white, tipped with pink, and are produced in long
graceful spikes which overhang the foliage and produce a most charming effect.
The perfume given off by this variety is very delightful, and was in this case
most refreshing to those who passed by, many of whom wondered where the pleasant
odour came from, as it was shown among the stove and greenhouse plants. This
plant was two and a half feet in diameter, and three feet in height. Great credit 18
due to Mr. Mitchell, the gardener, for his skill in cultivating so fine a specimen.
We often wonder why this plant is not more popular at our exhibitions, especially
as it is easy to grow, taking very few years to make a good specimen, and being
purchasable in small sizes for a few shillings. When not in bloom, it is, moreover,
an’ attractive plant.—B. 8. W. .
i
|
‘
:
i
%
age
Rie
a
in
Nawent Fitch del. ct hth
hs
a
VANDA PARISHIT
at
VANDA PARISHITI.
[PLaTEe 15. ]
Native of Moulmein.
Epiphytal. Plant evergreen, dwarf. Stem a span high, stout-growing, densely
leafy. Leaves distichous, broadly ligulate-obtuse, with an unequal bilobed apex, very
stout and fleshy in texture. Scape stiff, erect, bearing a spike of several show
blossoms. Flowers large, distinct in character, prettily spotted; sepals and petals
' ceuneate-oblong, acute, somewhat undulated, of a greenish-yellow colour, decorated with
numerous round reddish-brown spots, white inside at the base; lip furnished with
linear-ligulate auricles at the base, and produced into a short gibbous spur, white, with
a pair of orange-coloured stripes, the larger anterior part violaceous, rhomboid, gibbous
below the apex, with a keel along the median line, and a violet-coloured conical
callus at the base. Column white, the caudicle ligulate, the glandule triangular.
Vanpa Parisutt, Reichenbach" fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1870, 890.
This glorious thing, as Professor Reichenbach calls it, was first discovered by
the Rev. C. Parish in 1862, and then lost sight of, but was rediscovered in 1870,
from which discovery, we presume, the first plants were obtained by Mr. 8. Low, of
the Clapton Nursery; since then we have received living plants of it on several
occasions, and the plant now figured was from one of these importations. It is a
small and distinct growing Vanda, and is well worthy of a place in every collection
on account of its compact habit of growth, which resembles that of a Phalaenopsis.
The Vandas are for the most part large growers, but, as will be seen from the
accompanying figure, Vanda Parishii is an exception to the general rule, Our
plate was prepared from a plant which bloomed in the collection of the Right Hon.
J. Chamberlain, M.P., of Birmingham—a gentleman who is making a grand collection
of Orchids, and is a great admirer of them. The plant above referred to was a
well-grown specimen, bearing a good spike of flowers.
The leaves are about eight inches in length by four inches in breadth, and of
a lively green colour; and the flower-spike reaches from ten to twelve inches in
length, the flowers being as large as those of Vanda gigantea and V. lissochiloides.
The sepals and petals are greenish-yellow, freely spotted with reddish-brown bs the
base of the lip, which is keeled, is white, the front lobe violet-mauve, faintly
margined with white. Altogether it is a very distinct species, and is very strongly
scented, with a peculiar odour; it lasts for several weeks in bloom. Zz
Vanda Parishii requires about the same treatment as other Vandas, and should
be grown in the East India-house, in sphagnum moss, with plenty of drainage. It
would appear never to attain more than about a foot in height, being unusually
short and stout in growth. It is best grown in a basket or pot suspended from
the roof, and should be well shaded from the sun. It revels in a good supply of
water during the growing period, which extends over summer and autumn; but in
winter only just sufficient water should be given to keep the moss damp,. for if
allowed to become over-dry it will shrivel, having no pseudobulbs to support it.
Thrips and scale are sometimes found on this plant; these should be diligently
searched for and destroyed, as the leaves, being of a fleshy nature, would otherwise
soon become disfigured by the onslaught of these pests.
Orcuips at Arnot Himu—We append a few notes on the Orchids at Arnot
Hill, near Nottingham, the residence of C. G. Hill, Esq., a gentleman who is forming
a fine collection of these plants, and one which we have no doubt will in time
take a foremost rank, as Mr. Hill is specially fond of good Orchids, and intends to
grow only those which are most worthy of cultivation. There is a fine range of
houses built to suit the cool, the intermediate, and the East Indian kinds, and the
arrangements are all that can be desired, having been made the chief study. Of the
genus Odontoglosswm, we found at the time of our visit, some few months since, there
was a large collection, including some hundreds of plants of O. Alexandre and
O. Pescatorei, amongst which were many fine specimens. There was also a fine lot of
Masdevallias; the Bull’s-blood variety of M. Harryana was in splendid condition,
and there were many other fine varieties. We noticed a house full of Oncidium
Gardneri mixed with O. pretectum and O. curtum, the plants bearing about fifty
spikes, the greater part of which were in bloom, the flowers deliciously fragrant, and
presenting a beautiful picture, as the bright yellow lip with its definite margin of
brown shows off the flowers to great advantage. In the Cattleya house there were
many fine plants which were rooting and growing well. We noticed a good specimen
plant of the new Cattleya Triane Russelliana, also of the rare C. exoniensis, of
the beautiful C. Reineckiana, of the best variety of C. labiata showing flower-sheaths,
and many others. Oncidiwm incurvum was beautifully in bloom, and with its snow-
white lip had a very pretty appearance.
: In the next house we noticed three good plants of Dendrochilum filiforme finely
m flower; one plant had fifty of its graceful spikes of yellow blossoms hanging among
the foliage, and the other two plants were equally good.
In the adjoining house there were many fine East Indian Orchids. We noticed
four plants of the rare Aérides. Schréderi, and a wonderful variety of A. Lobbii in
full bloom, with a fine branching spike—one of the best we have seen, and one
of which we hope at some future time to furnish our readers with a figure.
There was a good collection of East Indian Orchids being got together, and from
the appearance and health of _the young stock they seemed likely to thrive well.
We were glad to see this “class of Orchids so well appreciated, as there can be n0
doubt that the East Indian kinds are among the richest and finest of the family,
and they will flourish in a lower temperature than most people imagine.—B. 6. W.
a. © 5 ° ® 48
a : dl
whe,
YA GUTTATA LE OPOLDII.
CATTLE
ugent Fitch del et lth
CATTLEYA GUTTATA ~LEOPOLDII,
[Pate 16.] _ ae | tabs eh
Me ative of the Island of St. Catherine, Brazil.
*Epiphytal. Stems (or pseudobulbs) elongate, fusiform, many-jointed, two to two
and a half feet in height, bearing a pair of leaves at the apex. Leaves broadly- —
oblong obtuse, dark green, coriaceous. Scape terminal, . issuing from a short ovate
acute ancipitous spathe developed between the leaves on the more ‘ae stems,
and bearing a many-flowered raceme, with small lance-shaped bracts. jowers fleshy,
in dense racemes, “sometimes as large as a man’s he ;” sepals cuneate-oblong
acute, the lateral ones subfaleate, of a hght cinnamon or orange-tinted brown, spotted
thickly with crimson; petals similar in form and colour, but rather broader and
wavy; lip three-lobed, the lateral lobes semi-ovate, acute in front, rolled over’ the
This noble plant is remarkable for the large mass of richly-coloured fragrant
blossoms which terminates the flower-scape, and is very much superior to the old
Cattleya guttata, which was introdueed to our collections some fifty years ago, and
of which a fine figure was published in the Transactions of the Horticultural Society,
ix. t. 8.- The variety Leopoldii differs from the type, in its much larger flowers,
and in the rich olive or reddish-brown colour of its sepals and petals, which are
freely spotted with dark crimson. C. guttata Leopold is, moreover, of much more
recent introduction than the type, having been imported to the gardens of Belgium
by M. Ambroise Verschaffelt, through his collector, M. Devos, in 1850. It was by
him dedicated to his Majesty the late King of the Belgians. As will be seen from
our illustration, it is a very great improvement on the typical form. We are indebted
to H. Shaw, Esq., of Buxton, for the opportunity of securing our figure, the plant
having flowered in his choice and valuable collection during the month of August
in the present year, producing a spike of eleven fine flowers, each measuring three
inchés. in diameter. This. must be regarded as a very valuable Orchid, since it
blossoms during the late summer months, when flowers are comparatively scarce in
eur Orchid houses; while for exhibition purposes, again, it is of great value. .
The plant now before us is a strong grower, like Cattleya guttata, and ‘sometimes
produces. as many as thirty flowers in a spike. A plant bearing a spike *% this
noble character was exhibited some years ago by Mr. Page, then gardener to the late
W. Leaf, Esq., of Streatham, and was a most wonderful object. The stems one a
from twenty to thirty inches in height, and are furnished at the apex with 22, pair
of broad leathery leaves of a dark green colour. It produces its flowers om the |
top of the bulb after it has finished its growth. The sepals and_ petals are of a
lively cinnamon-brown, spotted with rich deep crimson; while the lip is of a bright
magenta, with the basal lobes of a paler rose colour. The blossoms last some two
*
or three weeks in perfection.
Cattleya guttata Leopoldii requires the same treatment as that recommended for _
other Cattleyas under Plates 3 and 6. Being a tall-growing plant, pot culture will
be found to suit it best. — ae
a
——
M. Massancr’s Orcuips.—Chateau de Baillonville, the country seat of Mons. D.
Massange de Louvrex, is situated in the Ardennes, about 6 miles from Marche, and
some 80 miles from Brussels. The collection of Orchids at the Chateau Js very
large, one of the finest in Belgium. In the house devoted to East Indian Orchids eS
there are some grand specimens of Vandas, Aérides, and Saccolabiums. During a
visit in July last, we noticed in bloom a very fine variety of Vanda tricolor
planilabris, the flowers of which were very large, with fine broad sepals and petals,
the markings being well defined and the colour bright. Here was also a grand
plant of V. Cathcartii, about four feet high, in perfect health. Cypripediums are,
moreover, treated with great success in this house; indeed, we noticed some plants
*
of C. caudatum with extraordinary growths upon them, one plant having leaves as_ os
much as eighteen inches long, and quite distinct. in the character of its growth,
being almost erect. In the Cattleya house were some fine examples of Cattleya labiata, a
the true autumn-flowering variety; also C. Warnerii in abundance, and C. Mendel. —
Zygopetalum Gautier, the best variety, with dark blue flowers, was also open.
Celogyne Massangeana, had a spike of twenty-three flowers; this species 1S a grand
subject for treating as a basket plant, the spikes being of a drooping character ;
we have seen it bearing as many as twenty-seven flowers on a_ spike. There
were, moreover, in the same house, some enormous plants of Cattleya Triana, marvels
of cultivation, with good specimens of Lelia elegans, L. anceps, L. Perrinit alba,
L. elegans prasiata, L. Steleneriana, Cattleya Dowiana, &c., all ‘in perfect health,
and doing well. In the Odontoglossum houses there was not much in flower, but
the plants were looking remarkably well and making enormous bulbs. Here we
noticed the largest plant of Restrepia antenufera we have ever seeny the plant
probably measured as much as eighteen inches across, and had some hundreds of
leaves. Masdevalliags were well represented, and there were some good varieties iD
flower: amongst others was a grand plant of M. macrura, as well as J. Houtteant
and M. trochilus, forming good specimens. We saw a splendid specimen of
Odontoglossum citrosmum roseum with nine flower-spikes, a marvel of good cultivation.
Altogether, we believe, this is the most select collection of Orchids in Belgium, and
great credit is due to Mr. Wilkie, the gardener, for the way in which he cultivates
his plants ; his employer, however, spares no expense in providing the appurtenances
necessary to good cultivation—H. WrturaMs.
P
k
S
CATOREA KLABOCHORUM.
PESCATOREA KLABOCHORUM.
[PiatEe 17.]
Native of Ecuador.
Epiphytal. Stems none or consisting of ‘a short crown or growing point from which
the leaves and stout fibrous roots proceed. Leaves tufted, numerous, imbricated at the
base, erect or spreading, lanceolate, acute, twelve to fifteen inches long, and about
two inches wide, deep green above, paler beneath, thin but firm in texture: Flowers
large and showy, measuring about three inches in diameter, the peduncles springing
from the axils of the lower leaves; dorsal sepal obovate-oblong, acute, about an
inch and a half long, white’ in the lower half, and of a velvety chocolate purple
in the upper portion; lateral sepals more distinctly oblong, being less narrowed at
the base, acute, and attached obliquely to the chin of the flower; petals obovate-
oblong, like the dorsal sepal, acute, white, deeply tipped with chocolate purple; lip
distinctly stalked, with a sharply incurved claw, normally trowel-shaped when spread
out, three-lobed, the lateral lobes prolonged, acute, and incurved so as to meet the
base of the column, the middle lobe obtusely cordate, sulcate, with the edge
recurved so as to bring it to a narrow triangular outline; it is white, with the
whole surface, except the margin, covered with short purple-tipped papille, or ‘styli-
form processes,’ ranged in combined lines; on the disk is a large semicircular
lamellate ruff or frill, extending to the base, and consisting of numerous (about 20)
erect folds or lamellae, which are white below and of a deep rich purple along the
edge of the folds, forming a series of stripes extending inwards to the base of
the lip. Column stoutish, angulate on both sides at the base, semiterete, dark
purple, three-fourths of an inch long, projected over the basal ruff.
Pescatorea Krtasocorum, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.s. xi., 684;
xi, 167; Paxton’s Flower Garden, re-issue, t. 21.
_ 4ycorrratum Kuazocuorum, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S. Xi, 684,
Until quite recently but few species of Pescatorea were known in cultivation.
Latterly, however, several new ones have been introduced into this country, and
Orchid cultivators have now more numerous opportunities of admiring the beautiful
plants which are referred to this genus,
Pescatorea Klabochorum was introduced from Ecuador, by Franz Klaboch, a
nephew of Herr Roezl, one of the most successful plant collectors of our time, and
is named in commemoration of him and his surviving brother, also a traveller and
collector. The first plants, brought home some four or five y —
purchased by Messrs. J. ames’ Veitch and Sons, of Chelsea, and were distributed by
them; but since then it has been several times re-introduced, and ep now to be
found in numerous: collections, Several varieties have been already noticed. : It So
to have been first flowered in 1878 in England, by John Day, Esq., and in Scotlan
F
2
7
by J. Gair, Esq., and again in 1879 in the noble collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence
Bart., M.P. The drawing reproduced in our plate was prepared from a plant which
~ flowered last August in our own collection, and represents a very fair variety. A
fine variety, which bloomed with W. Cobb, Esq., of Silverdale Lodge, Sydenham, is
figured in the revised edition of Paxton’s Flower Garden.
The treatment which we find to suit this plant the best is to place it in the
Cattleya-house at the cool end. It should be potted in a compost of peat and
sphagnum moss, with a few lumps of charcoal added; and a liberal supply of water
should be given during the growing season, this being gradually decreased as the
winter approaches. The plants should be well elevated above the rim of the pot,
so as to allow any superfluous water to drain away from the crown.
‘We do not find that noxious insects attack the species of Pescatorea in any
great degree. The scale will sometimes take up its abode on the young growths,
but when found this can easily be removed by the use of a brush or sponge and
water. ‘
We saw a fine lot of Pescatoreas and Bolleas in splendid condition at Falkirk
in September last, in the collection of J. Gair, Esq. These plants are not so easy
of cultivation as many Orchids, their treatment not being generally so well under-
stood; but this was not the case in this instance, for they were perfect plants, well
cultivated, and blooming freely. We noticed more especially a fine species named
in honour of Mr. Gair, which bears the richest coloured flowers we have ever seen;
of this we hope to give our readers an illustration when it flowers next year. These
plants were grown at the end of a house where a mixed collection of Orchids, such
as Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Aérides, and Saccolabiums, were doing well. Bemg @
large house, the plants could be treated according to their several requirements,
whereas in a small house the varied collection would not be found to do so well.
VANDA C@RULEA.—Thigs Vanda, whose flowers are of such a distinct and beautiful
colour, is no doubt one of the finest Orchids in cultivation. We have had the
pleasure of seeing the plant we are about to mention for two successive yeals
blooming in great perfection in the collection of the Marquis of Lothian, at New-
battle, Dalkeith. The plant, which stands one foot in height, and is well furnished
with good foliage, produced two spikes of its charming flowers, fourteen on each
spike. The sepals and petals are of a delicate lavender blue colour, barred and veined
with a deeper tint of the same; the lip is small, and of a dark violet colour. It
was & moat showy. object, and the amount of bloom upon. it was extraordinary;
considering the small size of the plant.
one that has pleased us so well.
such a plant, which is increasing
year. There is a good collection
houses are suitable for their cult
eared for.—B. S. W.
We have seen larger specimens, but never
Great credit is due to Mr. Priest for producing
in size, and in the number of its flowers every
of Orchids being formed at this place, where we" .
ivation, and the plants are well looked after a”
DONE ern
5
Ly
oad
2
fea
z
f
r
INGTONIA CANDIDA.
BURL
~
*
BURLINGTONIA CANDIDA.
[Pate 18.]
Native of Demerara.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs elliptic-oblong, aorhpreseell monophyllous. Leaves ever-
green, broadish oblong, acute, somewhat channelled. Racemes pendulous, issuing from
the base of the pseudobulbs, three to five-flowered. Flowers two and a half inches
long, white, semitransparent, with a delightful violet-like fragrance; sepals projected
forwards in the plane of the lip, the dorsal one obovate-oblong, emarginate, the
anterior one bifid, linear-oblong, about half the length of the lip, curved sharply
forwards, and channelled so as to closely invest the spur of the lip; petals parallel
with the sepals and lip, obovate, oblique, the base encircling the column, spreadin,
at the apex; lip parallel with the column, with a channelled claw, dilated an
bilobed in front, cuneate below, decorated in the centre with a yellow bar, the disk
furnished with four or five yellowish lamelle on each side, of which the anterior
ones are longer, the spur short, enclosed in the anterior sepal. Column smooth,
slender, clavate, with two fleshy teeth at the apex.
Burtineronta canprpa, Lindley, Botanical Register, t. 1927; Id. Paaton’s Flower
Garden, i. 158; Rand’s Orchids, 179; Floral Magazine, t. 548.
Ropriquezia canpipa, Bateman in litteris; Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales
Botanices Systematice, vi., 695.
The genus Burlingtonia was dedicated to the amiable and, accomplished Countess
of Burlington, and contains a few small-growing but very beautiful species, which
come mostly from Brazil. The plant now under notice, which was the earliest,
introduction, and the type of the genus, was imported from Demerara, im British
Guiana, so long since as 1834, by James Bateman, Esq., now a veteran in the study
and cultivation of Orchids. It is consequently well-known to the growers and collectors
of this class of plants.
As a subject for growing in a basket suspended from the roof, this + ses has
few, if any, equals. When grown in this way, the pendent spikes of white flowers
hanging over the sides of the basket produce a charming and distinct appearance.
The plant is compact-growing, and, like all the species of ese cmete is
evergreen. The pendent flower-spikes are produced from the sides of the pseudo 4
a each bear from four to six flowers, which are white, marked with yellow in
the throat, and have a slight but pleasant odour of violets.
Burlingtonia candida ‘a d be es in the Cattleya-house, in a basket or ae
Suspended from the roof, Sphagnum moss, with a good drainage composed | of croc a
18 the best material for its roots, and the bulbs should be well elevated above the
rim of the pan or basket. This plant delights in a plentiful supply of water at
the roots—in fact, it should never be allowed to get dry, as it requires but little
rest. It is propagated by division of the pseudobulbs.
Few insects attack this plant. The scale is the most frequent intruder, and this
is easily removed by the use of a sponge and clean water.
Frrcusuice House, Paistey.—We have been in the habit of visiting the gardens
of T. Coarss, Esq., for many years past, and have always been surprised to see
the Orchids grown by Mr. Thompson, the gardener who has charge of them. There
is no house specially devoted to the cultivation of this class of plants, but they are
grown in different houses intermixed with stove-flowering plants, foliage plants, and
ferns, and in no instance have we seen East Indian Orchids grown to greater
perfection. We have from time to time witnessed the progress of the specimens we
are about to enumerate—in fact, we have seen them grown on from quite small plants
purchased some ten or twelve years ago, and the size to which they have attained
during this time, viz., up to the first week in September, 1881, will no doubt astonish
some of our readers, and convince them it is not true that Orchids cannot be
cultivated unless they have houses set apart for their especial benefit. In order to
show the error of this conclusion, we will name a few of the specimens that we
saw growing on one side of a span-roofed house, with stove plants on the centre
stage. Aérides suavissimum, grown from a small plant, is now a fine specimen
three feet high, having four stems, and in perfect health, the foliage reaching down
to the pot; it bore twenty spikes of its long racemes of flowers, many of them having
thirty-seven flowers on a spike, and was one of the most beautiful objects that have
come under our notice. There is also another plant produced from the same specimen,
bearing twelve spikes of its lovely blossoms, which were in full beauty. A. Warnertt
is a well-grown specimen, having several stems two to three feet in height, and this
blooms freely every year. A. virens, is also a fine plant, with three stems three feet
in height. A. affine is a wonderful specimen of good cultivation; it 1s generally of
slow growth, but in this case it has not proved so. A. crispum again, is well
cultivated, having two stems nearly three OE high, and perfect, and there is also
a second plant of the same, three feet in height. A. Fieldingit is a fine specimen.
Vanda tricolor, a well-furnished plant, and V. suavis four feet high, with three
stems, are both beautifully grown. A plant of the curious long-tailed Angraecum
sesquipedal, from eighteen inches to two feet in height, has four stems, and 18
undoubtedly the best grown specimen we have seen. Phalenopsis Schilleriana, & good
8 aipeesn with seven of its beautifully-marked leaves, is growing suspended over the
centre table. There are other choice Orchids, such as Cypripediums, Coelogyness
&e. We also noticed, grown in two other houses, intermixed with various plants,
penny As aio of Lelia Turnerii, LD, elegans, L. anceps, Cattleya mdr Pe
1ers, e also well-grown examples of Calanthe Masuca, of Dendrobium, a
roe Si Orchids; but space will not admit of these being here enumerated.—
bd . 4
ANGULOA RUCKERIT SANGUINEA.
{PuaTE 19. |
Native of Colombia.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs large, ovate-oblong, four to six inches high, furrowed when
mature. Leaves several, growing from the apex of the younger pseudobulbs, broadly
lanceolate, acute, two to two and a half feet long and four to six inches broad,
strongly ribbed and plaited. Flower-scapes radical, one-flowered, shorter than the
leaves, clothed below with imbricated sheathing bracts. lowers large, fleshy, nearly
erect ; sepals roundish with an apiculus, strongly convex, conniving into a semi-globular
shape, which with their nearly erect position gives them a somewhat tulip-like
appearance, creamy yellow outside, and of a deep sanguineous red on the inner
surface ; petals similar in form and colour to the sepals; lip clawed, subeonvolute,
three-lobed, the lateral lobes broadish and obtuse, the middle portion hairy, funnel-
shaped and two-lipped, the front lobe tridentate, and with the middle part crimson
blotched and barred with white. Column entire, creamy white, spotted with crimson.
ANGULOA Rucker sancuringa, Lindley in Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1852, 271; Hooker,
gees Magazine, t. 5884; Williams’ Orchid Growers’ Manual, ed. iv., 90;
ed. v., 92.
The subject of our present illustration is an exceedingly rare plant, and is met
with in only a few collections. In its habit of growth and general appearance it
resembles the type Anguloa Ruckerii, but it is very distinct in colour, and is
altogether a more desirable plant, the flowers being of a much richer colour—a deep
rich blood-red spotted with a darker tint of the same—whereas in the original
- Ruckerii they are of a fine orange colour spotted with dark brown.
; The growth of this plant is very majestic, producing as it does bulbs four to
Six Inches high, and leaves from eighteen to thirty inches long, by four to six
inches broad. The flowers, which proceed from the base of the pseudobulb, are erect,
tulip- Shaped, and of ereat substance and size, lasting as long as four weeks in
perfection. A. Rucherii sanguinea is a very suitable plant for exhibition purposes
on account of the distinct appearance produced by its massive flowers when inter-
mixed with other Orchids. :
The temperature best suited for this plant is that of the cool Orchid-house.
We have found it succeed well in pots in a compost of good fibrous peat, with
Plenty of drainage. It requires a good season of rest, during which period the plant
a be kept rather dry until it begins to show renewed signs of growth, when
‘a Supply of water may be increased. It is propagated by division of the pseudo-
bs just before they start into growth. .We are indebted for the opportunity of
figuring this plant to Dr. Boddaert, of Ghent, Belgium, in whose collection it
flowered last July.
A fine figure of the original Anguloa Ruckerit will be found in Warner's Select
Orchidaceous Plants, 2nd series, t. 10; and it is also figured in the Botanical
Register, 1846, t. 41; and in Moore's Illustrations of Orchidaceous Plants, art.
Auguloa, plate 3.
am |
CarTLEyA Dowrana.—We have received a very beautiful flower of this grand —
Cattleya, by post, from R. Dodgson, Esq., of Blackburn, in whose fine collection the
plant has been grown. Mr. Osman, the gardener, says, “we had three imported
plants last year, and two of them are now in bloom.” We were pleased to hear
this, as Cattleya Dowiana is considered a difficult plant to flower, though we have seen
many plants blooming this season. There is no doubt that its cultivation is becoming
better understood. The variety above referred to has a large lip of a most mtense
dark purple, striped and reticulated with golden yellow, in a very prominent manner,
The sepals and petals are large, of good substance, of a bright nankeen colour,
and produce a very pleasing and altogether distinct appearance. This is, undoubtedly,
one of the most distinct and beautiful of all Cattleyas. There is a grand figure of
this species in the 2nd series of Warner’s Select Orchidaceous Plants, t. 27.—B. 8. W.
a”.
CypRiPEDIUM SPICERIANUM.—We were pleased to receive last month a splendid
bloom of this fine variety from J 8, Bockett, Esq., of Stamford Hill. There 18
no doubt that it is one of the most distinct species of the whole genus. The
dorsal sepal is erect, curiously curved, pure white, of a wax-like texture, having 4
purple streak extending from the base to the apex; the linear-oblong petals are
much crisped on the edge, and, like the other parts of the flower, are of a bronzy-
green colour, the lip being darker, of a reddish-brown and glossy. It has been
named in honour of H. Spicer, Esq., and was introduced from India some few years
ago. We also received at the same time a fine form of Odontoglossum Chesterton,
and a most distinctly spotted variety of O. Alexandre, the sepals and petals of
which are white, spotted with reddish-crimson, and the lip white, with a large
reddish-brown blotch on the lower portion. —B. 8. W.
7
ROSBRIIM
—
NDROBIUM AINSWORTH!
Te
}
Ld,
ore
Sta
t Fitch del. et
Magen
|
|
DENDROBIUM AINSWORTHII ROSEUM.
[PLATE 20. |
A Garden Hybrid.
Epiphytal. Stems (pseudobulbs) clustered, elongate, spreading, terete, stoutish
above, tapering to the base, jointed, the surface furrowed between the joints. Leaves
distichous, linear-oblong, acute, three-fourths of an inch broad, sheathing the stems
at the base, the sheaths remaining as a membranous investment. Pedwncles proceedin
from the joints of the stem, slender, two to three-flowered, the pedicels with sma
ovate bracts at their base. Flowers showy, white, with rich amaranth-crimson blotch,
measuring about three inches across; sepals lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, spreading,
white, tinged with rose colour, as are the larger and broader oblong-ovate petals;
lip eeeto) broadly obovate, cucullate, the basal portion rolled in over the column, ~
the anterior portion spread out into a broad concave heart-shaped front lobe, which
is undulated at the margin, and nearly covered by a large rich amaranth-crimson
blotch, feathered at the edge, and traversed by deeper crimson veins, the extreme
margin being paler. Column short, enclosed by the basal portion of the lip. —
Denprosrum Aryswortat, Moore in Gardeners’ Chronicle (1874), N.8. i. 443, figs.
93, 94; Id. N.s. viii, 166, figs. 30, 31, 32; Anderson in Gardeners’ Chromele,
NS. vi., 751; Floral Magazine, 2 s. t. 196; Rand’s Orchids, 242; Williams’
Orchid Growers’ Manual, ed. v., 163. |
Var. RosEum ; sepals and petals tinted with magenta rose; lip almost wholly covered
by the large mulberry-crimson feathered blotch.
Denprosrum’ AINSWoRTHIL var. rosEuM, Moore in Gardeners’ Chronicle (1877), N.S.
vu., 665; Id. n.s. viii, 166; Anderson in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S. vi, 750.
The beautiful Dendrobium Ainsworthii is the result of a cross between D. nobile
ao 2. heterocarpum, and was raised by Mr. Mitchell, gardener to R. F. Ainsworth, Esq.,
MLD., of Higher Broughton, Manchester, after whom it is named. In habit of growth
— m general appearance the plant partakes mostly of the character of D. nobile, »
while the flowers more closely resemble those of D. heterocarpum in form, and have
ry alight degree the delicious fragrance of those produced by that species. In
~ Ainsworthii the flowers have white sepals and petals, while the lip is marked
by a dense blotch of a rich amaranth or mulberry-crimson. In the D. Ainsworthin
mseum now figured, the sepals and petals are of a bright rosy-magenta, and the lip
® more fully covered with a richep coloured deep crimson blotch. This variety 1s
i Tare, and forms a char.aing contrast to the white blossoms of its sister
ybrid. The flowers will be ‘ound very useful for cutting, as they last for a
“nsiderable time in water.
Dendrobium Ainsworth rosewm requires treatment similar to that given to
D. nobile. We have found it to do well in a compost of peat and sphagnum moss,
planted in pans suspended from the roof of the East India house, in a position
where it can get plenty of light and air. During the growing season this plant
enjoys a liberal supply of water, which after the bulbs have completed their develop-
ment may be gradually withheld, and the plant cooled down by placing it in the
Cattleya-house, where it should remain until the time of flowering, which extends
from February to June. Mr. Stevens, of Trentham, grows it very successfully,
suspended in a well-appointed plant stove, where it has abundance of light.
We remember seeing a splendid plant of Dendrobiwn Ainsworthii rosewm exhibited
by Mr. Mitchell, at the Whitsuntide Manchester Show, in May, 1877, in the form
of a well furnished specimen two and a half feet in height and two fect in breadth,
the stems being literally smothered with some hundreds of its beautiful crimson-
lipped rosy-tinted flowers. 3 :
Referrmg to this same Manchester Show of 1877, Mr. Anderson, of Meadow
Bank, a well-known Orchid grower, writes of this plant, as follows (Gardeners’
Chromele, N.S vii., 750):—* Possibly the gem of the Exhibition was Dendrobium
Ainsworth roseum. This is a most remarkable seedling partaking of the character
of both its parents (D. nobile and D. heterocarpum), and in some respects superior
to either. In point of floriferousness none of its parents can lay claim to such a
quantity of nodes on the deciduous stems, each bearing, or rather emitting, its quota
of flowers. I counted on one stem sixteen short racemes, each two and three-flowered.
The flower itself has the sepals and petals of moniliforme rather than of nobile, white
shaded with an almost imperceptible tint of rose, and tipped distinctly with that
soft pleasing colour. The labellum is flat, like an expanded heterocarpum, reflexing
a little towards the centre, with a blotch covering three-quarters of its surface with
deep veined purplish or rather mulberry-crimson, edged very distinctly with white,
and the extremity slightly tipped with crimson. This I look upon as one of the
greatest gains in hybridization, whether we regard the colour of the flower, or the
general floriferousness of the plant, or its free although not awkward habit of growth.
As an Orchid enthusiast of the last five and twenty years, I] would pronounce it one
of the greatest gains that may be counted up in the whole known Orchid family.”
Altogether this is a most desirable plant, and being easy of cultivation, and of
remarkably free-flowering habit, it should find a place in every collection.
$4e) eS %
mM #4 | fine ay
ee”
Yay
oe)
oy
Lp
A.
“a
Le.
9.
ev as
th Tas
~ “ :
Nugent Fitch del et hth
.
AERIDES LOBBI.-
AERIDES LOBBIL.
[PLATE 21.]
Native of Moulmein.
Epiphytal. Stems erect, densely foliose, producing the stout aérial réots from
between the leaf bases. Leaves evergreen, close set, distichous, leathery in texture,
loriform, channelled, obliquely bilobed at the apex, of a deep green colour, obsoletely
spotted with purple, paler on the under surface. Racemes axillary, many-flowered,
long, branched, cylindrical, pendulous. Flowers very numerous, medium-sized, fragrant,
the sepals and petals white, flushed with rosy purple and spotted with deeper rose-
purple, the broader lip with a bar of rosy purple, darkest in the centre, from base
to apex, and bordered with white; sepals and petals elliptic-oblong, nearly equal,
meurved ; lip much larger, clawed, the claw hollowed out and coadunate with the
base of the column, the limb ovate or somewhat lozenge-shaped, wavy at the margin ;
‘pur arcuate, somewhat compressed laterally. Colwmn short, in form resembling the
neck and beak of a bird, with the front edge produced and folded over the
stigmatic cavity,
_ Aires Lospi, Hort. Veitch ; Lemaire, Illustration Horticole, xv., t. 559;
Williams, Orchid Growers’ Manual, ed. 5, 67; Rand, Orchids, 149; Britten &
Gower, Orchids for Amateurs, 177.
This very beautiful brightly-coloured plant was discovered in Moulmein by Mr.
Thomas Lobb, who sent it to the Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, about the year
1856. It is of remarkably free-flowering and decorative character, and is no doubt
one of the most beautiful species of this fine genus of Orchids, being valuable alike
on account of its compact-growing habit, and the strikingly ornamental nature of
its inflorescence. There appear to be several varieties of this plant distributed
through our Orehid collections, all of them handsome and deserving of cultivation,
a that which we now illustrate, from a_ finely’ grown, elegantly branching spike,
dly Sent to us by C. J. Hill, Esq., of Nottingham, and referred to in the note
published under Plate 15, is the finest form, and the most freely bloomed specimen
. have met with, We were, in truth, charmed with the size and colour of the
otis of this plant, when recently inspecting Mr. Hill’s collection, the long spikes
»ssom which were produced by so small a plant being quite extraordinary.
: There 1S no genus of Orchids that surpasses Aérides in having handsome ever-
cs eae: So that, even when not in blossom, they are exceedingly pretty objects ;
: this it must be added, that their flower-spikes are beautiful, and their —
flowers deliciously fragrant; some, of course, are more handsome than others, but
all are worth growing: in fact, we have never seen an indifferent Aérides. They
have every good quality that a plant of this character can possess, and they are of
easy cultivation, so that anyone who has a stove may manage them successfully,
They do not require so much heat as some persons imagine; the temperature need
not be above 65° in the winter; more is, indeed, required in summer, but even
then sun-heat should be fully utilised, and very little fire-heat should be used.
Aérides Lobbii blooms in June and July, and lasts for three or four weeks
in beauty. The plant, from which our illustration was taken, was but a foot in
height, and the magnificent flowering racemes we saw upon it were fully two feet
six inches in length, with two branches each a foot in length. The sepals and
petals are white, spotted with bright rose colour; the lip is also of a bright rose
colour, slightly veined and margined with white. The flowers are deliciously fragrant.
The plant being very compact in growth, occupies but little space, so that
anyone having a small vacant place in the Orchid-house or plant stove, might readily
grow it. It will thrive either in a basket suspended from the roof of the house,
or in a pot planted in sphagnum moss, with good drainage, and a moderate supply
of water during the summer season, while in winter only just sufficient should be
given to keep the moss damp. The plants do not, however, like to be dried up,
as this often causes them to loose their bottom leaves, which is a great disfigure-
ment. They require plenty of light, but do not like to be exposed to the burning
sunshine. Canvas should therefore be used as a shading during all the bright sunny
portion of the day, but when the sun has, in some degree, lost its burning heat the
blinds may be raised. Never allow water to get into the hearts of the plants i
winter. In summer a fine rose should be employed to syringe them, which operation
should be done about three o’clock in the afternoon, when the house is closed.
They should be always kept free from insects. Scale, thrips, and many other
insects are to be reckoned amongst their enemies, and cockroaches, if allowed to
attack them, will often eat away their young roots and flower-spikes.
*
aa
piece
VIFRIPEDIUM LAWRE?
VV IVF; N ''
CYPRIPEDIUM LAWRENCEANUM.
[Puate 22.]
Native of Borneo.
Epiphytal. Stem almost none, the leaves sprin ing from the crown of stout
roots. Leaves radical, distichous, coriaceous, broadly oblong, acute, channelled, a foot
long, the upper surface marbled with a dark green mosaic pattern on a whitish-green
ground colour. Scapes solitary in the leaf-axils, stout, pubescent, with an oblong-
ovate acute sheathing bract near the top, from which the flower or flowers emeroc.
Flowers very large, in the way of those of C. barbatun mayus; dorsal sepal sub-
rotund or very broadly-ovate, acute, white, with numerous (about thirteen) shining
curved purplish veins which run out nearly or quite to the edge, and usually alternate
with others which are short and less boldly marked; lateral sepals connate, small,
oblong, greenish white, with five dark purplish veins; petals fully half an inch wide,
divaricate, linear-oblong ciliate, green in the upper half, with purple margin, stained
with dull purple towards the tip, and with several dark fleshy warts along each
margin, the lower half flushed with pale wine red; lip very large, pouch-shaped,
the lateral horns much developed, purplish brown above, yellowish green below, with
numerous warts on the inside. Staminode of a wax-like yellowish white, the eres
exterior border split in the centre, and having five anterior teeth, the middle one
much larger than the rest. 7
CYPRIPEDIUM Lawrenceanum, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, 0 ey a
748 ; Veitch and Sons, Catalogue of New Plants, 1879, p- 9, 28, with figure ;
Florist. and Pomologist, 1880, 112, with figure. me
rn 2 asi
The introduction of this splendid species of Lady’s Slipper is one of the results
of Mr. F. W. Burbidge’s visit to Borneo, in the service of Messrs. Veitch & Sons,
of Chelsea. It is a very robust grower, and flowered for the first time in the
autumn of 1878, when it was named by Professor Reichenbach, in the place above
quoted, in honour of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., an ardent orchidophilist, and
the possessor of a collection of Orchids of unequalled richness and beauty.
The Cypripediums now form a large family group, and rank amongst the most
esetal of Orchids that can be cultivated, since the lasting quality of their flowers,
especially for exhibition and decorative purposes, is something extraordinary. Many
of them in addition » possess beautifully variegated foliage, as in the species we now
» Which has the leaves most distinctly marked with light and dark green.
3 drawing Was taken from a very fine plant in the select collection of H. M.
Pollett, ‘Esq., F ernside, Bickley, a gentleman who is a great lover of Orchids, and
who ‘has. the wisdom to secure healthy young plants at the outset, in order that he
may see them gToW on into good specimens, such as the one now before us has
done. It gives one great pleasure to see plants so well cultivated.
Cypripedium Lawrenceanum has, as we have already said, beautifully marked —
foliage, so that even when not in blossom, it is found to be an object of attraction.
The upper or dorsal sepals of the flowers were in this case three inches across,
white, striped with plum-purple, which runs in curved lines from the base nearly to
the margin. The petals are green along the upper edge, suffused with purple
towards the end, and having black wart-like spots, and a fringe of purple hairs
along the margin. The pouch or lip is large, of a reddish brown colour in front,
the under and hinder part yellowish green.
These plants are best grown in pots with peat, and a little charcoal, or some-
times a little good fibrous loam mixed with the peat. It is a free-rooting species,
and likes to be well elevated above the pot rim, so that its roots can penetrate
readily and work freely in the rough material. The pot should be half filled with
drainage, so that a good supply of moisture may be given to the roots during the
growing season. The Cattleya or the East India-house seems to suit the plants well,
as in these structures they grow and flower freely.
The flowers are very useful for cutting, as they will keep a long time in
vases if the water is kept sweet and pure.
Baron Scuroper’s Orcums.—On the occasion of a recent visit to The Dell,
Staines, the seat of Baron Schroder, we had the good fortune to inspect the fine
collection of Orchids which has been got together. The houses are well built, after
the plans of Mr. Ballantyne, the gardener, and are placed in good positions; not
only have the ventilation and heatmg power been well considered, but cleanliness
also; indeed the arrangement of the houses leaves nothing to be desired. The
Orchids were, at the time, looking remarkably well. Entering the Phalaenopsis house we
noticed a fine plant in flower of the rare and beautiful Phalenopsis intermedia P af
_ & treat which seldom falls to one’s lot, for it is a matter of regret that this splendid
Phalenopsid is so rare in collections : it must be very scarce in its native habitat
or collectors would surely find it "oftener. Cypripedium Spicerianum was also flowermg
here. Several different species of Nepenthes were in fine character, growing above
a tank, with their pitchers gracefully drooping over the water, in which position
they seemed to be quite at home. In this house were also some grand plants of
different species of Saccolabiwm, Cypripedium, &c., all doing well. Leaving the
Phalznopsis house the Cattleya house, which runs at right angles to it, 18 oe
entered. Here we noticed a gigantic specimen of Cattleya exoniensis, carrying seve of
spikes of flower: Lelia autumnalis atrorubens, with grand spikes, and 7
unusual size and fine colour: and Dendrobium Wardianum in full beauty, suspen’ j
from the roof. The Cattleyas, &c., in this house were in grand condition, and bi
fair to produce some fine spikes next season. In the Odontoglossum house a
petalum Gautiert was flowering well, also Miltonia candida and Sophronus dig he
ra. The East Indian Orchids were in an especially healthy condition,
collection containing some grand specimens of Vanda, Aérides, and Saccolabium. the
This collection, which has been lately formed, bids fair to become one of
finest in the country, Baron Schréder being an enthusiastic lover of this -
class of plants, and being also careful to obtain only the best varieties —H. ¥.
ALIA XANTHINA.
L
delet hth
rite
LAELIA XANTHINA.
[Pate 23. |
Native of Brazil.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs clavate fusiform, the narrowed base closely invested by
imbricating bracts, monophyllous. Leaves oblong-lorate, bluntish, coriaceous, longer
than the pseudobulbs, and with them reaching to about a foot in height. Scape
four to six flowered, issuing from a terminal linear-oblong acute compressed bract or
spathe, three-fourths of an inch wide and about four inches long, and of a pale
green colour. Flowers leathery in texture, three to four inches across, very distinct
im aspect; sepals and petals oblong-ligulate obtuse, undulated, the sides rolled back
so that they appear convex, the petals most. so, both of a deep golden yellow, more
or less stained or flushed with olive-green ; lip cucullate, subquadrate, obtusely three-
lobed at the apex, yolk of egg colour, paler at the edge, the front border white,
and marked on the disc by a few crimson-purple veins, which are not raised like
crests above the surface, as in the allied JL. flava. Column semiterete, clavate,
lobulate at the apex, projected forwards, about as long as the entire edges of the
p and convergent therewith.
Leia xantutna, Lindley, in Botanical Magazine, t. 5144; Bateman, Second
Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 180; Rand, Orchids, 303.
_ Buerta xanrarna, Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematic,
vi. 425; Id. Xenia Orchidacea, ii. 54.
This interesting and distinct-looking Lelia was introduced from Brazil many —
years ago by Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York, but from the limited quantity then
obtained it has always remained a scarce plant. It appears to have been imported
about 1858, as it was fizured in 1859 in the Botanical Magazine, as above quoted.
It is, indeed, with great pleasure that we are enabled to introduce to our readers
a figure of so rare and so distinct a species, for it is seldom seen in collections,
having always been a rare plant. The colour of the flowers is of a nankeen-yellow,
consequently they strongly contrast with those of the generality of Orchids of this
a the usual colours of which are purple, or rose colour in various tints, ot
Our plate was prepared from a drawing which was made in September last
from a Plant which flowered in our own collection. It will be seen from the
Tepresentation, which is a very faithful one, that Lelia sxanthina is really a very
Pretty species, and one that our collectors ought to be looking after, so that Orchid
towers may have it supplied to them at a more. reasonable price than at present.
The plant grows about a foot in height, and is somewhat like Lelia purpurata
in its habit of growth, only it is very much smaller and more compact and free-
blooming. The flowers continue about three weeks in perfection. It requires the
same kind of treatment as other species of Lelia and Cattleya, and thrives best
when cultivated in a pot or basket, with fibrous peat, and good drainage. Like the
rest of its class it requires to be kept as fully.exposed to the light as possible, in
order that the pseudobulbs may be thoroughly ripened; and the growth being thus
more completely matured, it will be found to become more vigorous in character,
and enabled to throw up its flower-spikes more freely. There is a grand specimen
of this species, over two feet in diameter, in the collection of H. Shaw, Esq,
Corbar, Buxton.
L&LIA AUTUMNALIS ATRORUBENS.—It is highly gratifying to find that this
splendid variety of Lelia autumnalis, is becoming more plentiful, and that it keeps
up its original character. Many growers were of opinion when it was first intro-
duced, that the large size of its flowers and the rich colour of the sepals and petals
were due mainly to superior cultivation and a pure atmosphere, but such is not the
ease. We have flowered some plants of it this season in our own establishment at
Holloway, which have been as good, both in regard to the size and colour of the
flowers, as those of any of the plants grown in a purer atmosphere, away from the
smoke of this great City. We have received from the Right Honorable J.
Chamberlain, Esq., M.P., of Birmingham, a splendidly developed spike of a grand
form of this beautiful variety, which had been grown under the care of his gardener,
Mr. Cooper.—B. S. W.
ODONTOGLOSSUM VEXILLARIUM (Autumn-flowering variety)—A short time back
Mr. W. Bull exhibited at South Kensington a recently imported form of Odontoglossum
* verillarium, which had all the appearance of being a_ distinct variety, flowermg
during the autumn months of the year. It is, however, we think, somewhat premature
to regard this autumn-flowering character as thoroughly established, though there 1s
no doubt the variety is a distinct one, and remarkably fine in colour. This bemg
the first time of its flowering, the particular growth shown may have been influenced
by the time at which the plants were started. However, in due time, and with
good cultivation we shall see whether this peculiarity of flowering towards the end
of the year is really a constant character, or whether it may have resulted from
the circumstances above referred to.—B. §. W.
SCENS.
=
eI
rl
ae
os
=)
co
MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA
Naoen!. Mitch cel.et lth
MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA CdLRULESCENS,
[PuatTE 24. ]
Native of New Grenada.
Epiphytal. Stems slender, tufted. Leaves evergreen, coriaceous, ten to twelve
inches long, with a nerveless elongate oblong-spathulate blade, obtuse or somewhat
acute at the apex, channelled at the base, keeled behind, of a very dark green
colour, narrowed downwards into the stout petiole, which is three to four inches “
long, deeply grooved in front, and invested at the base by long membranous brownish
sheaths. Scape a foot long or more, brown, covered below with three or four
bluntish sheaths, the upper of which is distant from the flower and closely appressed.
Flowers large, peculiar in form, richly coloured, the colour varying in different forms,
typically of a brilliant magenta-crimson ; dorsal sepal elongate linear from a triangular
hase, sub-erect or reflexed; Jateral sepals broadly semiovate, apiculate, connate to
below the middle, deflexed, the tips approximate, all united below into a deeurved
tube, which is yellow (in the allied M. Lindeni the tube is white) ; petals small,
hidden within the tube, linear-oblong emarginate, the base auriculate on one side;
lip also small, enclosed, clawed, tongue-shaped, cordate at the base. Colwmn rather
longer than the lip, entire, not winged.
Masbevatiia Harryana, Reichenbach, Jil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1871, 1421;
Florist d& Pomologist, 1873, 169, with coloured figure; Belgique Horticole, 1878,
t.21; Flore des Serres, t. 2250.
MASpEvaLiia LInpEnt, Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 5990—fide Reichenbach.
MASDEVALLIA LrinpeENI, var. Harryana, André, IMlustration Horticole, 3 ser., t. 142.
Var. C@RULESCENS : flowers of a rich magenta-crimson, with a bluish-purple flush
or bloom; otherwise as in the type.
«
Masbevatnia Harryana CERULESCENS, Hort. plurim.; Bull, Catalogue of New
Plants, 1877, Pp 882%
SORE | cy»
We ought to be cordially grateful to our plant” collectors for introducing to
European gardens so brilliant, varied, and charming a set ‘of epiphytal plants, as the
Several showy ornamental, and pleasingly grotesque species of the genus Masdevalha.
There are indeed but few Orchids that possess such bright colours as are found therein...
A few years since we had but two species that were really worth growing, namely,
M. coccinea, of an orange-scarlet colour, and M. tovarensis, pure white. Then
came M. Lindeni, a charming plant with flowers of a rich magenta-purple colour:
” Veitchiana, of which there are some very fine forms, made a fine contrast with
~ glowing crange-searlet and bright yellow, the scarlet flushed with purple The most
beautiful, however, of all the Masdevallias are the varieties of M. Harryana, the
Colours of which—shades of magenta-crimson—are most intense and brilliant, many of
; Oo
the forms being also distinct in shape.
>
Masdevalia Harryana caerulescens, our present subject, was forwarded to us by
R. P. Percival, Esq., of Southport, who is forming what will in time doubtless become
one of the best collections of these plants in the North of England. Whatever
Mr. Percival takes in hand he carries out thoroughly, and this has led him to
build separate houses to suit the different classes of Orchids. Now as Masdevallias
prefer cool treatment they are best kept in a house by themselves: they require
but a small one, as they take up very little room; indeed they will thrive well
enough in the Odontoglossum house, for if their few wants are attended to, there
are no freer growing plants in cultivation. They increase very fast under good
treatment; and soon repay all the care which is bestowed upon them. They last a
long time in beauty and make grand exhibition plants, producing also, when in
bloom, a charming effect in the houses if intermixed with the various Odontoglots
and other cool Orchids. There are so many varieties that some of them will always
be in flower, but the best time to see them is from May to July. They are so
accommodating to the grower that many wonderful specimens have been produced
and exhibited during the last few years. When a plant is found to be too large it
may be divided, and the divided portions will go on inereasing.
We have found good fibrous peat and sphagnum moss to suit well as material
for the potting of these plants. They thrive best in small pots. The roots should
not be disturbed too often ; when, however, they require fresh material to root in,
it must be given them, as they are free rooting plants and prefer to have sweet
wholesome soil about them. They must also have good drainage, for they need an
abundant supply of water, and by giving them efficient drainage the water passes
off quickly without doing any harm, which it would do if allowed to become stagnant
about them. The plants should be placed near the light but so as to avoid the
sun's rays. A north house suits them best, as it shields them in summer from the
heat of the day, which they do not like, in fact, they should be kept as cool o
possible at all times, very little fire-heat being required in winter, and none during
the summer. They like fresh air, but in winter cold draughts must be avoided,
We find that they will thrive in a heat of from 45° to 50°: even somewhat Jess
would suffice, but the temperature here named is the most suitable. Anyone, there-
fore, who possesses a small low house could grow them at a trifling expense.
They are easily propagated by dividing the tufts, leaving about three old were
and a leading growth associated. The best time for the division to be effec
just as they are beginning to grow. They should be placed in small pots until
©
‘they are established, when they should be removed to larger ones.
: Insects should be annihilated as soon as they put in an appearance. The ‘ae
is their greatest pest. Cool Orchids, as a rule, are also subject to the ween
small kind of snail, that increases very rapidly, if not kept under by © én
watching night and morning. A few lettuce leaves placed in different parts 0 ie
house, or; potatos or turnips cut in half and scdoped out in the centre, form g 2
traps for them, and by looking these over frequently many of them may be caug
as also by moving the plants, as they are apt to harbour about the pots. |
be
isan
ange
CYMBIDIUM PARISHI.
St ee pes Ryet
CYMBIDIUM PARISHII.
[Pate 25.
Native of Mouwlmein.
Epiphytal. Stems fusiform, three to four inches long, annulately marked with
the remains of the leaf-bases. Leaves evergreen, distichous, ligulate-linear, keeled
behind, bifid with acute lobes, from one to two feet long, of a rich green colour.
Racemes springing from the axils of the outer leaves, three to seven-flowered, the
seapes furnished with lanceolate, falcate, acuminate, scariose sheaths. lowers large,
sweet-scented, ivory-white, with an orange disk and crimson-purple spots on the lip;
sepals and petals oblong-ligulate, acute, of a creamy white colour, the lateral sepals
largest; lip white with an orange coloured central band, flabellately dilated from
a narrowed base, three-cleft in front, the side lobes oblong directed forwards, white,
with numerous violet-purple spots, the middle or front lobe cuneate-ovate, undulated,
with an orange-coloured silky or velvety disk, spotted with purplish crimson; disk
having near the base a callus which terminates abruptly in front, and is furnished
on the outer side with velvety hairs. | Colwmn white behind, yellow at the edges,
and in front having brownish purple spots at the base; caudicle provided in front, on
both sides, with an awl-shaped extrorse process.
Cymerprum’ Parrsntt, Reichenbach fil., MS. Herb. Kew; Id. Gardeners’ Chronicle,
NS. L, 338, 566; x., 74; Id. Transactions of the Linnean Socvety, xxx., 144. 3
The genus Cymbidium forms a small group of Orchids of which there are but
| few species worthy of cultivation for ornamental purposes. That which we now figure
a one of the best of them, and is a very rare and very beautiful plant,
which has but seldom bloomed in this country. In*the summer of 1878 Mr. Swan,
gardener to W. Leach, Esq., of Oakley Fallowfield, Manchester, flowered it for the
- first time in Europe, and about the same time another specimen blossomed with |
John Day, Esq., of Tottenham, which was subsequently purchased by us for 100
guineas. This latter plant has again flowered, and our sketch was taken from it.
6 Though a near relative of Cymbidium eburneum, this plant is considered by
Reichenbach to be a distinct species, the points of difference being—the broader
: shea: with more prominent nerves on the upper surface; the somewhat smaller
ee “Mowers with shorter sepals and petals : and the different form of the segments of the
se a together with some peculiarities in its callus and pubescence. It is one of the
¥
a of India, having been originally discovered so long since as 1859, in
poulmein, by the Rev: ©. Parish, who found Dendrobium crassinode at the same
ume, The plants of both these fine Orchids, then collected, were lost in the Ganges,
: 39 2 ymbidium was not seen again for many years. It appears to nate eee
PS i Ered mtroduced shortly prior to 1874, since at that date living plants are
recorded as being rarities in the collection of Mr. J. Day, of Tottenham, and Mr, R
Warner, of Broomfield, though it had not then flowered in Kurope. It is a most
chaste and lovely plant, its graceful green foliage, and creamy white blossoms in which
the lip is spotted with crimson, producing a beautiful effect. The flowers have also a
pleasant perfume, and last for three or four weeks in perfection. The flowering season
is July and August, and several flowers are produced upon a spike, in which respeet
it has a decided advantage on the score of beauty over C. eburneum, which
produces but one flower on a spike. The latter, however, is a charming Orchid for
winter and spring flowering, its ivory-white blossoms being then especially acceptable.
There is also another fine species, C. Mastersii, which produces its white flowers
during the dull months of autumn, when Orchid as well as other white flowers,
are scarce. These are all worth growing for the purpose of cutting, as they keep
for a long time in water.
Cymbidium Parishii is very much like C. eburneum and C. Mastersii in its
manner of growth, and also in its general appearance; in fact, it is somewhat
difficult, when the plants are not in bloom, to distinguish the one from the other,
An inspection of our figure will, however, show that the foliage of C. Parishi is
broader and that it is of a lighter green colour.
~ It requires the same treatment as C. eburneum. We grow the plants in pots,
in the Cattleya house, on the side tables, near the glass. The material we use for
potting is rough fibrous peat and loam, with thoroughly good drainage, the | plants
being also elevated above the rim of the pot. Their roots are thick and. flpshy,
and they therefore require a good supply of water during the growing season, but
when at rest, the soil must be kept only just moist. . They must be shielded from
bright sunshine, by blinds or some other means, otherwise their foliage will become
spotted. In winter they do not like to have their leaves damped, although im
summer, on warm days, it will not injure them.
They are propagated by dividing the tufts just as they are starting to make
fresh growth, leaving some of the established portion at the back of the new growth.
They must be kept free from insects. The white scale, which sometimes endeavours
to make its way on the foliage, is that chiefly to be guarded against.
VANDA TRICOLOR.—In November last, we saw in the collection of J. aE”
Esq., of Didsbury, a very finely grown plant of V. tricolor, with two spikes ss
exceedingly richly coloured flowers—one of the best we have ever seen. It ge
the way of the, Dalkeith variety, but the flowers are large and of a — ee
bright colour. Mr. Broome sent us a spike to figure but it was spoilt m at
transit; we hope, however, to be able to procure another when the plant ague
blooms, so that our subscribers may see what a well-grown specimen it 1s. - sal
two feet six inches in height, and has beautifully healthy foliage down to t
“i
aaa a
ee eraiaalyey Sa
ONCIDIUM HAMATOCHILUM
| 2 \
4g wm,
ONCIDIUM HAMATOCHILUM.’
’ | | [ PLATE 32. ] hy
ws
Native of New Grenada.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs none or obsolete, the leaves and flower-scapes springing
directly from the*axils of the scaly bracts which surround the crown. Leaves soli ry,
flat, oblong, acute, leathery in texture, dull green spotted with reddish brown, nine to
twelve inches long. Scape radical, deep red, supporting a dense panicle of green spotted
ermson-lipped flowers. Flowers about an inch and a half across, showy on account
of their rich colouring and markings; sepals oval-oblong, vellomeh green, thickly
marked with irregular transverse. bands of rich reddish brown ; ‘petals oblo g, spathulate,
Wavy, similar in colour to the sepals, but less heavily marked ; hp clawed, with a
pair of auricles at the base, the claw and auricles deep magenta-rose colour, the front
expanded portion roundish or transversely reniform, of a deep sanguineous crimson,
and having the margin yellow, closely mottled with deep rose-crimson, the disk
furnished with a flexuose crest shaped like the letter W, and thence raised into’ an
eminence with a toothlet on each side. Column short, with rounded wings curved
downwards and somewhat lobed. in
_ ONcIDIUM Ha&MATOCHILUM, Lindley, in Pazton’s Flower Garden, L, t. 6; da, re-
issue, t. 26; Id., Folia Orchidacea, art. Oncidium, No. 132; Reichenbach fil., in
Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematice, vi., 783. |
a : : I:
ONCIDIUM LURIDUM puRPuURATUM, Loddiges, Inst — fide Lindley.
*
=<
ie
* ssf
This is undoubtedly one of our oldest Orchids—one that we recollect to have seen
in bloom with the Messrs, Loddiges, in their noble collection of Orchids, about, thirty
Yearsvago. We have always been under the impression that it was one of the prettiest
of the spotted Oncidiums, but, although we have occasionally bloomed it, since’ then we :
have seen it in very few collections. We were accordingly very greatly pleased to meet’
ee remarkably fine example, of it in the collection of G. W. L. Schofield, Esq., of
Rawtenstall, near Manchester, from which our illustration was taken. The plant bore
win flower-spikes; one of which was three feet Six inches in length, bearing forty fine
blossoms, and was a most beautiful example of the species; the other was shorter,
and from this our drawing was made, as our page would not afford space for the
representation of the larger spike. Our readers will, however, be enabled fr om the
(eseription and figure to form a good idea of the beauty of this rare species dem
well grown, Mr. Schofield is a great lover of good Orchids, and apparently —
having & fine collection of them, as he has had houses built for the Guserent ak
his gardener also takes great interest in the plants, and consequently they are closely
looked after and well cared for.
&
&
te
The Oncidium hematochilum is a very compact-growing plant, with leaves from nine.
to twelve inches in height, and two and a half inches broad, of a dark green colour,
spotted with brown. The sepals and petals are of a greenish yellow, mottled with
crimson; the lip is of a rich crimson, edged with yellow, and spotted round the margin
with magenta-rose colour. It flowers in November, the blossoms continuing for several
weeks in perfection, and is a plant that will no doubt become popular, as it blooms at,
a time when flowers are in request. The specimen we are describing was grown in a
basket in the Cattleya house, in peat and moss, which form an unexceptionable
compost for it, with good drainage, and a moderate supply of water in the growing
season. It is best suspended from the roof where it may obtain plenty of light,
but it does not like bright sunshine, and consequently must be eae ib —
weather.
The Oncidiums are a class of Orchids among which occur some most showy and
beautiful species ; , while almost every colour we could merition is to be found
represented among them. They come from different regions, and in consequence their
treatment must vary. Some of them rank among our ‘finest exhibition plants, as well
as amongst the best for the decoration of our stoves and Orchid houses. We often see
fine specimens of Oncidiums in our grand old collections of plants where there is no
pretence at growing a collection of Orchids, but where they are merely cultivated
for cutting purposes. What is more airy and elegant for vases than the
inflorescence of » Oncidiwm flecuosum, or even O. sphacelatum, or that of many
others we could mention if space would allow? What more brilliant than such species
as O. varicosum and its variety O. Rogersii, O. ampliatum majus, O. tigrinum,
O. Marshallianum, or O, macranthum ? sf
* m7
Denprosium FINDLEYANUM. zihis plant is now (January, 1882) finely in flower
in the collection of J. C. Bowring, Esq., Windsor Forest. It must be a grand
specimen, as Mr. Clinkaberry, the gardener, informs us that it has one hundred and
ninety-two expanded blossoms. We have never before heard of such a well-flowered
specimen as this; indeed, large plants of this species are somewhat rare. If is a
most curious grower, and very remarkable for its long tapering compressed and deeply
nodose stem-like pseudobulbs. The flowers are large, white, tipped with rosy pink,
in the same way as those of D. Wardianum, and they are produced in great
profusion. It is a plant that takes but little room, and — be in every
collection.—B. S. W.
Peeks
ee
POTS Ret 2 ae,
ee iS oe
» i be
fe WEL
t
itch dele
oie
CATTLEYA SUPERBA SPLENDENS.
~
a are produced
CATTLEYA SUPERBA SPLENDENS.
[PiaTE 33. ]
Native of Brazil in the region of the Rio Negro.
Epiphytal. Stems slender, subterete, furrowed, with distant nodes, nearly a foot
in height. Leaves in pairs, ovate or ovate-oblong, obtuse, barely four inches in
length, of a deep bluish green colour and stout coriaceous texture. Scape four to
five-flowered, issuing from a terminal oblong obtuse compressed sheathing bract, of
a pale brown colour, which is about two inches long and three-quarters of an inch
broad. Flowers richly coloured, nearly six inches in breadth; sepals elliptic-lanceolate,
plane, about two and a half inches long, of a deep rich purplish rose colour; petals
of the same colour somewhat broader and longer, rhomboid, more or less undulated
at the margin in the upper half; lip about two inches long, three-lobed, the basal
lobes elongately connivent into a tube acute in front, of a rich magenta-crimson,
white at the base, middle lobe transversely rounded, broader than long, emarginate,
harrowed into a claw, the front portion of the same rich crimson colour, the disk
and interior of the tube yellow, the former traversed by five elevated golden yellow
lines. Column enclosed.
_ CATTLEYA SUPERBA SPLENDENS, Lemaire, Illustration Horticole xvi, t. 605;
Williams, Orchid Grower's Manual, 4 ed., 127; 5 ed., 132.
The plant we are now about to describe is one of the most magnificent members
of its genus, so far as regards the brilliant colouring of its flowers. This may be
seen by a reference to the accompanying illustration, which was taken from a fine
Plant that flowered at the Victoria Nursery, and was subsequently purchased by
William Lee, Esq., of Downside, Leatherhead. The plant was seen to great advantage
When suspended in a basket from the roof of the Orchid-house, and in this position
ey ee Stems (pseudobulbs) are ten to twelve inches in height; the leaves
in pairs, and are longer and more pointed, and its splendidly
col
.- flowers are produced four or five together in the spike from the top of
%
the stem when it is making its growth. The individual blossoms are as much as
five inches across, and are well expanded, the sepals and petals being of a bright
but delicate rose colour, and the lip white at the base, the front and side lobes
rich magenta-crimson, the disk and interior of the tube being of a bright golden
yellow. The plant continues in blossom for three or four weeks if the flowers are
kept from damp; indeed, all Cattleya blooms retain their freshness for a longer
period if kept dry, especially the large light-flowered forms of C. Mossie, C. Triane,
C. Mendelii, &c., which soon become spotted if the atmosphere surrounding them
is much charged with moisture.
Cattleya superba is not in general well cultivated, but we have seen some
specimens which were grown with extraordinary skill and success in the select
collection of O. Schneider, Esq., of Cromwell Grange, Fallowfield, near Manchester.
These specimens, as many as nine in number, were suspended in baskets from the
roof of the warm house. They were grown from imported plants, and we have
noticed them in the same position growing and blooming freely for the past three
years, and, as they succeed so well, we should certainly recommend their being
retained in the same situation. It is a golden rule for cultivators that when a
particular kind of plant is found to thrive in a certain position, it should be kept
there, so long at least as the conditions are suitable. In the instance just referred
to the plants were suspended close to the glass, where they enjoyed a_ great
abundance of light, and this was possibly the secret of their success. Other
important considerations are that the plants do not like to be disturbed and will not
bear cutting up.
It is necessary at all times to keep sweet healthy material about the roots by
removing the old effete soil and replacing it by that which is fresh and sound.
We find rough fibrous peat and charcoal to suit iby but this must be accompanied by
good drainage. We have seen them thrive well on blocks of wood, but when grown
in this way they require more water. If cultivated in baskets they also need a
good supply during the season of growth. In winter less will suffice, merely enough
being given to keep the bulbs in a plump condition. As soon as they show signs
of growth, more water should be given, but it is necessary to avoid wetting the
young growths, as this often causes them to damp off, and when this is the case
the succeeding growth will be weakly and unable to develop blossoms.
The plants should be kept free from insects; sometimes thrips will attack the
young growths, but it should be speedily removed, as, if allowed to remain, it will
soon make great havoc.
om Fe
“hi
wht
;
2h)
pugent Facet
[Nuae™*
) ae o
a Nawent Fitch det et hth
PAPHINIA CRISTATA.
PAPHINIA CRISTATA.
[PLatE 34.]
Native of Trinidad and Guiana.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs small, clustered, oblong-ovate, compressed, somewhat
furrowed, bearing one to three leaves at the apex, and leaf-like scales at the base.
Leaves oblong-lanceolate, plicate, submembranaceous, spreading, about eight inches in
height. Scapes proceeding from the base of the pseudobulbs, pendent, two or three-
flowered, clothed with loose brown membranaceous bracts. Flowers smooth, spreading,
whitish on the outside, beautifully marked with purple lines within, about three and
a half inches across; sepals lanceolate acute, fleshy, pale straw colour, almost entirely
covered by thin transverse lines of chocolate-purple ; petals similar in form and colour,
but somewhat narrower ; lip much smaller than the foregoing, fleshy, tripartite, almost
entirely of a rich purplish black, ovate in outline, shortly unguiculate, with four stalked
glands on the reddish orange purple-spotted claw, the lateral lobes sickle-shaped, the
middle lobe rhomboidal, terminated by a tuft of club-shaped fimbrie; disk crested,
bidentate, with a few deep yellow spots down the centre. Column club-shaped,
semiterete, greenish at the base, the upper portion auriculate, with a projecting tooth
on each side, deep yellow.
PAPHINIA CRISTATA, Lnndley, Botanical Register, 1843, misc. 14; Lyons, Treatise
on Orchidaceous Plants, 203; Van Houtte, Flore des Serres, iv., t. 335; Hooker,
Botanical Magazine, t. 4836; feichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices
Systematice, vi, 614; Williams, Orchid Grower's Manual, 5 ed., 265; Bateman,
2nd Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 117.
MAXILLARIA cRISTATA, Lindley, Botanical Register, t. 1811.
Paphinia is a genus of very limited extent, and of which but few species are
_ at present known, That now before us is a very old and familiar species, one of
the best known amongst them, and a. singularly handsome little plant. It was the
Mazillarig cristata of early Orchid days, and considerable quantities of it were
formerly imported, but it has now become very rare. We have flowered several plants
sting the past year at the Victoria N ursery, where they were greatly admired by
ese Who saw them. It is a plant which comparatively few persons interested in
Orchids have met with in blossom, and of which our plate gives a very correct
“presentation, The flowers are remarkably curious, not only for their structure, but
or their colouring, as will be seen by reference to our illustration. The plant
i reerer, very peculiar mode of throwing out its flower-spikes.
sli c have also flowered Paphinia ‘rugosa, another very singular and pretty _
© same style, but differing in colour, and well worth cultivation. They occupy
: Te
but little space in the Orchid-houses, and are best grown in small pans suspended
near the glass where they have the full benefit of the light, but must be shaded from
the sun since their thin-textured leaves would suffer injury from too complete an —
exposure.
Paphina cristata is a low-growing plant, with small shiny pseudobulbs, and light
green plicate foliage about eight inches in height. It is a free-blooming species,
generally producing three flowers on a scape which proceeds from the base of the
pseudobulb after that has completed its growth. The flowers last in beauty for about
a fortnight, and are produced at different periods of the year. The sepals and petals
are nearly covered with transverse parallel lines of dark chocolate-purple on a creamy
yellow ground; the lip is coloured in’ a similar manner, and furnished with some
curious tufted fringes.
These plants are not so easy to cultivate as some other Orchids; but, by bestowing
on them a little extra care and attention, they may be kept in a thriving and healthy
condition. We find them to grow best in small pans, nearly filled with drainage, and
a lump of charcoal on the top of it; place the plant on the top of this with but little
rough fibrous peat or live sphagnum moss about the roots, and so that it is elevated a
little above the rim, as it has the peculiarity of throwing its flower-spike downwards.
This species is a native of Guiana, and of the adjacent island of Trinidad. In
the latter it is found growing on decayed branches of trees in the neighbourhood of the
mud lake. In the former it occurs in the warmer parts of Demerara, and, consequently,
must be cultivated in the warm house, and kept in a moist atmosphere during the
season of its growth; when at rest, however, a smaller quantity of water will suffice,
but it should never be allowed to shrivel, as, when once its condition becomes bad, it
is very difficult to restore its health.
OponToGLossum ALEXANDRA! FLAVEOLUM.—Whoever expected ten. years ago to
see a yellow-flowered Odontoglossum Alexandre (2?) No one, we should think, unless
it were by a great stretch of the imagination. However, here is one from the fine
collection of G. Hardy, Esq., of Timperley, Manchester. The flowers in every respect
resemble those of O. Alexandre, except in their colour, which is a bright canary-
yellow. The spike before us bears fifteen expanded flowers, and is one of the
greatest surprises we have had the good fortune to meet with for a long time. It
is true that distinct varieties of this “the Queen of Orchids” are turning up almost
every day, but one seldom has a chance of seeing an entirely new break of colour
of this sort. We believe that a variety with yellow flowers bloomed some time ago
in the Broomfield collection, but the colour was not so decided in Mr. Warner's plant
as it is in the case now before us.—B, S. W.
ODONTOGLOSSUM ANDERSONIANUM.
[Puate 35.}
Native of New Grenada.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs ligulate-pyriform, costate, two or three inches high.
Leaves broadly linear, acute, about a foot long, of a light green colour, two from
the top of each pseudobulb, with occasionally another from its base. Scape radical,
te more or less drooping, supporting a branching raceme about two feet long.
Flowers resembling those of Odontoglosswm Alexandre, but smaller, prettily spotted ;
sepals ovate-oblong, acute, slightly crispy, creamy white, heavily and irregularly
‘blotched on the lower half with bright chestnut-brown, the attenuated upper half
unspotted; petals similar in form and colour, the blotches which are also on the
lower half smaller, and more thickly placed; lip from a cuneate base, pandurate,
‘arrow in front, apiculate, distinctly wavy and toothed, creamy white, yellow at the
base, with fewer and smaller brown spots; disk deep yellow, with a prominent crest
a
“dividing in front into two divergent horns. Colwmn greenish towards the base, brown
in front, the wings and anther-case white.
OpontocLossum ANpERsoNIANUM, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1868,
999; Id. 1872, 41; Floral Magazine, 2 ser., t. 45.
bd
The charming Odontoglossum Andersonianum, supposed to be a wild mule
between O. Alexandre (crispum) and O. prestans or O. gloriosum, is one of he
oy prettily spotted Odontoglots which have been introduced into our collections
urmg the past few years, and among which new varieties are continually appearing.
One of the best forms of this plant which has come under our notice is tbat
represented in the accompanying plate, prepared from a very beautiful specimen
Which bloomed last year among many other fine Odontoglots, well cultivated in the
collection of Messrs, William Thomson & Sons, of Clovenfords near Galashiels.
The Odontoglossum Andersonianwm is a compact-growing plant, with pytiform
Pseudobulbs two to three inches high, pale green leaves, and gracefully drooping
branched flower-spikes about two feet in length. The sepals and petals are at first
eamy white, spotted with purplish brown, the lip being also white, but less heavily
ped. The plant is of free-blooming habit, the flowers continuing fresh and perfect
ira Period of five or six weeks. It is exceedingly difficult to recognize this
form until it produces its blossoms, as its growth is remarkably similar “iy that
of 0. Alexandre. Indeed there are many forms and varieties of this particular
aes Which it is impossible to recognize until their flowers are seen; and, though
cultivators may sometimes feel assured of the identity of individual plants, the
Production of flowers not unfrequently proves them to be mistaken.
Odontoglossum Andersonianum requires the same treatment as O. Alexandre
and other cool Orchids, also the same amount of water. The plants must have
good fibrous peat to grow in, and plenty of drainage, as they need to be freely
supplied with water all the year round, and this, if allowed to become stagnant,
would prove very injurious to them. The material in which they are grown must
also be clean and sweet; and though they must never be over-potted, sufficient
space should be allowed for their roots. We have sometimes seen Odontoglots in
pots far too large for them, and though this may tend to make the plants more
important-looking, yet it will eventually spoil them, as the larger amount of soil
becomes soddened with water, and this produces rotting of the roots.
RatseD Buixps For OrRcHID Hovsrs.—During the summer months we have found
Raised Blinds very beneficial to the growth of Orchids, especially to those requiring
cool-house culture. When the hot summer's sun is shining upon the glass, it is very
difficult, were Raised Blinds are not employed, to keep the temperature sufficiently
low. The glass roof of the structure upon which the sun is shining becomes very
hot, even when shaded with ordinary blinds; but if Raised Blinds are used a current
of air is allowed to pass over the entire surface of the roof, and the glass is kept
comparatively cool. The effect of this is to decrease very appreciably the internal.
temperature of the house; and the moisture, which would otherwise be dried up
by the burning heat of the sun, produces a nice humid genial atmosphere in which
Orchids delight. Having thus far referred to the advantages to be derived from
_ the use of this method of shading, we may now explain briefly the mode of construction.
Supposing that the house to be furnished with Raised Blinds is an ordinary span-roofed
structure, it is necessary in the first place to provide a second ridge elevated about
six inches above the top of the existing one. This should not consist of a solid
plank, but of a strip of timber sufficiently strong to bear the weight and strain of
the blinds and roller, and should be supported on blocks of wood placed at intervals
in order to allow the current of air from below to find an outlet, which would not
be the case if a solid ridge-board were adopted. Having arranged for the ridge,
the next thing is to provide supports for the rollers; either wood or iron may be used
for this purpose, but we have found iron to be the lightest looking and the most
durable. Where the length of the rafters does not exceed say eight feet, half-inch
rod iron will be found to be strong enough, and this should be cut into proper
lengths, with the lower end turned up in a semi-circular form, so as to catch the
roller when it descends, and prevent it from running off the supports. These
Supporting rods should be fixed to the bars or rafters of the house, about six inches
above the woodwork, by being welded to vertical iron stays, which latter should be
flattened out at the base, and provided with holes so that they can be screwed to
the rafters or bars of the roof. In this way a strong support for the blinds to roll
upon will be formed; the: blinds themselves can be attached to the elevated ridge im
the ordinary way, and the gearing usually employed for the purpose will be found to
a well for pulling them up or down. Many Orchid growers have already
adopted these Raised Blinds with very beneficial results—B. 8S. W.
Lr WHEAT REPRE FASS
CYPRIPEDIUM POLITUM.
[PuaTE 36. |
Garden Hybrid.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent. Leaves radical, distichous, coriaceous, oblong, acute,
palish green thickly chequered with dark bottle-green markings, the under side dull
reddish purple. Scapes solitary in the leaf axils, pubescent, purplish, terminating in
- a lanceolate sharply keeled bract, from which the solitary blossom emerges. Flowers
medium-sized, peculiar in form, rather showy; dorsal sepals ovate-acute, ciliate, the
inner surface polished, suffused with reddish purple in the lower part, whitish towards
the tip, traversed by numerous green veins of which the alternate ones are longer
and stouter than the rest, all of them distinctly marked on the outer surface;
lateral connate sepals smaller, ciliate, greenish white with green veins, rather shorter
than the lip; petals linear-oblong, about two and a half inches in length, glossy,
deflexed (more so than in the figure), ciliate with a fringe of unequal black hairs,
bright wine-red, greenish towards the base, where it is marked with several Indian-
purple warts most abundant near the upper edge, exterior surface green ; lip
narrowly pouch-shaped, nearly as long as the petals, suffused in front with the same
eo red tint, and marked thickly with green veins at the sides and back, the
auricles erect, obtuse, interior surface green, dotted with wine-red, the incurved
margins of the claw greenish yellow, with reddish spots. Staminode transverse,
_ Yellowish green, with two large exterior teeth in front and a small inner tooth,
light brown with green markings.
Cyprirepium potirum, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chromele, N.S. kiv., 525.
This new Lady’s Slipper is one of .a_ batch raised some few years since by
Robert Warner, Esq., of Broomfield, near Chelmsford, who has been successful in
Producing several very good forms by the process of hybridisation. The plants ae
of dwarf habit, free-growing, and free-blooming, each small growth bringing forth its
ower. This Cypripedium politum has been flowered for several years past by Mr.
Warmer, and thus its characteristic features and its constancy are well ascertained.
There are also some other distinct kinds obtained through the same cross, some
of which we hope to figure on a future occasion. We should expect that the cross
mms made between C. barbatum superbum and C. venustum. |
Cypripedium politum is a plant of compact habit and of free growth. The
leaves are of a distinct and well-marked character, as will be seen in the very
accurate portrait furnished by our artist. They ‘are oblong, acute, about five inches
long, and somewhat over an inch broad, of a beautiful light green, barred and
chequered with a very deep or bottle-green, which gives it a very pleasing
“ppearance ; the under-surface is stained witha deep — reddish wine-purple. The
d Pa ay ° c . ,
owhy flower-scapes are “ also Pp le, some six to. eight. inches ot height, each
‘
#2 - i
# a uié
sane: : ” * “
bd
supporting a solitary flower, in which the dorsal sepal is ovate, polished, fished in
the lower part with purplish red and spotted with purple at the base, the upper
part white, and the whole traversed by bright green veins which are alternately
long and short. The petals are oblong, broadest at the apex, of a bright wine-red,
polished, with black hairs along the margin, and Indian-purple warts near the
upper edge, greenish towards the base and along the lower edge. The pouch-shaped
lip is nearly as long as the petals, purplish red with a coppery tinge, glossy, veined
with green at the sides and back. The flowers are produced during January and
February, a season when they are much in request for decorative purposes. The
Cypripediums are very useful for furnishing a supply of cut flowers, as they will
keep fresh for several weeks in water, and will last for at least six weeks on the
plant. °
These interesting plants are of easy cultivation, and occupy but little space,
hence they may bé accommodated in every small collection, and may be grown
without much expense. The species and varieties forming the barbatum group, to
which this plant belongs, all require “similar treatment. They may be erown either
in the Cattleya or East India house, and are best cultivated in pots. Some of
@
our Orchid-growers prefer to plant them in sphagnum moss, others in peat; for .
ourselves, we prefer to use good fibrous peat, ample drainage being provided. We
have seen them thrive well in fibrous loam. The plants must be kept above the
rim of the pot, as they root freely over the surface of the rough material. Since
they have no fleshy bulbs to »support them, and their growth is continuous almost
throughout the year, they require to be liberally supplied with water at the roots;
for this reason the pots must be well drained.
Insects require to be constantly searched for. The scale sometimes appears upon
the plants, but may easily be subjugated by sponging the surface with clean water.
Their greatest enemy, however, is the red thrips, which must be hunted up and
destroyed if the health of the plants is to be maintained, but it may be easily
kept under if promptly, perseveringly, and vigorously attacked. ~
*
DENDRODIUM MACROPHYLLUM.—We have received two. splendid spikes of this
magnificent Dendrobe, with flowers of * an unusually fine colour, from a well grown
specimen, such as we might expect from so experienced a grower as Mr. Penny,
of the Royal Gardens, Sandringham, who has been one of the most successful
exhibitors of specimen Orchids at our London shows, where he has, with the large
collections staged by him, carried off” nearly all the leading prizes. We hope at
some future period to be able to figure this fine Dendrobium, the sepals and petals of
which are of a rose-magenta colour, and the lip of the same colour, with 4
purplish crimson throat. We received with the Dendrobe a fine spike of the white-
lipped form of Odontoglossum Hallit in grand condition, the sepals and petals being
of a very bright golden yellow with rich markings of a brownish crimson colour.
This variety forms a splendid contrast with the white-flowered O. Alexandre and
O. Pescatorei, of which kinds there is a fine collection at Sandringham. The
Prince of Wales is a great admirer of these as well as of other good Urchids.—B. S. Ww.
» *
ics
en" i *
_ ae
i oH Sa ‘. rae
*
Late
JL
ae &
Lt
CYPR
“~
CYPRIPEDIUM CHLORONEURUM.
[PiLate 37. |
Garden Hybrid.
tessellated with dark hieroglyphic markings on a light green ground, the under
surface reddish purple. Scapes solitary in the central leaf-axils, pubescent, reddish
purple, one-flowered, with a very short ovate bract. Flowers large, with expanded
_ petals, rather attractive in colour; dorsal sepal broadly ovate, bright yellow-green with
white margin, and a narrow purple central stripe, on each side of which are about
four strongly marked dark green longitudinal veins, connected by finer transverse
veins; lateral (connate) sepals small; petals oblong, broader upwards, two and a
inches long, and three-fourths of an inch wide, with green longitudinal veins, and a
dark purple central line, on one side of which (the upper half) they are washed with
__-wine-purple, and have a yellowish buff margin, and a few black warts near the base,
where they are ciliated ; on the other (lower) half very slightly tinted with purple, the
cross veins more apparent, and the margin green; lip rather large, shortly pouch-
Shaped, heavily stained with wine-purple, and freely marked with bold reticulations
» of a darker purple, the upper angles yellowish at the margins. Staminode transversely
Yeniform, pale green, with dark green feathery markings in front.
CYPRIPEDIUM CHLORONEURUM, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., XIV. 525.
: This is one of the most distinct of the new hybrid Lady’s Slippers that pave
~ been recently introduced to the notice of Orchid-growers; it will also be appreciated
S$ one of the most useful, being of a neat free-growing and abundant-blooming habit
_ of growth. The Cypripediums are everybody’s plants, that is ‘to say, any one who has
make them their especial care and study, procuring every species and variety that
tan be obtained, and thus forming a very interesting and diverse group.
Our present subject was raised by Robert Warner, Esq., in whose collection a
Broomfield it has been blooming very abundantly, and it was from Mr. Warners
Plant that our drawing was taken. The variety resembles the one figured on plate
a6 im being of free-blooming habit, and also in being very attractive 1 — rs
ay foliage as well as its flowers. Many hybrid Cypripediums have been raised in
ee Country of late years by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, and also by — growers.
‘ me of these have proved to be very beautiful and effective subjects, and “4
ies there are others coming forward that have not yet bloomed. ae alias
fo “S May yet be gained by crossing those kinds that have flowers ©
a tnd colours, and, as many of the varieties bloom simultaneously,
x . - abundant opportunities for carrying out his plans.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent. Leaves radical, distichous, coriaceous, oblong acute, closely”
4 place adapted for their cultivation can manage them without difficulty. Many growers
the hybridiser
These plants appear to be easily raised from seeds, and to reach the flowering
stage sooner than most other seedling Orchids.
Some of the Cypripediums thrive well in a cool house, and by fertilising these
with the best of the stove species, a new set of cool-house forms would probably be
obtained. Such a result would be one of considerable importance to Orchidists, as
no doubt, if varieties of a different character to those we already possess could be
obtained, some of our enthusiastic growers would take up their cultivation in good
earnest. At present the majority of the Lady’s Slippers require a warm house.
Cypripedium chloroneurum is a dwarf compact-habited plant, with evergreen
foliage about six inches in length, beautifully variegated with closely chequered
markings of dark and light green. The flowers are produced in January and F ebruary,
and continue on for several weeks. The colours are distinct and attractive, the broad
flat dorsal sepal being of a bright lively pale green striped with darker green nerves
and bordered with white, the petals suffused with purple on the upper half and
marked with black marginal warts, and the purplish lip freely ornamented with bold °
dark purple reticulations, altogether presenting a remarkably effective appearance.
This novel hybrid grows freely when potted in rough fibrous peat with good
drainage. When in vigorous growth it requires a liberal supply of water at the
roots. Propagation is accomplished by dividing the plants after they have finished
blooming and are ready to start into fresh growth ; they can then be divided with
safety by cutting off a back growth with a leading shoot in front of it, but care
must be taken in cutting that the remaining portion of the plant is provided with ‘
an eye so placed as to break and form a new growth. When this young growth
has been made, the divided plant may be shaken out from the old soil and potted.
The offshoots should be placed in small pots until the following year, when, if they
have made good orowth, they may require to be repotted, They must be kept
moist and in a plump condition, as they have only slender resources of their own
to rely upon, but they root freely. As the plants get established they will require
larger supplies of water, for which reason good drainage must be secured.
| ”
Aéripes Leranum.—This novelty has bloomed in the collection of G. W. L.
Schofield, Esq., of New Hall, Hey, Rawtenstall, near Manchester, producing four
flower-spikes. It is a beautiful object, its spikes of richly-coloured rosy pink blossoms
hanging gracefully from the plant. It is very distinct from any other species of
Aérides, and will doubtless become a great favourite. One of its great recommendations
is that it blooms in the winter, which is not the case with the generality of these
plants, their usual flowering season being during the spring and summer months. 4.
Leeanum is a small growing plant, but produces its spikes of blossoms very freely ; and
requiring, as it does, but a limited space for its accommodation, it will be a most
*
useful introduction for amateur cultivators—B. 8. W.
ae ae
ry
IBBUM.
‘i
a
nae
i
i
DENDROBIUM BI
ae
r
noch dal.et lth
as
DENDROBIUM BIGIBBUM.
[PLaTE 38. |
Native of Tropical North-east Australia.
- Epiphytal. Psewdobulbs long, slender, erect, fusiform, one to two feet in length,
closely invested between the nodes with dry light brown sheaths, the older ones
swollen at the very base. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, sub-acuminate, five ribbed, of a
deep green colour, and a somewhat coriaceous texture, a few only (five or six) being
developed towards the extremities of the stems. Racemes erect or curving, six to
twelve flowered, nearly a foot in length, usually produced from the upper nodes
of the old leafless stems, but sometimes from the apex of the younger leafy stems.
Flowers large, showy, rich rosy purple; sepals oblong acute, flat, of a rich purplish
magenta, the lateral ones united at the base into a short blunt spur below the
setting on of the lip, above which spur is a gibbosity, occasioned by a similar swelling
at the base of the lip (whence comes the specific name bigibbum) ; petals large,
roundish, spreading, recurved, of the same colour as the sepals ; lip three-lobed, the .
lateral lobes incurved, the retuse middle lobe somewhat reflexed, rich crimson-purple
veined with darker purple, the base decurrent and gibbose, and the disk with three
white papillose crests. Column compressed, grooved, the back united with the sepal. q
Deyprozium sicispum, Lindley, in Paszton’s Flower Garden, iii, 25, fig. 245; '
Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 4898; Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematice,
Vi, 302; Warner, Select Orchidaceous Plants, 2 ser. t. 8; Van Houtte, Flore
des Serres, Xi, t. 1143; Bateman, Second Century: of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 169;
Williams, Orchid Growers’ Manual, 5 ed., 165. -
This plant belongs to one of the most noble and popular, one of the most
showy and beautiful genera of the whole family of Orchids, and one among the Howers
oS | of which nearly every colour occurs—bright yellow, pure white, rich crimson, bright
Purple, soft mauve, rich orange, nankeen, and many others being found among the
Many and various habited species of Dendrobes.
Dendrobium bigibbum, the subject of our plate, is a species
beautiful and showy character, which, until within the last few years, has been
Somewhat rare. In 1876, however, we teceived a large ‘consignment from our collector,
Mr. Goldie, who was then on his way to New Guinea, and who met with it growmg on
= Jsland in Torres Straits, it having hitherto, we believe, been found only on the
mainland of Australia. These plants were very fine, some of the specimens being of
*hormous dimensions, with stems quite two feet long, and from one and a-half to
two inches in circumference. . The specimens from which our figure of one of the
most charming forms of this species which we have yet seen, was prepared, were kindly
“tnt to us from the fine collection of the Marquess of Lothian, at Newhbattle Abbey,
of a remarkably
Dalkeith, where it bloomed in September last in full beauty, amongst many other
notable Orchids which are well cultivated by the intelligent gardener, Mr. Priest, who
takes great delight in the careful management of his plants.
This species of Dendrobium is partially deciduous, the fully ripened stems
sometimes losing the whole of their foliage, while the young growths retain their
leaves until the following year. It grows from one to two feet in height, and
produces its racemes of flowers sometimes from the top of the young growths, and
sometimes from the old stems, in the latter case often bearing many spikes on the
same stem. The flowers are of a rich rosy purple, and last in perfection for a
considerable period. It is a most useful subject for associating with a button-hole
bouquet, single flowers being shown off to great advantage by placing a light- -looking
fern frond behind them. The racemes of flowers last a long time after being cut if
placed in water, and are most useful in all floral decorations. By growing several
plants, successional blooms may be had at different periods.
This Tropical Australian species is best grown in a warm house, as the plants
ria be a good amount of heat—70° to 80° while growing—and plenty of light, but
the burning rays of the sun must be kept from them. They thrive best when
planted in pans or baskets amongst rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, and
suspended from the roof of the Orchid house. During the summer season they
require a liberal supply of water, but in winter should have only sufficient to keep
the stems plump. The plant will also succeed on blocks of wood, but, if grown in
this way, it will in hot weather need watermg twice a day, and once a day at
other times. Some cultivators have. been unsuccessful with this species, but we
have found it to thrive well in a house where Crotons, Dipladenias, Stephanotis, ete.,
are grown; the Dendrobes seem to enjoy the moisture transmitted to them by the
stove nine which are generally syringed in warm weather, and the dew arising
from this operation appears to suit the Orchid. The syringe is also useful in subduing
the red spider, which will sometimes attack the young growth. Insects often infest
those kinds of Dendrobium that are grown in strong heat, but they must by this and
other means be kept under.
Such treatment suits almost all the popular Dendrobes, namely, D. Devonianum,
D. Wardianum superbum, D. chrysanthum, D. superbum (macrophyllum), D.
erassinode, ete.; and the plants are found to be much stronger by reason of hangmg
near the glass well exposed to light, in which position they can be syringed on
warm days—this moistening not only invigorating their growth, but being also a
means of keeping insects under control.
PHALANOPSIS STUARTIANA NOBILIS. .
. [PLaTe 39.] |
y | Native of the Kast.
roots. Leaves coriaceous, distichous, ligulate-oblong, acute, channelled, equitant at
the base, the upper surface marbled with transverse grey blotches which disappear
with age, the under surface purplish red, similar in size to those of Phalenopsis
Schilleriana. Scape radical, bearing a many-flowered (120 or more) branching panicle
so ale aera tae
a ba toma
across, expanded, cream-coloured at first, becoming white; sepals oblong, or ovate-
. oblong, about an inch in length, the dorsal one white, the lateral ones white along
= the upper side, the lower side beingyyellow thickly spotted with cinnamon-red ; petals
a _ much broader, narrowed near the base, white; lip three-lobed, with a four-horned
es yellow callosity at its base, the lateral lobes oblong, rounded, the middle lobe oval,
_ _ with an anchor-like extremity, the apex terminating in a pair of narrow recurved
with rich cinnamon-red. Column clavate, white.
3 2 Puatwnopsis Sruartrana, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S. XVL,
_ 448, 753, fig. 149; Moore, Florist and Pomologist, 1882, 49, t 559. a
. Var. Nopttis; flowers larger in all their parts, marked with fewer and larger
eS spots ; front lobe of the lip rhombic.
i : all ,
PHALHNopsIs STUARTIANA var. NOBILIS, Reichenbach jil., m Gardeners Chromele,
fs. xvi, 748
There can be no doubt that the species of Phalenopsis rank amongst our
finest Orchids, on account of the purity and soft tinting of their blossoms and oe
a P rofusion in which they are produced. Unfortunately, at present, we only possess a
2 Timited number of them. During the last few years, indeed, many new kinds, which
| are giving a fresh interest to the genus, he
although it is barely possible that any new introduction
a i is gratifying to know that there are yet to be found
great beauty. P. Stwartiana, which we now bring under the no
* very fine and well-marked species, recently imported :
pe a Upper Clapton, and fied by pte Reichenbach in honour of Mr. Stuart
low, who is one of the largest importers of this class of Orchids. * Our plate,
Which ye . vhana nobilis, was sketched from a plant
presents the variety called P. Stuartiana nobilis set iiabea 46
“Tow in the ¢ oe ae Bisq., of Downs :
e fine collection of William Lee, Esq., © and we have to thank
ade. It is to be hoped |
aay it when in full beauty from the Messrs. Low,
om Lee for his’ kindness in allowing the drawing to pase
Epiphytal. Acaulescent, the plants clinging to their supports by stout flattened —
of very handsomely and peculiarly spotted blossoms. Flowers nearly three inches:
_laciniz, all the lobes yellow at the base, white upwards and handsomely spotted
ve been introduced by our collectors; and, — ee
should surpass the old species, —
distinct and novel kinds of |
notice of our readers, 1s
from the East by Messrs. Low & ©
-
that collectors may find more of it in its native country, although we believe it to be
very rare, and, like many other recent discoveries to be probably a natural hybrid
produced by insect fertilisation. We have no doubt that there are yet many fine
forms of Phalenopsis; and if we could but obtain the scarlet one, which some years
ago was reported to have been seen by a collector who was not able to bring it
home, what a grand acquisition that would be!
Phalenopsis Stuartiana nobilis resembles P. Schilleriana in the young growth, its
newly developed leaves being of the same shape and colour and similarly spotted, but
the older leaves assume more of the character of P. amabilis; while the flowers,
instead of being mauve-coloured, are pure white, with the inferior halves of the
lateral sepals yellow and boldly spotted with cinnamon-red, as also is a portion of
the lip, the side lobes of which bear smaller and more closely set spots. We —
have little doubt that this plant is a wild hybrid between P. Schilleriana and P.
amabilis, as though the young leaves come spotted, they afterwards change to the
colour of those of P. amabilis, as already described.
This plant requires the same treatment as P. Schilleriana, and is best grown
among sphagnum moss in baskets suspended from the roof, care being taken to give
it a good supply of water during the growing season. It should have the heat of
the East India house, and should at all times’ be kept moist at the roots, for if
allowed to become dry, it will loose its lower leaves. If the plants are in a healthy
and free-growing condition, flowering does not injure them; but, if at all sickly, they
should not be allowed to blossom until they regain strength and vigour, as they are
naturally free-flowering plants, and under such circumstances might bloom themselves
to death. The moss about their roots must be sweet and in a living state; when
it becomes decayed it should be removed, the roots washed, and the plant replaced
in clean live moss with fresh free drainage, so that the water, of which a
considerable quantity is required, may never become stagnant. Shading is an
important element in the successful cultivation of these plants ; therefore the sun, when
at its full: power in summer, must never be allowed to shine upon them, but in
winter a little: sun-heat is beneficial, and they then require all the light which it is
possible to give them. Neither drip, nor water in any other form, must be
suffered to reach the hearts of the plants, as it causes them to rot.
Insects are troublesome at times. The thrips, if allowed to multiply, will agg
disfigure the plants, causing damage by depriving them of the juices which should
go to sustain their vigour. When free from such pests, and in a_ healthy
condition, the leaves of the Phalnopsids have a pleasing appearance; and, if they
are well looked after, it will not be difficult to keep them clean, the more especially
as being of large size, they can be readily operated upon.
|
]
;
*
a a a Sl eh
: JNugent Fiteh del.ct ith . ODONT 0 GLO SSUM KRAME RII :
ODONTOGLOSSUM KRAMERI.
~
[Puate 40. |
Native of .Costa Rica.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs nearly orbicular, much compressed, ancipitous or sharply
two-edged, one and‘a-half inch in diameter, pale green. Leaves solitary, oblong-
lanceolate, acute, keeled, six to eight inches long, one and a-half to two inches broad,
light green, with a smodth even surface. Scapes radical, four to six inches long,
shorter than the leaves, three to five flowered, drooping or ascending, flexuous, pale
green, with small appressed bracts and longish peduncles. Flowers one and a-
inch or more across, and delicately coloured; sepals oblong acute, rosy lilac with a
white margin; petals about equalling the sepals in size, and similar to them in form
and colour; lip with a short stout neck, deeply hollowed in front, with two erect
calli, the lateral lobes semi-ovate, narrow, deflexed, the much larger middle lobe three-
fourths of an inch broad, roundish reniform, emarginate, bearing at the base a pair
of erect lamelle, the unguis or neck yellow spotted with red, the front lobe deep
rosy lilac, marked near its base with two semi-circular bands of white and purplish
rose. Column short, thick, white in front.
OpontocLossum Kramert, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners Chronicle, 1868, 98,
with woodeut; Hooker fil., Botanical Magazine, t. 5778; Bateman, Monograph of
Odontoglossum, t. 24; Williams, Orchid Growers’ Manual, 5 ed., 236; Floral
Magazine, t. 406-(as O. Kremeri.)
This is a most charming small-growing Orchid, with remarkably pretty delicately
coloured flowers. It is at the present time very rare in collections, and, in fact, had
become almost lost t6 cultivation, but fortunately during the last year a small number
of plants was imported into this country and distributed. Our drawing was made
from a plant which formed part of this importation, and which produced its chastely
oloured blossoms in the Victoria Nursery. Many years ago’ we remember to have
seen a fine lot imported by the late George Ure Skinner, Esq., but since then it has
until last year disappeared from our notice. We are, however, glad to see it again
Making its appearance in our Orchid-houses; for, as ‘will be seen by reference to our
illustration, it is a plant of a most distinct and pleasing character, and will be a
teal acquisition to the group of Odontoglots, of which numerous highly popular
Species are at present in cultivation.
Odontoglossum Krameri is a plant of compact-growing habit, with small flattened
light green pseudobulbs, each producing from the top a solitary leaf of a pale _green colour.
e plant generally attains about ten inches in height. The flower spikes or peduncles
are freely produced from the base of the pseudobulbs after they have completed their
growth, several flowers being produced on each peduncle. The sepals and petals are
of a rosy lilac colour, margined with white; the lip is also rosy lilac, but of a darker
shade, flushed with yellow and marked and spotted with purple at the neck, and
having two semi-circular bands of dark purplish rose and white near the base. The
plants continue in bloom for several weeks.
We have found this species to thrive well in the Cattleya house, platited in
small pans or pots with good peat and sphagnum moss. It might possibly do in
a cooler structure, but we have ag yet only cultivated it in the Cattleya house, and
this treatment has been found to suit it. It requires to be kept moist during the
growing season, but when at rest should’ have only just sufficient water to keep it
in a plump condition. The plant possesses one great advantage—that of blooming
during the autumn months, when such flowers are so much in request. It has also
another good quality—that of occupying but a small space, so 5 any cultivator
who has a spare niche in his Orchid house can grow it without any inconvenience.
»
CartteyA TriaAna.—R. B. Dodgson, Esq., of Blackburn, has kindly sent us a
wonderfully fine series of flowers ofthe different varieties of C. Triana, including
some of the grandest ‘that have yet come under our notice. Of two or three of these
our Artist is preparing plates, which will be issued in due course in the Orchid Album.
The variety named C. Triane Dodgsoni bears most beautiful flowers, which are quite
distinct from all that we have previously seen, the sepals and petals being large, and
of a pure white, while the lip is of a rich magenta colour, with the throat rich orange,
white in the upper part. C. Triane Osmani is also a very fine’ variety, the flowers
being rich in colour, the sepals and petals rosy pink, and the lip large, of a bright
magenta colour; it is in fact altogether a wonderfully fine flower. There were
several other varieties sent, including one which we have selected as the original
C. Triane; this we shall first biag under the notice of our readers, and the other
- two will follow.—B. 8. W. ,
2 ROR ean e. SI : a
ee ;
Mr. Dorman’s Orcutps.—When visiting this grand collection last month (March) we
noticed the rare _ Epidendrum Wallisii in flower. Mr. Coningsby,” the gardener,
informed us that the flowers on this plant had been open since N ovember, and
they still looked fresh. , Lelia flava was also good. Galeandra Devoniana, a plant
one seldom sees in bigmi, ‘was quite‘at home here, flowering and growing luxuriantly.
Lycaste Skinner alba, with its pure white flowers looked very charming; this was
an extra fine wie ty, with flowers as large as any we remember to have seen. In
addition to these there were many fine ching? in flower, which space will not permit
us to mention. Mr. Dorman’s Orchids are looking remarkably well, and are well
cared for, both employer and gardener being enthusiastically fond of them.—H. W.
seine
P14,
_ ANGRECUM EBURNEUM_
ANGRACUM EBURNEUM.
[Pate 41.}
Native of Madagascar and Bourbon.
Epiphytal. Stem erect, leafy, producing roots from the lower. part and from
between the bases of the lower leaves. Leaves distichous, ligulate, Very oblique at
the apex, coriaceous, of a shining green colour, striated, about two inches broad,
earinate below and overlapping each other at the base. Peduncles axillary, furnished
with dark sheathing scales, and bearing an erect spike of numerous large flowers o
peculiar form and appearance, all pointing in one direction and placed alternately
back to back in a distichous or two-ranked manner. Flowers of a thick fleshy
texture, green, with a broad conspicuous white lip; sepals and petals lanceolate,
pale green, the dorsal sepal and the petals’ reflexed, the lateral sepals patent; Jip
large, broadly cordate, cuspidate, ivory white, the centre concave, and bearing a cleft
acuminated ridge; spur tapering, considerably longer than and parallel with the
dorsal sepal, dark green. Column short, thick, greenish white.
ANGR&CUM EBURNEUM, Du Petit-Thouars, Orchidées des Iles Australes & Afrique,
t. 65; Lindley, Botanical Register, t. 1522; Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 4761;
Pasxton’s Magazine of Botany, xvi., 90, with woodcut; Bateman, 2nd Century of
Orchidaceous Plants, t.° 111: Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1873, 216, fic. 46; Willams,
Orchid Grower's Manual, 5 ed., 88, with woodeut.
ANGR&cCUM suPERBUM, Du Petit-Thouars, Orchidées, tt. 62-4.
Limoporum EBURNEUM, Bory, Voyage, i, 359; t. 19.
A grand Orchid which was first introduced to this country from Madagascar by
the Horticultural Society of London, through their collector, Mr. F orbes, in the third
decade of the present century, that is, more than fifty years since. It is, without —
doubt, one of the finest of the species, and when well grown forms @ noble Plant, its
long spikes of attractive flowers, in company with its bold and characteristic foliage
and its majestic habit of growth, imparting to it an aspect of dignity which no one
can fail to recognise. Indeed, the magnificent appearance it has when placed on
the central stage of the East India house is quite sufficient to win for it the fav ur
of Orchid fanciers,
Wherever space can be given to it, it ohdeita always be grown, as it blooms .
during the winter months and continues in perfection for many weeks longer than
‘ny other of its family that has come under our notice. Our drawing was taken
from. a very fine specimen, producing three well developed spikes, in the collection
of D. B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks, Bent, who is a great lover of Orchids,
and is forming a nice collection of them.
M
Angrecum eburneum is, as we have before noted, from Madagascar, and
consequently requires the heat of the East India house. It is of comparatively easy
cultivation. The strap-shaped leaves grow to about eighteen inches in length, and
are of a pleasant glossy, light green colour; the flower spikes are produced from the
leaf axils on each side of the stem, and extend to the length of eighteen inches,
bearing many flowers of which the broad cordate lip is of a conspicuous ivory white.
The plants will sometimes produce as many as four spikes at one time. The bloorams
period is in December, January, and February.
There is in cultivation another variety of Angrecum eburneum, called virens, but
is not nearly so handsome and effective a plant as the type, its flowers being of a
greenish white, but the spike has a somewhat more graceful contour, and the foliage
is of a dark green colour, so that it also is worth cultivating where room can be
found for its accommodation.
The Angreecums form a very interesting genus in the great Orchid family; and
although amongst those that have bloomed in this country there are not many that
we consider to be worth growing as ornamental plants, yet some, on the other
hand, are very beautiful, and these we hope to be able to figure in due course. There
have been several new introductions of late, and no doubt there are many yet to
be acquired. We are glad to notice that Sir Trevor Lawrence is gettimg up a
collection of all the best kinds, but it is found that some of them are difficult to
obtain, and they are none of them so readily imported alive as many other Orchids
are. They are mostly found growing on trees in their native country, different
species being met with on the same trees. It was very interesting to hear the
late Rev. W. Ellis talk of these plants, of which many years ago he brought home
living specimens of some of the most beautiful of the species, such as Angraecum
sesquipedale, A. Ellis, and others.
Angrecum eburneum is best cultivated in a pot as it is a lar ge growing plant,
and produces thick fleshy roots. We find sphagnum moss to suit it well, but it
must have good drainage as it requires a liberal supply of water during the summer
months, for if it be allowed to shrivel the bottom leaves wither and decay; in the
winter, on the other hand, it should have merely sufficient to keep the moss damp
and the plant in a plump condition. It requires the same general treatment as the
large growing OV iias such as Vanda suavis, V. tricolor, and others. The plants
are not subject to the attacks of insects, their thick fleshy leaves appearing to have
no attraction for these pests.
Carrieya Trian#.—We have: received from E. Wright, Esq., Gravelly Hill,
Birmingham, a very fine form of this splendid Cattleya; the flowers were six inches
in diameter, the sepals and petals broad and of a rosy pink colour, the lip of a rich
magenta and beautifully fringed, having the throat bright orange colour and the upper
part rose-pink. It is slbigethies a desirable and charming flower. The varieties of
this species are very useful, as they sbloom in winter, when there are but few other
Cattleyas in flower.—B.
V.
e
=|
yee
u
P|
~
fa
Ps
*/~
ie
x.
$
*