Pre ic ot Seah Age. @loured Plates gently ig omen > «© eS ocd tee é = atts Lees a: it SWE | tiBRARY Ré 4 —————— $$$ = a) ae a i= —eeeeeeeS a . weaeaee 3 i: Be E » ADS ALOK Dirge ng Rohe at e ~— a cvs |) ee Pe —— The most Fs comet Work on Gardening ever Published. te ees TRATED DICTIONARY OF o= GARDENING, A Practical Encyclopedia of Horticulture, for a Amateurs. With eer of 2440 Engravings. EDITED BY G. NICHOLSON, A.L.S., In 4 vols., large post gto, price 155. each. In Mdnehly Parts, price 2s. 6d. London: L. UPCOTT GILL, 170, Strand, W.C. ae —= 9 ee i CURATOR OF THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW. SS ee ee ee Se : A) RS - ‘ ie ‘ ‘ i ‘ ui x i i: BY THE AUTHOR OF ‘‘ ORCHIDS.” = > = Cactus Culture fer Argateurs : Being Descriptions of the various Cactuses grown in this Country ; with Full and Practical Instructions for their Successful Cultivation. —_! a BY W. WATS OG Assistant Curator, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. IN GLOTH GILT, PRIGE Ss. London: L. Upcott Gill, 170, Strand, W.C. aot pee et peat ah Bae Dea Dee he Dee ead ee ea hea dene “oe Srletitsheietbe beh bebe bebe bebe Kelecbebeleciecbebebclecbebebebeebeeb obelisk ul af 1 ONE STB THEIR CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT. ete hromolith. G.Severeyns ORCHIDS: THEIR CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT. WITH MescRIPTIONS OF, ALL THE KINDS IN GENERAL CULTIVATION. MeLUSPRATED BY COLOURED PLATES AND NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS: “4 ; By W» WATSON (Asststant Curator, Royal Gardens, Kew; Author of * Cactus Culture for Amateurs’’), ASSISTED BY . ‘ yt W:. BEAN (foreman, Royal Gardens, Kew). i A, 2Y [IN &s V¥ U RK AT A WECAL GARDEN LONDON : meUPOOtr GIL, 170, STRAND, W.G 1890. LONDON: PRINTED BY A, BRADLEY, 170, STRAND, | r4 KK. ts: ‘ vit Ak GARDEN a) ENO) eS) fine PAE, WE believe there is need of a comprehensive book on garden Orchids, describing, in untechnical language, all those known to be worth growing, with full directions for the cultivation of each. It is true there are already numerous books on Orchids, but they are either too scientific for the majority of cultivators, or not sufficiently detailed for those who have everything to learn with regard to the cultural requirements of these plants. In preparing “Orchids,” we have endeavoured to make the descriptive portions as simple as possible, and the cultural directions as full as seemed desirable. The descriptions have been made from living plants, or with the aid of reliable works, such as the Lotanical Magazine and the writings of Professor Reichenbach in the Gar- deners’ Chronicle. A good figure is also quoted in every case where one is known to us. The cultural information is based on our own experience in the management of a large and comprehensive collec- tion of Orchids; we have, also consulted the writings of the best practitioners, such as Messrs. Veitch, Mr. Sander, Dr. Paterson, Mr. Douglas, and the late Mr. C. Spyers. [We feel confident that the directions given in this work are in accordance with the most approved methods of “Orchid-culture in England at the present time. MAR 2 vill AUTHORS PRETAGCE. “Orchids”? is founded on a smaller work, prepared for the same publishers in 1878, namely, ‘Orchids for Amateurs,” by .Mr. J. Britten, F.L.S., of the British Musemmy and Mr. W. H. Gower, an experienced Orchid grower. The original intention was to bring this latter work up to date by adding simply the species of Orchids introduced into gardens since it was published. It was found, however, that so much knowledge respecting cultural and other matters had been added within the last twenty or so years that it would be easier to write anew the greater portion of the work than to patch up the old. At the same time, we have included in some of the chapters a consider- able portion of what was written by Messrs. Britten and Gower; the chapter on “Structure and Other Peculiarities,” by Mr. Britten, we have used with scarcely any alteration. The bulk of ‘‘Orchids”’ is, however, new—that is if works of this kind can be called new. The present title is preferred because it is felt that a work of this character should be useful to professional as well as amateur cultivators. April, 1890. CON EN DS: CHAP: PAGE I. CULTURE : ‘ ; I Il. STRUCTURE AND OTHER PECULIARITIES. 16 Ill. ACINETA : . ; a gee IV. .ACROPERA . : : 24 Vee NA: 2 ‘ ; By 76 Wit AERIDES. . ; 27 VII. ANGRACUM . er ee VIII.’ ANGULOA . é ‘ 47 IX. ANCECTOCHILUS . : ; . 50 ie. ANSELLIA ~. ; 57 XI. BARKERIA : : : 150 XII. BATEMANNIA : : 62 xii), BLETIA : : 2 “=0n! XIV. BOLLEA : : 68 XV. BRASSIA ; eM Mey (0) XVI. BULBOPHYLLUM 75 XVII. BURLINGTONIA . a PTS XVIII. CALANTHE . é , 81 XIX. CATASETUM . ; : DA Ry me. CATTLEYA . : ; : gI x CONTENDS CHAP. Ba PAGE XXI. CHyYSIS pee XXII. CIRRHOPETALUM . ; 123 XXIII. CG@LOGYNE : a OLY 2 CORA , 138 XXV. CORYANTHES : . Sie XXVI. CYCNOCHES : 143 XXVII. CyYMBIDIUM - £246 XXVIII. CyPRIPEDIUM 152 XXIX. DENDROBIUM ; en ce | WX. “DISA . 29R XXXI. EPIDENDRUM eee XXXII. GALEANDRA : 245 XXXII. GRAMMATOPHYLLUM . . ae XXXIV. HOULLETIA : . 251 XXXV. LALIA Rey me KVI, LISSOCHILUS ’ : 71 PREXVIT. LycAsre. . 2 275 XXXVI. MASDEVALLIA . 281 XXXIX. MAXILLARIA : Bom XL. MICROSTYLIS ; : 310 ALI. MILTONTIA : | + Gas XLII. MORMODES : ) 326 XLII. .NANODES. .. « 3am XLIV. ODONTOGLOSSUM : 3am LV. ONGCIDIUM. .« : 2) 3G XLVI. PAPHINIA : 393 XLVII. PERISTERIA : 366 XLVIII. PESCATOREA : : 401 XLIX. PHAIUS 3 : :| <4e8 L. PHALANOPSIS . 412 Lik REEIONE.. |. ; . sig CONTENTS: CHAP. LU. LIL. LIV. er iav. LVE. LVIL. LVIIL. ee ie EX, oxen LXIIL. LXIV. LXV. LXVI. LXVII. LXVIIL. XIX. ee PROMENA RENANTHERA RESTREPIA SACCOLABIUM SCHOMBURGKIA SCUTICARIA SOBRALIA SOPHRONITIS SPATHOGLOTTIS STANHOPEA STENOGLOTTIS THUNIA TRICHOPILIA . TRICHOSMA VANDA W ARSCEWICZELLA ZYGOPETALUM : BRITISH AND OTHER HARDY ORCHIDS SELECTIONS FOR BEGINNERS INDEX ORCHIDS: - THEIR CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT. CEE Pt ek CULTURE. IN no department of horticulture has such progress been made as in that of Orchid-growing. A few years ago, Orchids were cultivated in only a few gardens where an elaborate and costly system of treatment, then considered indispensable in their cultivation, could be provided. The difficulties of importing the plants in quantity, and in a healthy condition, were much greater at the time we refer to than now. The absence of precise information from reliable observers on the conditions under which the plants were found wild, rendered the management of im- ported plants precarious. Examples of new and beautiful kinds, for which high prices were paid, often succumbed to wrong treatment. All this tended to make the possession of a collection of Orchids the privilege of the few, and the amateur who could not afford more than a small greenhouse or two, or to pay more than a few shillings B 2 ORCHIDS for his plants, did not venture to dream even of becoming the possessor of a little collection of Orchids. All this, however, has been completely changed. Orchids are now successfully imported by the thousand at so small a cost as to admit of their being sold at a few shillings per dozen. Their cultural requirements are, in the majority of cases, now thoroughly understood. So simple are these, that instead of costly houses and a heavy expenditure in fuel and labour, a large number of beautiful kinds may be grown in the simplest greenhouse, with no artificial heat, except perhaps for a month or two in winter. The skill and labour necessary for the successful management of Orchids generally are at most no more than is required by the common stock plants of the greenhouse. When once the general conditions necessary are properly under- stood, the cultivation of a collection of these plants demands little trouble and little expense. An amateur who has been successful in the management of Orchids has lately published some excellent observations on the art of growing them.* He says: “It would be wrong to leave the impression that Orchid-culture is actually as facile as market gardening; but we may say that the eccentricities of Phalenopsis and the rest have no more practical importance for the class I would persuade, than have the terrors of the deep for a Thames waterman. How many thousand householders about this city have a ‘bit of glass’ devoted to geraniums and fuchsias and the like! They started with more ambitious views, but successive disappointments have taught modesty, if not despair. The poor man now contents himself with any- thing that will keep tolerably green, and show some spindling flower. But such species of Orchid as he might grow would give infinitely greater satisfaction. For a few * F. Boyle, in Longman’s Magazine, February, 1888. CULTURE. 3 shillings he can buy a manual which will teach him what those species are, and how to grow them. An expenditure of five pounds will set him up for life with plants. Nothing else is needed save intelligence.” Many Orchids will grow as well when placed along with other plants as when kept in special houses. By first ascertaining what are the conditions under which a given Orchid will grow well, it is easy to place it in a position where those conditions are supplied. Thus, some of the cool species of Odontoglossum, Masdevallia, &c., would grow well in a house devoted to cool ferns, or to a mixed collection of greenhouse plants. Dendrobiums and Cattleyas do well in vineries, and so on. When once the general conditions which apply to the artificial management of Orchids are properly grasped, all the rest is easy. By far the larger proportion of Orchids grow naturally upon the branches of forest-trees, their long roots becoming fastened to the bark, and thus fixing them in position. These, with age, grow round and about the adjacent branches, or hang down, drawing their nourishment almost entirely from the humidity of the atmosphere. Sometimes the roots find nourishment in the débris of decayed leaves, &c., which becomes lodged between large -branches of trees. This, however, is very different from growing on the ground. Moisture, then, is a most important factor in their culture; indeed, during their period of growth they can scarcely have too much (in reason), and many of them do not like to be allowed to get dry, even when not in a growing state; although it may be accepted as a general rule, that after growth is completed much less water will be necessary. Although Orchids in a state of nature grow upon the branches of trees, there are not many which are treated thus under cultivation, and teak baskets or pots, containing copious drainage and a little peat fibre, Be 4 ORCHIDS. or sphagnum, have been substituted, with, as a rule, excellent results. ' In potting Orchids, we must see that the pots are perfectly clean; and a greater amount of drainage material is necessary than is used for the majority of plants, because, as they require more frequent watering, there must be provided drainage sufficient to carry it away quickly. Unless this provision is made, the material about the roots of the plants rots or becomes sour, and the plants sicken in consequence. For soil, take equal parts of living sphagnum moss and fibrous peat—that is, peat from which nearly or quite all the fine particles have been beaten. The mixture should be pressed tolerably firm, but not hard, and it should be built up into a small cone, the apex of which may be about an inch, or, in larger specimens, two inches above the rim of the pot; and upon this the plant should sit, for, if buried below, the chances are that the eyes which spring from the base of the pseudo-bulbs will decay, and great injury to the plants will thus result. We have heard amateurs assert that this is a fashion adopted by Orchid-growers simply to be different from their neigh- bours. This system, however, really has its advantages, for it allows the water to fall away from the young growths more rapidly, although the roots reap the full benefit of its presence. Plants with few cr no roots at the time of potting should be firmly secured by means of stakes or wire pegs. The growing point or lead of an Orchid should be kept on a level with the surface; the back part of the plants is not of so much importance. If baskets are used, they should be of the kind made specially for Orchids. The bottom should be covered with pieces of crock and charcoal, and the compost pressed in as already advised. Ordinary pots or pans will answer for the cultivation of Orchids very CULTURE. 5 well; but there are perforated pots, made specially for the purpose, which we much prefer for some kinds, such as Dendrobiums, Aérides, &c., because they allow a greater amount of air to circulate amongst the roots, keeping the compost sweet and clean. Some object to these pots on account of the shelter they afford to insects and other vermin that prey upon the roots of Orchids; but this is a minor evil, and may be readily overcome with a little extra vigilance. Temperatures. To enable readers to understand what is meant by such terms as stove, intermediate, greenhouse, or cool-house, when used in giving directions for treatment, the tem- peratures for each are tabulated here: SuMMER. WINTER. Day. | Night. | Day Night. deg. | deg. || deg | deg _ Stove 75 65-70 | 65 60 Intermediate or Cattleya house 70 60 | 55-60 55 Greenhouse or cool-house . 60 55 55 50 It is not always possible, nor yet desirable, to follow these figures exactly, as, for instance, in very hot weather, the stove will sometimes run up to 8o0deg. or 85deg., and the cool-house cannot be got below 7odeg. With care, however, these temperatures do no harm. Shading. During four or five months of the year—from April to August—the shading of Orchid-houses is a matter of great importance. There are very few Orchids indeed that 6 ORCHIDS. require no shading, the exceptions being principally a few Dendrobiums from tropical Australia. The effect of the sun’s rays passing through glass is to reduce the amount of light, and to create an increase in the temperature. The result is that those Orchids which, in a natural state, are exposed to the full blaze of a tropical sun, are unable to withstand the scorching heat of an unshaded glass-house in bright sunshine. Attempts have been made to grow Cattleyas without shading, but this can only be done in comparatively lofty houses, where the plants stand several feet from the glass, and a free circulation of air passes over them. Even then, during hot summers, the practice has been found disadvantageous. For amateur cultivation, and for mixed collections, every house must be supplied with shading. The best material for the purpose is a thin, white canvas or netting. This should be nailed or otherwise fastened along the top of the house, and attached at the bottom to rollers, which can be let down and drawn up at will. It is a great advan- tage to have strips of wood or iron rods strong enough to support roller and blinds running from the top of the roof to the bottom, at a distance of about 6in. above the glass, thereby allowing a free circulation of air underneath. When the canvas lies flat on the glass it prevents the outward passage of the heated air at the top of the house. For the intermediate and tropical houses fixed shading is not advisable, except at the ends and other places not covered by the blinds. For the cool Odontoglossum and Masdevallia house it may be used. In some establishments, indeed, it is the practice to thickly coat the glass with one of the various mixtures prepared for permanent shad- ing, and thus the use of roller blinds is dispensed with. But where the saving of time is not so much an object, it is better to cover the glass with a thin film, and to use CULTURE. 7 the blinds in addition during hot sunshine. Permanent shading has the disadvantage of keeping the plants un- necessarily dark during dull weather—a condition which certainly conduces to weak growth and few flowers. About the end of March is the best time to fix up the blinds. It is during the earlier stages of growth that the greatest care is required. The sudden outbursts of bright sunshine, so characteristic of April and May, do much damage to the young growths if the direct rays are not warded off. As the leaves grow older and firmer in texture, they can withstand stronger sunlight; and as autumn approaches, shade may be altogether dispensed with. It should be clearly understood by beginners in Orchid-culture that, during the duller months, the more light Orchids get, the healthier they will be. The glass should be thoroughly washed, both inside and out, at the beginning of autumn; and in foggy districts, such as London, it will be neces- sary to frequently repeat this operation on the outside. It is an excellent plan to arrange together the various genera requiring a similar degree of shading. Thus, in the tropical house, the Dendrobiums, Catasetums, Mormodes, &c., which require more light than the majority of Orchids, may occupy one part where the blinds can be drawn up as soon in the afternoon as the sun’s power begins to wane, without interfering with the requirements of such shade- lovers as Phalznopsis. Also, in the intermediate house, the Cattleyas, Lelias, &c., should occupy one part, and the Miltonias, Lycastes, &c., another. Details on this, and other points with regard to treat- ment, will be found in the cultural notes for each genus. Terrestrial Orchids. Notwithstanding the fact that many of the Orchids which grow upon the ground in a wild state are found in strong 8 ORCHIDS. soil, there are many experienced cultivators who prefer to use for these almost the same compost as is used for the epiphytal kinds when grown in pots or baskets. Peat and sphagnum form a perfectly safe compost for nearly all Orchids; if they will not thrive in that, then they will bea failure in any mixture. In some cases, as for instance Phalez- nopsis and Vanda, sphagnum only is used; in others, as in Cattleya, nearly all peat fibre is preferable ; in Odontoglossum and Masdevallia the peat may be used in a natural state—z.e., the fine particles need not be carefully shaken out. Amongst terrestrial kinds we have Cypripedium, which is a perfect success when planted in a mixture of peat and sphagnum; Masdevallia also. Sobralia does equally well in loam and peat, or in pure peat; Calanthe is grown in loam and cow- dung by some, by others in peat and sphagnum. To the beginner our advice is, Use peat and sphagnum for almost all Orchids—more or less of each according as the plant is epiphytal or terrestrial. If good peat is secured—and a great deal depends upon this—then no fear need be enter- tained as to its suiting all Orchids for which something more than pure sphagnum is required. ‘Terrestrial Orchids do not require so much drainage as the epiphytes do; when growing, a weak solution of cow-manure may be given about once a week. British Orchids require special treatment, the details of which will be given in the chapter devoted to them. Watering. When an Orchid is growing freely, it should be watered at the root often enough to. keep the compost constantly moist, without its becoming stagnant or sour. A little practice soon enables one to understand how often this is. In houses where the atmospheric conditions are properly CULTURE. 9 regulated, the plants do not dry at the root so quickly as when this is neglected. All Orchids require the atmosphere about them to be kept moist—almost at saturation point— whilst they are in active growth. This is provided by pouring water upon the stages, floors, and walls of the house several times a day. Amateurs had better not syringe their Orchids overhead till they have had some practice in their cultivation. In hot weather it is perfectly safe to dew the plants overhead late in the afternoon; but if the atmosphere is kept well charged with moisture, the syringe pneed not be used. When growth is completed and ripened, most Orchids should be allowed to rest—vz.e., water should be supplied much less frequently, or not at all, and the atmosphere kept drier than when the plants were growing. But different kinds require different treatment in this respect, and the details will be best stated in the cultural notes for each genus. In a great many cases the production of flowers is altogether controlled by the kind of rest the plants get. No matter how strong and perfect the growth made, if the treatment during rest is not proper no flowers will be developed. When to water, and when to withhold water, are, therefore, questions of importance in the management of Orchids. In every case soft, or razz, water should be used. For damping the stages, &c., ordinary tap-water answers; but for the plants at the roots, soft water should always be provided. Ventilation. Orchids require the same constant supply of fresh air as do other plants, and no more. Unfortunately, however, this is one of the requisites which is rarely understood by 10 ORCHIDS. amateurs, and even by some professional growers. A plant is just as unlikely to continue strong and healthy in a badly-ventilated house as we ourselves are. Many builders of greenhouses are now careful to make arrangements for a constant supply of fresh air to the plants at all times, and in all seasons. Ventilation, as applied to plants, means two distinct things: (1) the regulation of temperature, and (2) the admission of fresh air. The former is frequently necessary during the summer, and only rarely in winter; the latter is necessary at all times. In the construction of plant-houses we should always bear these two points in mind. By fixing ventilators at the bottom of the house, below the level of the pipes inside, the air is compelled to pass over the warm pipes before it reaches the plants. As a rule, the glazing of houses is rarely so well done as to be airtight, and it is therefore seldom necessary to have permanent ventilators for the roof. But in well-built houses even this is a wise precaution. It cannot be too clearly understood, that to grow Orchids well they must be supplied with fresh air, which in cold weather should be slightly warmed before it comes in contact with the plants. When regulating the temperature by means of the ven- tilators, care should be taken to avoid anything like a sudden change. All the advantage possible should be taken of sun-heat. The temperature during bright sunshine may rise to 10odeg. or even 2odeg. higher than is necessary during dull weather. In the afternoon, the heat of the house should reach its maximum, and then fall gradually till the night temperature is reached by midnight. In opening the ven- tilators, the direction of the wind should be observed, and those on the windy side be kept closed, if convenient; otherwise the wind is apt to “lick up” the moisture in the house. GULTURE, an Insects and other Pests. All Orchids are liable to the attacks of numerous insects and other enemies, such as scale, mealy-bug, green-fly, thrips, red-spider, cockroaches, woodlice, and small snails. A great deal depends on whether the plants are kept free from these, much watchfulness being necessary to keep some of them down. Perhaps the worst of all are thrips, which generally attack the young leaves before they are pushed out of the centre. They rarely come up out of the heart of the plant, the only indication of their presence being the discoloration of the leaves as they develop. To get rid of thrips, fumigation with tobacco, or washing the plants with tobacco-water, must be frequently done, and the plants should be examined after every dose of smoke, or insecticide, till the thrips are thoroughly eradi- cated. The same treatment answers for the destruction of red-spider and green-fly. Scale, of which several kinds are found on Orchids, can only be destroyed by removing them with a small brush or a sponge, using a solution of soft soap and tobacco to wash them. A good mixture is made as follows: To rgal. of rain-water add 80z. of soft soap, 20z. of tobacco, and two tablespoonfuls of turpentine or paraffin. If the water is first boiled, and the mixture allowed to stand till it cools, and then strained through a piece of cloth, it forms an admirable and safe insecticide. Should any remain after use, it may be kept in a bottle for future use. Mealy-bug must be removed with a pointed stick, and the affected parts afterwards sponged to destroy any eggs that may be left. Woodlice prey upon the young roots. They can be trapped by slicing potatoes, and laying the pieces where the woodlice come to feed. If examined every morning, the vermin will be found under the slices of potato. For «02 ORCHIDS: snails, pieces of cabbage or lettuce leaf should be laid down, and examined every morning, when the snails _ will be caught. In the case of valuable or important plants showing flower-spikes, it is best to take the precaution of keeping the snails away. This may be done by placing the plant on an inverted pot, which should stand in a saucer of water, the saucer being wide enough to leave a margin of water all round the inverted pot, over which the snails cannot crawl. Stands made expressly for this purpose may be purchased for a few pence. This pre- caution also serves to protect the plants from cockroaches, which do much damage if not kept in check. Another good protection is afforded by surrounding the spikes at the base with a piece of cotton wool, which should be tied loosely. This cannot easily be crossed, either by snails, cockroaches, or woodlice. Beetle-traps or poison should also be laid down for the destruction of cockroaches. A very small snail, with a strong odour of onions, is often found in the sphagnum moss; and although so small, this pest is most destructive to flower-spikes, eating a small hole through the strongest in a single night. In preparing the moss for use, a sharp look-out should be kept for this little snail, which usually has a shell. Cleanliness is of the greatest importance to the health of Orchids, and, indeed, all plants; so that periodical cleanings should be insisted on if the numerous enemies of Orchids are not to destroy all chance of success. Treatment of Newly-imported Orchids. The peculiar conditions under which Orchids are found wild, the manner in which they are collected, and conveyed long distances in boxes, &c., by mule, boat, and steamer, together with the radical change they necessarily are com- CULTURE. 1g pelled to undergo before they are established in gardens here, render their treatment on first arrival of considerable importance. Thousands of plants are sold weekly, at the auction-rooms and elsewhere, which are either immediately killed, or irrecoverably weakened by wrong treatment at the outset. As a rule, the roots of newly-imported plants are all dead, and few, if any, leaves remain on such as Odontoglossums, Dendrobiums, &c., although the pseudo- bulbs may be sound enough. In selecting plants from a fresh importation, one or two important points should be remembered. These are: First, that the last-matured pseudo-bulb is healthy and uninjured, and bears at its base a sound eye (the latter is the inci- pient new growth, or lead, on whose proper development everything depends); secondly, that the plant has as much foliage as possible—the larger the specimen, the more leads it should have; and if the pseudo-bulbs are numerous and plump, the rhizomes sound, and the eyes perfect, nothing more need be desired. It is always better to begin with strong, promising plants than with scrappy bits, nine-tenths of which, in the hands of the amateur, would come to nothing. Cattleyas, Lzelias, and other plants of similar habit, should have good green leaves upon them if successfully imported. Phalaenopsis, Cypri- pediums, Aérides, Vandas, Masdevallias, and all other genera in which there is no pseudo-bulb, or a very weak one, should arrive with healthy leaves if they are to do any good. To begin with, the plants should be carefully examined, and all dead roots, pseudo-bulbs, leaves, &c., cut away. A sharp knife should be used, and the operator must be watchful, lest in removing dead parts he at the same time break or cut away eyes or living roots. Too much care cannot be taken over this part of the work. The remain- 14 ORCHIDS. ing parts should then be washed with soapy water. Plants with pseudo-bulbs should be placed in pots which have been two-thirds filled with clean, broken crocks. Stakes may be used to keep the plants upright. In watering, the crocks only should be moistened until new roots are pushed, when the plants should be potted in the mixture recommended for each kind, and treated the same as esta- blished plants, except that until the new growth is well above the surface the roots should not be kept too moist. Plants which have no pseudo-bulbs require very careful treatment. They should be cleaned as already recom- mended, and then hung, head downwards, in a moist, shaded house, until the leaves are plump, and new roots are seen pushing. This precaution is necessary for the safety of the central eye, or “crown,” which generally rots if moisture is allowed to lodge in the bases of the leaves. During the time they are suspended, the plants may be lightly syringed; but in a well-moistened house this is scarcely necessary. When plump, and showing signs of fresh growth, the plants may be taken down, and planted in the compost recommended for them. The temperature best suited to newly-imported plants is that in which they are grown when established; but they should be shaded from bright light, especially if they are at all yellow, and much shrivelled. When large quantities of a kind are to be started, a stage, or a bed of clean cinders, may be substituted for the pots with crocks, as it saves labour, and answers almost, if not quite, as well. Newly- imported plants must not be hurried, either by over-water- ing, by a high temperature, or by early potting, for these mean ultimate failure, although perhaps at first the plants look tidier. There is always a certain amount of excite- ment in the cultivation and flowering of an Orchid which has never been flowered in England before. Sometimes, CULTURE. 15 too, very valuable varieties are obtained from imported plants; hence it is that so many growers prefer newly- imported to established Orchids. It will be unnecessary to deal further in generalities in this place, because we purpose giving the peculiar treat- ment of each genus, or, indeed, of any particular species, where it may be necessary. But before closing these in- troductory remarks, we would urge our readers to remember that, if they are the happy possessors of one of those pretty little greenhouses or ferneries now so frequently to be found attached to villa residences, they have a place admirably suited to the requirements of many of the most beautiful Orchids from Guatemala, Peru, and New Grenada; and, as many of them are now established in this country in sufficient quantity to bring them within the reach of even those with limited means, we hope these remarks may induce many of our readers to add some of these gems to the pleasures of their homes and gardens. CHAPTER GEE STRUCTURE AND OTHER PECULIARITIES. BEFORE entering upon the description of those members of the Orchid family which we have selected for special consideration as garden plants, it will be well to give a slight sketch of the Order, and to glance at those points of structure by which it is distinguished. There is pro- bably no Order in the whole Vegetable Kingdom the limits of which are more clearly defined; and there is certainly none which, within those limits, exhibits more variety than the one now before us in the colour, shape, or odour of its blossoms. It is in the structure of the flowers, too, that we find the features which specially characterise the Order. It is not our purpose to go into a botanical disquisition upon the structure of an Orchidaceous flower; but there are one or two terms connected with it which are of con- stant occurrence, and may therefore be fitly explained here. In an ordinary regular flower, such as the Buttercup, we have, besides the stamens and pistils, two outer rows—one of petals, forming the corolla, and one of sepals, forming the calyx. In dicotyledonous plants, the calyx, speaking generally, is green, and the corolla coloured, so that they STRUCTURE AND PECULIARITIES. 17 are easily distinguishable; but in such monocotyledons as the Hyacinth or Tulip, the petals and sepals are almost or quite undistinguishable, and the whole flower goes by the mame of a perianth; the three outer segments being, strictly speaking, sepals, and the three inner, petals. In Orchidacez there is usually a marked irregularity in the = eo os eee, ig \ sun \\ Fig, 1. Flower of Vanda Cathcartii (nat. size). shape of the flower, the nature of which will be made clear by the accompanying Figure. We have, outside, a row of three sepals (s, Fig. 1); then come three petals (J), two of which usually more or less resemble the sepals in shape and colouring, while the third petal (as we may consider it for practical purposes), which usually differs considerably in size, colour, and form, and is the lowest fs 18 ORCHIDS. in the flower, is known as the /ade/lum, or lip (¢). This labellum is sometimes prolonged backwards at the base into a tail or spur, which usually contains honey; in the wonderful Angraecum sesquipedale of Madagascar this spur is more than rft. in length. We shall see, as we pro- ceed, something of the wonderful variety in form of this characteristic feature of an Orchid flower; and the accom- panying group of the blossoms of a few of our British Orchids (see Plate) will give some notion of its extent in the natives of our own woods and fields. The other remark- able point in the flower of an Orchid is the column (c). In most blossoms the stamens and pistils are separate organs; but in the Orchids these are consolidated into a central, waxy, often club-shaped body, which is known by the above name. Except in Cypripedium, only one of the anthers is developed. Orchids differ considerably in habit, in the form and character of the stem, and in the arrangement and con- figuration of the leaves. In habit there are the climbing Vanillas, the creeping Goodyeras; whilst some grow in reed-like tufts, others have an erect stem, with arching leaves, arranged in two regular rows on each side. Another group have no stem, but thick, fleshy leaves; and in others there is a creeping rhizome, from which stem-like growths are developed at intervals. These growths are what are known by the term pseudo-bulb. They are not stems, nor are they leaf-stalks, but they appear to be a sort of intermediate structure between the two. Usually only one pseudo-bulb is developed at the apex or growing point of each rhizome yearly, and this bears leaves either at its apex or all along its sides. From its top, or sides, or base, the flowers are developed, usually only once in the existence of each, sometimes for several consecutive years. In some genera the pseudo-bulbs are of only annual FLOWERS OF BRITISH ORCHIDS (nat. size). a, Orchis militaris. 6, Orchis hircina (Lizard Orchis). c, Ophrys arachnites. d, Aceras anthropophora (Man Orchis). e, Listera ovata (Twayblade). g, Habenaria chlorantha. h, Ophrys aranifera (Spider Orchis). J, Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchis). z, Epipactis palustris. To face p. 18.] SERUCTORE AND PECULIARITIES. 19 duration, but in the majority they remain on the plant for an indefinite period. Although infinitely more abundant in some regions than in others, Orchids are found in almost all parts of the world, except upon the verge of the frozen zone and in climates of excessive dryness. ‘‘In Europe, Asia, and North America,’ says Mr. Moore, “they grow everywhere —in groves, marshes, and meadows; at the Cape of Good Hope they abound in similar situations; but in the hot, damp parts of the West and East Indies, in Madagascar and the neighbouring islands, in the damp and humid forests of Brazil, in the warm, mild parts of Central America and Western Mexico, in the damp, tropical parts of India, and in the lower mountains of Nepal, they flourish in the greatest variety and profusion, not only seeking their nutriment from the soil, but clinging to the trunks and limbs of trees, to stones and bare rocks, where they vegetate among ferns and other shade-loving plants in countless thousands.” The Orchids of temperate Australia and New Zealand are chiefly terrestrial, as are those of other temperate regions. They have fibrous roots, and often large fleshy tubers. Those of warmer countries are mainly epiphytes, not parasites, as they are often mis- called. A parasitic plant obtains its nourishment from the tree or plant upon which it grows, as is the case with the mistletoe; but an epiphyte merely uses the branch as a support or resting-place, gaining its food from the atmo- sphere which surrounds it. Although small-flowered, and somewhat inconspicuous in stature, the species of Orchids which are wild in England are both pretty and interesting. Differing altogether from the Peruvian and Mexican beauties with which we are more especially concerned, they exemplify almost as thoroughly the extraordinary variety in form and colour for Ee 2 20 ORCHIDS. which the Order is so remarkable, and if not as strikingly beautiful are by no means to be despised, even from an ornamental point of view. The knowledge of Orchidacee has grown during the last fifty years at a rate quite disproportionate to that of the rest of the Vegetable Kingdom. Linnzus only knew about a dozen exotic Orchids, and stated his opinion that the world, when fully examined, might probably yield as many as a hundred species. Now, at least 2500 are known to English horticulturists, while the number of species in the Order is estimated at 6000! In colouring, as in odour, Orchids display an almost end- less variety. Their rarest colour is blue, which, indeed, is almost unrepresented in collections—save, perhaps, in Vanda cerulea—although many purples in which blue _pre- dominates may be found. Several terrestrial Cape species, however, produce flowers of an intensely sky-blue colour, one of which was on this account appropriately named Herschelia czlestis by Lindley, in honour of Sir John Herschel, the astronomer. In one or two genera it is the leaves rather than the blossoms which attract the horticulturist, as in the case of the exquisite species of Ancectochilus and Goodyera, the rich green or purplish leaves of which are traversed by a beautiful network of gold or silver veins. Some species of Phalznopsis and of Cypripedium have prettily-marked foliage. On the whole, however, the Orchid family is conspicuously wanting in species with ornamental foliage. The odours of Orchids are most diverse, varying even in the same species at different stages of its existence. Some have an especially delicious and almost overpowering fragrance, such as Aérides odoratum and Epidendrum aromaticum. Mr. Bateman enumerates only a few of the various odours which they represent when he likens the SLROUCTURE AND PECULIARITIES. 21 scent of Stanhopea grandiflora to that of a chemist’s shop, that of Bulbophyllum cocoinum to cocoa-nut milk, of Oncidium ornithorhynchum to fresh hay, of Acropera Lod- digesii to wallflowers, of Maxillaria atropurpurea to violets, of Aérides odoratum to pomatum, of Epidendrum anisatum to aniseed, of E. umbellatum to angelica, of Maxillaria crassifolia to noyeau, of M. aromatica to cinnamon, of Gongora atropurpurea to allspice, of Burlingtonia candida to citron, of Dendrobium moschatum to musk, and of Cycnoches Loddigesii to honey. Bulbophyllum Beccari and Masdevallia vilifera have a disgustingly foetid odour. The odour of some—as of Epidendrum nocturnum and Brassavola nodosa—is only perceptible at night. Among our British Orchids there are several—such as the Butterfly Orchis (Habenaria chlorantha) and the Sweet-scented Orchis (Gymnadenia conopsea)—the fragrance of which is greatly intensified towards evening. Some species give out different scents at different times, such as Dendrobium nobile, which smells like grass in the evening, like honey at noon, and has in the morning a faint odour of prim- roses ; while some, such as one or two species of Epiden- drum, are fragrant in the morning and scentless at night. In others the fragrance is perceptible only in the evening. Our common British Purple Orchis (O. mascula) is remark- ably variable in this respect—while faintly fragrant during the day, it is at night often so unpleasant in odour as to be unbearable in a room; but this varies much in different specimens. This list does not comprise more than a small fraction of the number of Orchids which have powerful odours. Indeed, it might almost be said that scentless Orchids are the exception. SSE EES CVA ur Rh. ia ACINETA. A GENUS of stout-growing epiphytes with the habit of Peristeria or Stanhopea. They have egg-shaped, furrowed pseudo-bulbs, large, plaited leaves, and pendent racemes of large, handsome flowers. The sepals are broad and spreading, the lip is clawed, and the column long. All the known kinds are natives of tropical America and Mexico. Culture.—As the flower-spikes are pushed in a down- ward direction from the base of- the pseudo-bulbs, it is most convenient to grow the plants in baskets suspended near the roof. They should be planted in a mixture of peat fibre and sphagnum, with a few pieces of charcoal scattered through it. Not more than 3in. depth of soil is necessary for large specimens. They must be well watered in the growing season, and kept almost dry when at rest. A tropical temperature is best for them whilst growing, that of an intermediate, or Cattleya, house answering during the resting season. The flower-spikes are several months in developing from their first appearance, and the flowers last about a fortnight after expansion. A. Barkeri.—Flowers in stout, pendent spikes, rft. long, numerous, large, fleshy, the petals and sepals incurved in ACINETA. 23 such a way as to give the flowers a globose form; colour golden-yellow, with dark red spots on the lip. They are developed in summer. Native of Mexico. Syn. Peristerta Barker. Botanical Magazine, t. 4203. A. densa.—Flowers and spikes as in A. Barkeri, but larger and less rounded, whilst the petals are thickly dotted inside with red. They are developed in spring. Native of Central America. Syn. A. Warscewtcaiz. Floral Magazine, t. 16. A. Humboldtii—A superb plant, of robust habit, with stout, dark green leaves, and pendent spikes, 2ft. long. The flowers are large and rounded, the sepals brownish-purple Fig. 2. Flower of Acineta Humboldtii (% nat. size). in colour, with numerous darker spots, the small petals and lip rosy-red, and the column whitish. Flowering time, spring. A native of Venezuela. Syns. A. superba, Anguloa superba, Peristeria Humbolatii. Fig. 2; Botanical Register, 1843, t. 18. i Con AvP aa eve ACROPERA. A GENUS of epiphytes, with the habit of Stanhopea, but smaller, and bearing loose, pendent racemes of singularly- formed flowers. Except in collections which aim at being representative, none of the species are worth having. Culture-—The plants should be treated as advised for Acineta, except that the Cattleya, or intermediate, house is the best position for them all the year round. A. armeniaca.—Leaves lance-shaped, light green; spikes ft. long, pendent, bearing about a dozen orange-yellow flowers in the summer. Native of Nicaragua. Botanical Magazine, t. 5501. A. aurantiaca, — A compact plant, with green, lance- shaped leaves, spikes 1ft. long, and pendent. Flowers almost closed, bright apricot, developed in spring. New Grenada. Botanical Magazine, t. 5435. A. Loddigesiii—Habit as in the last-mentioned. Flowers curved inwards, very fragrant, tawny yellow, with a reddish lip. Flowering season, summer. Native of Mexico. Botanical Magazine, t. 3563. —— -—_-_ —ejacoonte—— ——_—_ —— GECAP UD EOR. 2V . ADA. _THIS small genus is very nearly allied to Brassia; indeed, so closely does it resemble the latter genus, that many dozens of B. caudata have been sold for Ada, the error only being discovered when the plants have flowered. It differs, however, from Brassia in various technical details, especially in having the lip parallel with, and solidly united to, the base of the column. The following species is the only one known to cultivation. It is one of the prettiest of cool Orchids, the bright colour of its flowers being particularly effective. A. aurantiaca.— A small plant, of erect habit, with somewhat cylindrical pseudo-bulbs, which taper upwards, and bear two or three linear, dark green leaves, about 5in. or 6in. in length. The flowers are borne in long, ter- minal, arching racemes, each of which produces from six to ten blossoms; the sepals and petals are narrow and pointed, and of a clear, bright, golden-orange colour, never expanding except at the tips. They are produced during February and March, and last several weeks in perfection. The plant is a native of New Grenada. It requires to be potted in peat and sphagnum in about equal parts. The drainage must be perfect, and during summer water must 26 ORCHIDS: be given freely; and although in winter far less will suffice, the plant must not be allowed to get dry. Odonto- Fig. 38. Raceme and Leaf of Ada aurantiaca (2 nat. size), glossums and Masdevallias are its natural associates, and it grows well with these plants under cultivation. Fig. 3; Botanical Magazine, t. 5435. ree e—___—_ — CLAP E Bik «Vib. AERIDES. THIS is an extensive genus of Orchids, confined to the tropics of the Old World, and including many large and showy-flowered species. They are all epiphytes, growing upon the trees which overhang the rivers and streams, and forming in many instances strikingly beautiful objects. The strap-shaped, recurved leaves are arranged in two opposite rows, one facing the other. They are usually jagged or lobed at the apex, as if a piece had been cut out or broken off; in most of the species they are channelled down the middle, but in a few kinds they are terete or nearly cylindrical. All of them throw out large, fleshy roots from various parts of their stems, by which they absorb the moisture from the atmosphere. It is to this aérial mode of growth, so to speak, that the genus owes its name, which was bestowed upon it, towards the end of the last century, by a Catholic missionary in Cochin China, to whom we are greatly indebted for our know- ledge of the vegetation of that region. He found there the plant which he named Aérides odoratum, and of which we shall speak hereafter, and called it Aérides on account of its being nourished, like the chameleon of fable, by aérial support alone. This plant, he tells us in his original 28 ORCHIDS: description, published in 1790, has this wonderful pro- perty, that, when brought from the woods where it grows into a house, and suspended in the air, it will grow, flourish, and flower for many years without any nourishment, either from the earth or from water. “I would scarcely have believed this,” he adds, “had I not had daily experience of it.” The name Flos Aéris, or Air Flower, had, however, previously been applied to certain other epiphytic Orchids. The white, fleshy roots by which the cases of Aérides cling to their supports are in some species of very remark- able appearance. In one Indian plant they are long and flat, and resemble a tapeworm in appearance, whence the species has been named A. teniale. The flowers, which are of a firm, waxy texture, and often very fragrant, grow in long, cylindrical clusters or racemes, which spring from the axils of the upper leaves; they are of various shades of white, lilac, and rose colour. The lip is curiously curved or opened, and affords a character by which the species may be divided into two sections. ‘‘In the first, repre- sented in odoratum, the lip is cut into three, or even five lobes, of nearly equal length; in the other, represented jin maculosum, the lip is undivided, or has only a couple of basal ears.” Culture-—From what is stated above, it may readily be seen that for these plants little or no soil is necessary, as they naturally grow upon the branches of the forest- trees; they may, therefore, be successfully grown upon blocks of wood, or in shallow baskets, in this country. Block treatment, however, should only be resorted to whilst the plants are young, or for newly-imported pieces. When established and healthy, it is safest to plant them in baskets, cylinders, or even pots, using abundance of drainage and a layer of fresh sphagnum at the top, placing a few of the roots in the moss,: AERIDES. 29 and leaving the others free. By this means a greater amount of moisture can be supplied to them; and the lower leaves remain on longer, and thus beautiful and sym- metrical specimens are obtained. If cylinders are used instead of baskets, they should be filled to within 2in. of the top with rough drainage, fixing the base of the plant by means of these. The sphagnum should then be pressed firmly about the top, to the depth of 3in. When the moss becomes old and worn out, it should be washed out and replaced with fresh; this may be done without interfering with the roots, which will be found firmly attached to the basket or pot. When the plants become old and leggy, they may be shortened by cutting away the base of the stem and planting the top in the moss. If possible, one or two of the stem-roots should be left on the piece after the removal of the lower part of the stem, otherwise there is danger of losing more foliage before new roots are developed. The safest time to perform this operation is February. Mr. John Smith, who was for so many years Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew, in the early days of Orchid- culture, adopted another method of growing Aérides. He says: ‘‘Many years ago we remember seeing Aérides odoratum in fine flower, its roots being attached to a moist brick wall, and as they adhere in like manner to the sides of garden pots, we have procured some tall, cylindrical pots (something like chimney-pots), round the margin of which we temporarily fix the plants; but they soon fasten them- selves by their roots, gradually creeping over the surfaces of the pot, both within and without, and, by occasionally syringing the outside, and a little water inside, the porous earthenware is kept sufficiently moist to be congenial to the roots.” The Aérides are, as a rule, easily grown into handsome 30 ORCHIDS. specimens, and usually blossom profusely, thus recommending themselves to all who cultivate Orchids. From early spring until the end of September they should be watered liberally, care at the same time being taken never to wet the flowers. During winter less water is needed, both at the root and in the atmosphere; but drought should never be carried far enough to cause the leaves to shrivel, a fair amount of flower, coupled with good leafage, being prefer- able to abundance of bloom at the expense of the health of the foliage. As we have before remarked, the Aérides are peculiar to the Eastern tropics, and therefore are usually classed amongst the Orchids which require tropical treatment. This is, to some extent, correct; yet they do not require the great amount of heat which many imagine, and which has until recently been given them. During the winter season we have succeeded by keeping many of the species at a temperature of 55deg. to 6odeg., whilst during the growing season—that is, from April to September—the temperature is allowed to run up by sun- heat to 85deg. or godeg., so long as a free circulation of air and a sufficiency of moisture are secured. Except when the sun is powerful, the temperature at this time should be 7odeg. to 75deg. by day, and 7odeg. by night. A. affine.—This is an elegant species, of dwarf, erect habit, with pale green, leathery leaves, measuring about ift. in length, toothed at the ends, green, spotted with brown. The racemes are usually erect and branched. The flowers are pink and white, varying to rose, with deep rose- coloured spots; the sepals and petals equal, rounded at the apex; the lip is rhomboid and three-lobed, with a short spur and deeper colour. It blossoms during May and June. It is a native of Sylhet and Nepal, and was introduced in 1837. Syns. A. multiflorum, A. roseum. Warner’s Select Orchids, t. 21. AERIDES. 31 Var. superbum is stronger and larger than the type, and the flowers are better coloured. These two kinds are not easily kept in health after they have been in cultivation a year or two. They should be grown in an intermediate temperature, and kept on the dry side during winter. A. crassifolium. — This is one of the best and most popular of the Aérides. It is a free grower, with stout, erect stems, bearing thick, leathery, deep green leaves, about 8in. long, and drooping spikes of large, rose-purple flowers, the lip being almost purple. The sepals are oval, the petals recurved, and the lip is divided into three blunt lobes, the front one being large, tongue-shaped, and projecting forward. The flowers, which are deliciously fragrant, are produced in May and June, lasting several weeks if the plant is placed in a cool greenhouse when in bloom. It thrives if treated as recommended for Aérides generally. Native of Burmah, where it is very abundant, large quantities being imported annually into England. Paxton’s Flower Garden (new ed.), t. 1. A. crispum.—This is a tall, robust plant, with an erect habit, producing an abundance of charming flowers. The deep green leaves are flat and broad, two-lobed, and about Sin. long; the stem is generally purple in colour. The racemes are more than double the length of the leaves, and the flowers are nearly 2in. in diameter; they are white, suffused with purplish rose, and very fragrant; the sepals and petals are ovate, and the lip is three-lobed, the middle lobe being very large, toothed at the base, and fringed at the margin; the horn-like spur is slightly incurved. This beautiful species blooms during May and June, and lasts a long time in full beauty if placed in a cool house whilst in flower. It was introduced from Bombay, and first 32 ORCHIDS. flowered in England in 1842. It should be grown in an intermediate temperature. Fig. 4; Botanical Magazine, t. 4427. Fig, 4. Flower of Aérides crispum (nat. size). Several varieties of this plant are in cultivation, the best of which are as follow: Var. Lindleyanum has large, much-branched panicles of flowers, with white sepals and petals, and a large, bright, rich rose-coloured lip; Var. Warneri has a slender stem, the short leaves are dark green, and the sepals and petals white, with a rich rose-coloured lip. A. Emerici.—A recently-introduced plant, with the habit and general characters of A. virens, but the leaves are longer and narrower, and two-lobed at the tips. The flowers are white and rosy lilac, of medium size, and they are borne in drooping racemes. It is elegant, but not so handsome as many other Aérides. It flowers in the late autumn. Introduced from Burmah in 1882. A. expansum.—A dwarf kind, with recurved, channelled, light green leaves, and unbranched spikes of white and rose-purple flowers. The lip is large and projecting, deeper- coloured on the middle lobe, and the spur is rather large and incurved. For small houses this plant is well adapted, AERIDES. 33 as it grows and flowers freely if planted in a teak basket, and suspended near the roof-glass in a warm house. A native of India. A. falcatum.—Well known in gardens, and a most dis- tinct and beautiful species. In habit it resembles A. crispum. The leaves are nearly 1ft. long, and their colour is a peculiar blue-green. The racemes are pendulous and many- flowered ; the sepals and petals are white, blotched at the apex with crimson; the lip is white at the sides, with a rosy crimson centre, ciliated on the front lobe; the spur is short, and parallel with the lip. It grows well under ordinary treatment, and flowers freely in May and June. It was introduced from India in 1846. Syn. A. Larpentiz. Mena, 1.,°t. 92. A. Fieldingii—This handsome species is popularly known as the Fox-brush Orchid, on account of its long, curved racemes, which are densely furnished with flowers. It grows to a height of about 2ft., and the leaves are 8in. to roin. Fig. 5. Portion of Raceme of Aerides Fieldingii (2 nat. size). long, broad, thick, and fleshy, and obliquely two-lobed at the apex, of a dark green colour, except at the base, which is brownish black in the portion which clasps the stem. D 34 - ORCHIDS. The raceme is from a2ft. to 3ft. long, and sometimes branched; the numerous flowers are large and white, beau- tifully mottled with bright rose .colour, the labellum being wholly rose-coloured. This is one of the finest of East Indian Orchids, and should be included in the most select collections. It blossoms during June and July, lasting for several weeks in full beauty. A native of Assam, Sikkim, &c. Fig: 5; Belgique. Horticole; 1876, tt. 16, 14; A. Houlletianum.—A beautiful and very distinct species, of recent introduction. Unfortunately, it has not proved very satisfactory under cultivation. In habit it resembles A. virens, but the flowers are larger, and they are borne on dense racemes; the sepals and petals are yellowish, tipped with magenta at the apex, and the lip is creamy white, with a blotch of magenta on the front lobe, the side lobes being lined with the same colour. Introduced from Cochin China about 1875. It blooms in May and June, and it is considered a stove species. The late Mr. Spyers grew it well for a time, as also have others, but it does not long remain healthy. Xenia, 1, t. 2o4: 7 A. japonicum.—A diminutive species, with short, narrow, leathery leaves, and drooping racemes, each bearing six or eight flowers, which are white, barred and spotted with purple. It thrives in the coolest house, and is interesting on that account. The flowers appear in June or July. A native of Japan. Botanical Magazine, t. 5798. A. Lawrence.—So far as is known, this is the grandest of all Aérides. It was introduced about three years ago by Mr. Sander, who sold a plant of it to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., for the sum of 235 guineas. It may be called AERIDES. 35 a gigantic form of A. odoratum, as in habit, leaves, and form of flower, it closely resembles that species. The racemes are Ift. or more long, and bear numerous large, waxy flowers, with broad, upturned, pitcher-shaped spurs; the sepals are waxy white, becoming yellow with age; the petals are white, tinged at the tips with purple; the middle Fig. 6. Flower of Aérides Lawrence (% nat. size). lobe of the lip is deep purple, the other parts of the flower being waxy white or green. It is impossible to convey anything like a true idea of the richness and beauty of the flowers by means of a description. The flowers are developed in September. Native of Burmah (?). Cultivation as for A. odoratum. Fig. 6. A. Lobbii.—A handsome, free-flowering species, named in honour of Mr. Lobb, who discovered the plant in Moul- mein about 1856. The leaves are strap-shaped, two-lobed at the apex, thick and fleshy in texture, about 13ft. long, and of a light green hue. The spikes are long, pendulous, and branching. The sepals and petals are of a delicate rose, passing into white towards the base; the lip is of a bright rose, shaded with violet. The flowers develop in May and June, lasting long in beauty. This showy plant, D2 36 ORCHIDS. of which many distinct and beautiful varieties are in cul- tivation, is one of the most ornamental of the genus. It thrives under ordinary treatment. Williams’ Orchid Album, 1., t. 21. A. maculosum.—This is a somewhat slow-growing plant, of a rather stiff, dwarf habit, and bearing large, handsome flowers. The leaves are thick and fleshy, rounded at the apex, 8in. or gin. long, and dark green. The pendulous racemes are somewhat lax and branching. The flowers are large, with obtuse, pale rose-coloured sepals and petals, freely spotted with purple. The lip is flat, bluntly ovate, and of a deep rosy purple. The flowers, which are deli- ciously fragrant, are produced in June and July, and last about four weeks in perfection. Introduced from Bombay in 1844. Botanical Register, xxxi., t. 58. Var. Schrederi is a much stronger grower, and larger in all its parts than the type. The flowers are white, tinged with rose-magenta. A. mitratum.—A distinct and pretty flowered kind, re- markable on account of the narrow, almost rush-like, droop- ing foliage, the numerous thick roots, which spring from the base of the very short stem, and the dense, erect racemes of flowers, in which the sepals and petals are white, and the broad, obtuse lip is rose-purple. This species thrives best when grown on a raft or very shallow teak basket, with a small quantity of sphagnum about the base of the stem. It likes plenty of atmospheric moisture, and a position near the glass in a stove. Introduced from Moulmein. Botanical Magazine, t. 5728. A. nobile.— This is a very handsome, free-flowering plant, by many confounded with A. suavissimum. It may, Z V4 NB Z | g we Bae, —p) hi I f q i (= WZ i, ( “~~ ~ LERCAR ’ Wi ely \VAV Y/ Me CAN D J »: RACEME OF AERIDES ODORATUM (> nat. size). AERIDES. 37 however, be distinguished from that species by its more robust habit of growth, its longer and more branched raceme, and by the three lobes of the lip being nearly equal in length, the middle lobe being tongue-shaped, and slightly bifid at the apex. The leaves are strap-shaped, notched at the apex, light green, slightly spotted with brown. The racemes are 2ft. or 3ft. long, much-branched, many-flowered, and pendulous; the flowers are very fragrant; the sepals and petals are white, tipped and spotted with bright rose; the lip is three-lobed, the side lobes being creamy-yellow and the middle lobe white, dotted with rose-purple. The spur is long and yellowish. The flowers develop from June to August. A native of India. Warner’s Select Orchids, 1., t. 11. A. odoratum. — This is a free grower, and although, perhaps, the commonest Aérides in cultivation, it may take rank amongst the most beautiful. The leaves are strap-shaped, recurved, and dark green. The racemes are longer than the leaves, many-flowered, and pendulous. The flowers are very fragrant, the sepals and petals creamy white, tipped with pink, and the lip three-lobed, the middle lobe being ovate and inflexed, the spur conical and incurved, and of the same colour as the sepals. It blooms in May, June, and July. The original A. odoratum was among the first of the tropical Orchids introduced to this country, having been sent to Kew Gardens, from China, by Sir Joseph Banks, in 1800. It is a native of various parts of India, and also of China and Cochin China,.and is often cultivated in those countries for house decoration on account of the beauty and fragrance of its blossoms. Plate; Botanical Magazine, t. 4139. There are several varieties of this species ; of these, mazus, cornutum, and purpurascens, are the best. 38 ORCHIDS. A. quinquevulnerum.—tThis is a splendid species, of free habit and bold appearance. The leaves are strap-shaped, some 12in. long, tightly clasping the stem at the base, and of a bright, shining green. The raceme is longer than the leaves, pendulous, and many-flowered, the flowers being large, dense, and fragrant. The sepals and petals are rounded, white, marked with five reddish-crimson blotches (from which the species takes its name), and tipped with purple. The lip is cucullate, and funnel-shaped, the side lobes being erect, and the centre lobe oblong, incurved and Fig. 7. Portion of Raceme of Aérides quinquevulnerum (% nat. size). serrated, of the same colour as the sepals; spur conical, green. It blooms during late summer and early autumn. It was introduced from the Philippine Islands, by Cuming, in 1838, and has since been found in Timor. This species resembles A. odoratum, but may be distinguished by its five reddish-crimson blotches. The blossoms are fragrant, their perfume resembling that of the Lily of the Valley. Fig. 7; Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, vill. 241. Var. Farmer? is of similar habit and growth, but the leaves are much darker, and the raceme is longer than in the type. The flowers are pure white and fragrant. AERIDES. 39 Both the type and the variety should be treated as stove plants. They like plenty of water always. A. roseum.—This is a robust-growing plant, and a pro- fuse blossomer. The dark green leaves are leathery, recurved, and channelled above, with a blunt, two-lobed apex. The raceme is pendulous, dense, and many- flowered, upwards of 1ft. in length. The sepals and petals are narrow, acute, and pale rose-colour, with darker spots; the lip is flat, entire, and acute, of a bright rose, and, like the sepals and petals, freckled with spots of a darker hue. This species is known to some as A. multiflorum, and in the ‘ Botanical Magazine”’ it is figured under the name of A. affine. Some authorities class it as a variety of A. affine. It is a native of the plains of Moulmein, Silhet, and other parts of India, and was introduced in 1840. It flowers in June and July. Botanical Magazine, t. 4049. Var. superbum.—This has larger and deeper-coloured flowers, and the spikes are long and branching. A. suavissimum.—A distinct, robust-growing plant, which will attain a considerable height when well grown. The leaves are flaccid, some toin. long, light green, and profusely freckled with brown dots. The numerous flower-spikes are half-pendulous and branched, bearing a profusion of deli- ciously fragrant flowers. The sepals and petals are bluntly ovate, white, tipped or tinged throughout with deep lilac. The lip is three-lobed, the side lobes being oblong and serrated, and the middle lobe small and bifid; the whole lip is of a pale lemon colour, and the spur is rosy-red. This species flowers in June and July, and was introduced from the Straits of Malacca in 1848. It requires stove treatment all the year round. Var. aurantiacum is much handsomer than the normal form. 40 ORCHIDS. It is more robust in growth, and the lip is of a deep, rich orange-yellow. It was introduced from Borneo about 1866. A. Thibautianum.—This beautiful species in general appearance resembles A. quinquevulnerum, and the leaves have the same conspicuous stem-clasping habit; they are 8in. to roin. long, unequally lobed at the apex, and deep green. The raceme is pendulous, longer than the leaves, and many-flowered; the sepals and petals are oblong and rose-coloured; the lip is bright amethyst, three-lobed—the side lobes are curved, and the middle lobe narrow and acute; the spur is conical and blunt. This species flowers in August and September, and is a native of Java, whence it was introduced in 1866. Syn. A. Huttont. A. vandarum.— This resembles Vanda teres in the character of its stem and foliage, but it is a much slenderer plant. The flowers are developed in pairs, on short, lateral spikes; they are pure white, 2in. across; sepals and petals narrowed to a stalk at the base, wavy and crisped at the margins; lip three-lobed, the two side lobes standing erect like a pair of ears, the front one very irregular and twisted; spur long, nearly straight. The plant should be fastened to a long block of soft wood or a teak raft, and suspended in a shady, moist corner of the stove. It likes plenty of water always. Native of India. Flowers in winter. Syn. A. cylindricum. Botanical Magazine, t. 4982. A. virens.—A free-growing, handsome-flowered species, with strap-shaped, channelled, recurved leaves, pale green in colour. The racemes are long, drooping, and many- flowered, the blossoms being deliciously fragrant. The sepals and petals are rounded and peach-coloured, tipped with rosy purple; the lip is large, the side lobes are AERIDES. 41 toothed at the apex, white, dotted with crimson. This species begins to flower as early as April, lasting until July; it was introduced from Java in 1841. An easily- managed plant, requiring ordinary treatment. Botanical Register, xxx., t. 41. Fig. 8. Portion of Raceme of Aérides virens var. Ellisii (2 nat. size), The following are well-marked varieties : Var. Dayanum.—Racemes very long; flowers large, and bright in colour. 42 ORGHTDS. Var. Edlrsiz—lLeaves short and broad; racemes 1-+ft. long; flowers numerous, large, brightly coloured. Fig. 8. Var. grandifiorum.—Flowers large, white, spotted with pink. A. Wightianum.—This is a beautiful little plant, with flowers quite distinct from those of all the other known species. The jeaves are strap-shaped, bilobed, with a small point between the lobes. The racemes are erect, longer than the leaves; flowers few, with a honey-like perfume. The sepals and petals ovate, of a soft, apricot- Fig. 9. Raceme of Aérides Wightianum (nat. size). yellow hue; the lip is spurred and three-lobed, white and violet, dotted with lilac, and bearing a crested disc. It blossoms during the summer months, and is a native of India and Ceylon, whence it was introduced in 1843. Syns. A. testaceum, Vanda parvifiora. Fig. 9; Botanical Magazine, t. 5138. CECA PE ikee Vv Lobe. ANGRACUM. SOME of the most remarkable Orchids known belong to this genus. The flowers are usually white, and, in many of the species, large and handsome. A large number of new additions have been made to the cultivated kinds in recent years, so that the genus now occupies a first place amongst tropical Orchids. Generally the habit of the plants resembles that of Vandas and Aérides, to which, indeed, they are botanically related. Some—such as, for instance, A. eburneum and A. giganteum—are very large and robust, others—such as A. falcatum and A. bilobum—being very diminutive. The flowers are borne on lateral racemes, which are sometimes branched; the sepals and petals are usually equal and spreading, the lip is broad and flat, and the spur is long and tail-like. Many of the kinds are very fragrant, and last several weeks in bloom. They blossom freely when in health, and, with few exceptions, are happy under cultivation. Nearly all the known kinds are natives of tropical Africa, and Madagascar or the adjacent islands. Culture.—All the Angrzcums being epiphytes, they Tequire the same kind of treatment as Aérides, Vandas, &c. The strong, robust-growing kinds may be planted in pots half filled with drainage, the rest being filled with 44 ORCHIDS. fresh sphagnum mixed with a few pieces of charcoal. The smaller kinds are best grown in teak baskets or pans, with a layer of drainage at the bottom, and sphagnum about the base of the stem. A few kinds thrive only when grown on blocks of soft wood or fern-stem. They all like plenty of ‘water at the root all the year round.) Excep A. falcatum, all the known species require tropical treat- ment; none of them should be grown in a position ex- posed to bright sunshine. A good many of the species of Angrzecum which are grown by specialists are not of the kind which amateurs generally would care to have. The following kinds are what we consider the best of the genus: A. caudatum.—A handsome plant, 8in. to 12in. high, with strap-shaped, recurved leaves, roin. long, and_ horizontal spikes of flowers, arranged in two rows along the spike; sepals and petals brownish; lip large, pure white, with a long, projecting point, and a spur gin. long, coloured brown. A pretty species, lasting in flower several weeks. It blooms in the autumn. Native of Sierra Leone. Botanical Magazine, t. 4370. A. citratum.—A small species, with spathulate, bright , green leaves, on a short stem, and slender, horizontal spikes of small, jewel-like flowers, arranged with their faces upwards, creamy-white, the spur thin, greenish. One of the prettiest of miniature tropical Orchids. Native of Mada- gascCar. Botanical Magazine, t. 5624 A. eburneum.—A large, robust plant, 3ft. or more in height, with long, thick, strap-shaped leaves, of leathery texture, light green in colour. Flower-spikes erect, stiff, bearing numerous large flowers, in which the petals and sepals are narrow and green, whilst the broad, cordate lip ANGRAECUM. 45 is pure white; they last in perfection nearly two months, and emit a most delicious fragrance all the time. For large tropical houses this is certainly one of the most desizaole ret Orchids; as it‘rarely-cets out of health, flowers regularly and abundantly, and is one of the most sweetly-scented. Native of Madagascar and the Seychelles. Flowers in winter. Syn. A. superbum. Botanical Magazine, t. 4761. Var. virens has smaller flowers, the lip being greenish white. A. Ellisii,— A dwarf plant, with broad, tongue-shaped leaves, toin. long, dark green, bilobed at the apex. Flower-spikes arching, 2ft. long, bearing from eighteen to twenty-four flowers, pure white, very fragrant; spur 6in. long, hanging downwards. One of the prettiest of the smaller kinds, and one of the sweetest-scented. Native of Mada- gascar. Flowers in winter. Floral Magazine, t. 191. A. falcatum.—A small plant, with narrow, channelled leaves, and short racemes of small, white flowers, which are fragrant and lasting. Winter. Native of Japan. This little plant requires the temperature of a cool, moist green- house. A. Sanderianum.—A beautiful little plant, with shining green, tongue-shaped leaves, the margins tinged with red; length about 6in. Flower-spikes 1ft. long, drooping, and bearing two rows of snow-white flowers, 13in. across; the sepals and petals spreading, the lip triangular, and the spur 3in. to 4in. long. Flowering season, early spring. Native of Madagascar. This is a delightful plant, very free-flowering, the spikes graceful and the flowers lasting; it grows perfectly if placed along with Phalznopsis. 46 ORCHIDS. A. Scottianum.—This is a distinct little plant, the stems being numerous, wiry, and usually twisted; leaves terete, about 4in. long, deep green. Flowers in pairs, on short, axillary spikes, each flower being 2in. across, pure white ; the lip large and pointed, and the spur 6in. long, and yellowish. It blooms in mid-summer. Native of Comoro Islands. This species does best when grown on a block of soft wood or fern-stem, over a tank, in a tropical house. It requires abundance of moisture always. Botanical Magazine, t. 6723. A. sesquipedale—This extraordinary plant has become famous as one of the Orchids which Charles Darwin was specially interested in, on account of the exceptional length of its spur. The stem is erect, and hidden by the clasping bases of the broad, recurved, strap-shaped leaves, which are deep green, keeled, 1ft. long, and bilobed at the apex. Flowers on axillary spikes—strong plants producing four flowers on each spike — ivory-white, 6in. or more across, waxy in appearance; the sepals and petals equal, over- lapping at the base, narrowed upwards to a point; lip large, heart-shaped; spur as thick as a goose-quill, rft. to 1}ft. long. The flowers are generally produced in the early winter, lasting nearly a month; they are very fragrant. Native of Madagascar. This noble species requires tropical treatment, and abundance of water at the root. Botanical Magazine, t. 5113. CHAPTER’ VIL: ANGULOA. THE Anguloas are large, stately plants, with the habit of Lycastes, such as L. Skinneri, but more robust even than that plant. They have large, conical, furrowed pseudo- bulbs, broad, plaited foliage, and erect flower-spikes. The flowers are large, cupped, very waxy in substance, and attractive in colour. Their peculiar shape has led to their being likened to a bull’s head. All the species are massive rather than graceful, and they owe their popularity to size, colour, and fragrance. Culture.—These plants are easily grown, thriving in a greenhouse temperature all the year round. Pots or deep pans are most suitable for them, and these should be large enough to allow of a liberal allowance of soil, with plenty of drainage. They like abundance of water when growing, and when at rest they should not be allowed to get dry. The new growth springs from the base of the last-ripened pseudo-bulb, and the flowers develop along with it. When growth commences, it goes on rapidly, the large, handsome foliage unfolding almost as vigorously as leeks. The flowers last about a fortnight or three weeks, and emit a powerful fragrance. The leaves fall off the new pseudo-buib as soon as it is ripe. The time most favourable 48 ORCHIDS. for re-potting these plants is just when new growth appears. The roots should not be much disturbed. The most suitable compost is a mixture of turfy loam and peat, with a small proportion of fine dry cow-dung mixed with it. A. Clowesii.—This is, perhaps, the largest-growing of the species with which we are at present acquainted, its broad, plaited leaves, and large, tulip-like, fragrant flowers rendering it at once a distinct and extremely handsome plant.’ The Fig. 10. Flower of Anguloa Clowesii (4 nat. size), colour of the broad sepals and petals is bright yellow; the inclosed lip, which is white, tinged with orange, is re- markable in being balanced on a very delicate hinge, so that the slightest movement of the flower causes the lip to ANGULOA. 49 rock backwards and forwards. It blooms in May and June. Native of Columbia. Fig. 10; Botanical Magazine, t. 4313. Var. macrantha.—Flowers larger, bright yellow, spotted with red. They are developed in July. A. eburnea presents a similar appearance when growing to the previously-described species, but forms a_ beautiful contrast when in bloom, as its equally large, tulip-like flowers are pure white, saving a few pink spots upon the lip. It blooms during June and July, and is an extremely rare species. It is a native of New Grenada. Williams’ Orchid Album, iii., t. 133. A. intermedia.—A hybrid raised by Messrs. Veitch, from A. Clowesii and A. Ruckeri. The flowers are large, pale yellow, spotted with rosy purple, the lip being cinnamon-brown, paler on the disk, and barred with purple. It is the only known hybrid Anguloa. It was flowered for the first time in 1888. A. Ruckeri.—This species is scarcely so large as those already described. Flowers similar in size and shape, tawny yellow, profusely crimson-spotted ; lip wholly crimson. It blooms during June and July, and is a native of Columbia. Botanical Register, 1846, t. 41. Var. sanguinea has the inside of the sepals and petals deep blood-red ; it is very rare. Syn. A. purpurea. A. uniflora.—This is a compact-growing species, similar in habit to the others, with clean, healthy foliage, and a profuse bloomer. The flowers are large, pure white, some- times freckled with brown. It blooms in June and July, and is a native of Columbia. Botanical Magazine, t. 4807. CHAP TE Rix ANCGCTOCHILUS. THIS is a small genus of ground Orchids, related to our own native ‘‘Lady’s Tresses” (Goodyera repens). Botanists describe about eight true species, referring all the others to allied genera, or reducing them to the position of varieties merely. Horticulturally, however, this arrangement is not easy to follow, and we therefore propose to describe under the name of Anecectochilus all those plants which are popularly known as such. The flowers in these plants are so small and unattractive that they need not be described here. Indeed, most cultivators of Ancectochili prefer to remove the flower- spikes as soon as they appear, so as to prevent their exhausting the plant. All the kinds have short, fleshy, creeping stems, from which roots are emitted more or less freely on the lower side. The leaves are arranged in a rosette, or alternately on the stem, and vary in form from orbicular to lance-shaped; they are succulent, very tender, and usually their veins are picked out in rich and beautiful colours, golden, silvery, olive, and even rose- coloured reticulations often covering their whole surface. Under favourable conditions each leaf remains on the plant three, five, or even eight years, retaining the brilliancy ANGCTOCHILUS. 51 of its colours the whole of that time. All the species are natives of tropical Asia, the most beautiful being found in Ceylon and Java. Culture.—Although these plants have been in cultivation many years, and notwithstanding the painstaking care that has been expended upon them by both amateur and professional gardeners, their successful management in this country has never been quite accomplished. For a time— it may be two, or even five, years—they will grow and remain in health, and then suddenly they go wrong, the plants perishing one after the other in spite of all one can do. Of course, the same difficulty occurs in the case of other kinds of Orchids besides the Ancectochili, but the loss does not give nearly so much pain in the former case as in the latter, for one gets to love Ancectochili. Perhaps the most successful grower of these plants is a gentleman who now possesses a very fine collection of the best and rarest kinds, and whose only accommodation for them is a set of cases in the windows of his dwelling-house. This enthusiastic amateur has, however, been studying the habits and requirements of Ancectochili for over thirty years, and he declares to-day that they are still a mystery to him. But his ingenious and expensive contrivances are almost beyond imitation; we will therefore give the details of the treatment found most successful in the cultivation of a good collection of Ancectochili in the Royal Gardens, Kew. The plants are kept in a large case in a stove, where they are shaded from all direct sunshine. The temperature during summer rarely falls below 7cdeg., or exceeds 8odeg.; in winter it is about 7odeg. by day and 6odeg. by night. The atmosphere is always very moist. The plants stand on a layer of clean cinders, which are always saturated. The pots used are small ones, as the plants E 2 52 ORCHIDS. produce but few roots, and these are on or near the surface of the soil. As the stem increases in length, and develops new roots, more accommodation is needed; but it is safest to begin with thumb pots for weak or small plants, increasing the root-room as it becomes necessary. The compost used is a mixture of small lumps of fresh turfy peat, about the size of hazel nuts, some chopped sphagnum, a little good leaf-mould—not rotten, but just dead leaves—and a sprinkling of bits of broken red-clay brick, the size of peas. The pots or pans should be half-filled with clean crocks, and the compost should not be pressed tightly about the roots, but be simply shaken together. After re-potting, the soil should be well watered, and kept moist, but not saturated. It is not advisable to water the leaves of the plants overhead. When a plant shows signs of ill-health, it should at once be carefully washed at the root, examined for rot, all the bad parts cut away, and what remains be placed on the top of moist, clean sand, in a frame, till it commences to make fresh roots. Healthy plants, when long enough, may be divided into several, cutting away the top just below the last new root, and dividing the remainder of the stem as often as may be done with safety. Thrips and red spider sometimes attack these plants ; they must be washed off with a solution of tobacco and soft soap. Where few plants are grown, small bell-glasses should be used instead of the frame, placing one over each plant. Those glasses with a hole through the top are the most suitable for the purpose. A. concinnum.—A beautiful little plant, the leaves being 5in. long by 3in. broad, gradually narrowed to a point at the apex, rounded at the base; the ground-colour is deep olive-green, through which run stripes and a network of a coppery-red colour. Native of Assam. . . j Fy * 2 > i : a : } . ewes 7 z : 4 . : * ‘ . ’ — * wae . 3 . ¥ ~ , . hp ey , ? i 2 . -= ’ <1 BD . : ~ . 2 gah vs g © ¥y Pe Ste ie - ~ a - + _ : aay ~ cS = : eye ea - . . . a> - * hs ‘ . feck 3 : f - . . 2 a ? 7 sy ul * = Le a9 4 - > = wn " : = f ; oO = + Ce} c oe ‘ = . >< a - ii =t2 e = = ft oy = : rig :) A % F hat - a0 F r me he b a & ¥ i > So cn 4 % eae . - . ‘ 2 i: zo - A Dhar ee ae < }-a ‘ o¥. ANCECTOCHILUS LOWII * Ase ro 3 ; ee eS REGIE GS 7 RAN on a y 3 <2. ‘& Se) te v kes tke (2 nat. size). AN GECTOCHILUS. 53 A. Dominianum.—A hybrid raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons from A. xanthophyllum and Goodyera discolor. Stem tin. thick, fleshy; leaves 24in. by 1}in., ovate, olive-green, streaked and flaked with apple-yellow. This plant is one of the handsomest members of the genus, but it is very rare. A. intermedium.—This is probably a robust variety of A. Roxburghii: It has an erect stem, 3in. or more long; leaves 23in. by 14in., the surface coloured bronzy-green, with a silky sheen, the midrib marked with a band of grey at the base, and striped and veined with shining gold. A native of Ceylon. A. javanicum.—A large-leaved, prettily-marked kind, not unlike A. Lowii in habit and size; indeed, it is sometimes called a green form of that species. It differs, however, very markedly in having thinner, longer leaves, and in colour. ‘In good examples the leaves of A. javanicum are 4in. long by 2hin. broad, suddenly narrowed at both ends; the colour is apple-green, with numerous transverse veins of silvery grey; the under surface is tinted with rose. Native of Java. Syns. A. Vettchit, Argyrorchis javanica, Macodes javanica. Botanical Magazine, t. 7037. A. Lowii.—The largest and one of the most beautiful of all Ancectochili. When well managed it grows 6in. or more high, with a crowded rosette of leaves, 4in. long by gin. wide, their texture being thick and succulent. The ground-colour of the upper surface is dark, velvet-green, shaded with brown, and beautifully lined and veined with pale gold. The under surface is pale yellow, tinged with rose. Native of Borneo. Syn. Dossinta marmorata. Plate. 54 ORCHIDS, Var. Dayi has deep olive-green leaves, with the reticu- lations of a coppery-red colour. Var. virescens has smaller leaves, of a paler shade of green. A. Petola. which is easily cultivated. It grows rapidly, forming stems A very beautiful species, and, moreover, one 6in. or more long, which are clothed with oval leaves, 3in. by 2in., fleshy in texture, the surface a soft, mossy, shining green, the veins being of a pale golden, sparkling colour. Fig. 11. Aneectochilus Petola (% nat. size). There are several fine examples of this charming little Orchid in the Kew collection. In Java it is exceedingly plentiful, but from the nature of its stems it is difficult to import alive. Syn. Macodes Petola. Fig. It. ANGETOCHILUS. 55 A. Reinwardtiii—A delicate little plant, with thin, watery stems, bearing roundish leaves about r}in. long, the surface coloured deep bronze, with a velvet-like sheen, and thickly covered with interlacing lines of deep, shining gold. This is a perfect litthe gem when in good health. It is a native of Java. Fig. 12, Ancectochilus xanthophyllum (} nat, size). A. Roxburghiii—Stem gin. to 6in. long, very fleshy ; leaves 2}in. by r13in., ovate, the surface deep, bronzy green, with a broad band of silvery grey running along the mid- rib, from the base almost to the apex; veins shining, coppery red. A beautiful plant, which was once fairly 56 ORCHIDS. common in gardens, but is now rarely seen. It is a native of the Malaya region. A. setaceum.—This is known in Ceylon as the King of the Woods (Wana Rajah), and in England it is considered the most beautifully variegated plant known. The soft, velvet-like brown of the leaves and the thick reticulation of sparkling gold baffle description, nor can they be truthfully represented by the artist. Some of the forms are much more beautiful than others, that known as cordatum being, perhaps, the finest, the variety vregale being almost as fine. The best varieties are natives of Ceylon and Singapore, the poorer kinds coming from the Neilgherries. A. xanthophyllum.—A strong, free-growing plant, with the habit of A. Petola, but slightly longer and more ‘pointed in the leaves. Strong plants produce leaves 2tin. long and r4in. wide, rather fleshy, and coloured very dark velvety green, with reticulating lines of pale green and yellow, and a central area of bands of pale gold. This species is a native of Ceylon, where it grows in moist woods in shady places, along with A. setaceus. Syn. A. Frederici-Augustt. Big. 12: CirAP TER. OX. ANSELLIA. A SMALL genus of tropical African Orchids, with the habit of a large Dendrobium, and the flowers of a Cymbidium. The pseudo-bulbs are stout and woody when old; they vary in length from t1ft. to 4ft., and they bear about a dozen leaves near the apex. The flowers are borne in large, branching panicles, usually from the apex, but sometimes from the sides of the pseudo-bulbs. Each flower is about 2in. across; the sepals and petals are equal and spreading, and the lip is three-lobed. The colour is some shade of yellow, with blotches of brown. The genus is named after Mr. John Ansell, who discovered it in Fernando Po growing on the stem of a palm-tree. Culture.—These plants require tropical treatment all the year round. They should be planted in pots or pans half full of drainage, using as compost peat fibre and sphagnum. Whilst growing they require plenty of water, both at the root and overhead; and they should have as sunny a position as is possible in the tropical house. When growth is finished less water should be given. The time to re-pot is just as new growth commences. As these plants root freely, they should be allowed plenty of pot room. 58 ORCHIDS. A. africana.—Pseudo-bulbs 4ft. high; leaves 1ft. long, with prominent ribs; panicles large, branching; flowers pale yellow, spotted with brown. Strong plants produce as many as fifty or more flowers in a panicle, and these remain six weeks in perfection. They are developed in winter. Native of Sierra Leone. Fig. 13; Botanical Magazine, t. 4965. Fig. 13. Flower of Ansellia africana (% nat. size). Var. congoensts has shorter pseudo-bulbs and smaller flowers, their colour being deep yellow, with pale brown blotches. Congo. Var. gigantea has small, yellow, unspotted flowers, and short, stout pseudo-bulbs. It is also known as Cymbidium Sandersont. Natal. Var. nzlotica has pseudo-bulbs about 2ft. long, and large flowers of a deep yellow colour, with large blotches of dark brown. It is the finest of all known Ansellias. Upper Nile regions. CHAP PER XT. BARKERIA. A GENUS of small, thin-stemmed Orchids, related to Epi- dendrum. The pseudo-bulbs are fusiform, usually springing from each other, with numerous stout roots and a few strap-shaped leaves, which latter fall off when the growth is ripened. The flowers are in erect racemes, which spring from the top of the ripened pseudo-bulbs, and they last several weeks under favourable conditions. In form and structure they are similar to the bulk of Epidendrums. All the species are natives of Central America. Culture. to a few twigs of thorn or apple, which should be stuck These plants thrive best when fastened on in a teak basket of moss, and suspended near the roof-glass, in an unshaded part of the intermediate house. When growing they should be dipped overhead in water at least once a day. As the leaves fall off, the supply of moisture should be reduced, and finally withheld altogether till growth re-commences. Naturally we believe these plants grow on low, twiggy bushes near streams, or where for a part of the year there is a copious rainfall. Some growers recommend placing these plants out of doors in a moist, sunny position during summer. B. elegans.—A charming little plant, with slender pseudo-bulbs and pale green leaves. The racemes are 60 ORCHIDS. small, and the flowers 2in. across; sepals and petals broad and spreading, coloured rosy lilac; lip spoon-shaped, tin. long, white, dotted with crimson, with a large blotch of maroon-crimson in front; column broad, winged, spotted like the lip. It blooms in spring. Native of Mexico. Botanical Magazine, t. 4784. B. Lindleyana.—Pseudo-bulbs 1ft. long, as thick as a goose-quill. Racemes long, erect, bearing numerous large, delicate flowers, similar in form to those of B. elegans, see te, 7 Y A * Vy » (Lili, ON UM fifi Ss Vv Fig. 14. Flower of Barkeria Lindleyana (nat. size). but rosy purple in colour, the large blotch of purple on the lip being accompanied by one of white. The flowers appear in autumn. Native of Mexico and Costa Rica. Fig. 14; Botanical Magazine, t. 6008. B. Skinneri.—Habit as in B. Lindleyana. Flower-spikes erect, nearly 2ft. long, bearing a score or more flowers, BARKERTA. 61 which are as large as in B. elegans, and soft rose in colour, paler on the lip. They are developed in October and November. Native of Mexico and Guatemala. Botanical Magazine, tt. 3951, 4094. B. spectabilis.—Pseudo-bulbs numerous, small, branching, seldom exceeding 4in. in length, and each bearing two small, fleshy, green leaves; raceme semi-erect, bearing from six to twelve flowers, each about 3in. across; colour pale Fig. 15. Flower of Barkeria spectabilis (2 nat. size). rosy lilac; lip white at the base, rose-coloured in front, and dotted all over with small red dots. When well grown this species is a most attractive Orchid. The flowers appear in mid-summer, and they remain fresh on the plant about a month. Native of Mexico and Guatemala. Fig. 15; Botanical Magazine, t. 4094. + Soo et CHAPTER « Xily BATEMANNIA. THIS is a genus of dwarf epiphytes, compact in habit, and, with few exceptions, free-flowering and showy. They have very short pseudo-bulbs, clothed with broad, stout, flag-like leaves, usually arranged in two opposite rows. The flowers are large, and occur singly, or in pairs (rarely more), on recurved peduncles. The genus is related to Zygopetalum. Culture.—These plants require the same temperature as Cattleya Mossiz, and may be grown either in pots, in a compost of peat fibre and sphagnum, or on rafts of teak with sphagnum placed about the roots. Where there is plenty of room for suspending the plants from the roof, the use of rafts is preferable. Abundant supplies of moisture, both at the roots and in the atmosphere, are needed during growth. In bright summer weather the leaves must be protected by shading. These plants grow in very shady woods, where rain falls almost daily and where they are always protected from intense sunshine. They therefore cannot be easily over-watered under cultivation if the compost at the root and other conditions are satisfactory. Thrips must be kept from them. B. Burtii.—This is a beautiful and striking species, with dark green leaves, 12in. or 14in. in length, and 2tin. in BATEMANNIA. 63 breadth. The flowers are borne singly, and measure 3in. to 4in. in diameter. The spreading sepals, which have a somewhat triangular shape, are of a reddish-brown colour, spotted with yellow, the base being wholly yellow. The petals only differ from the sepals in having a few purplish streaks at the base. The lip is rin. long, trowel-shaped, and white, except towards the apex, which is a dark brownish purple; it is attached to the base of the column by a hinge-like projection, and this bears an erect, comb-like fringe. The column is fleshy, white, winged and hooded. Introduced from Costa Rica in 1872. Botanical Magazine, t. 6003. B. Meleagris.—A rather scarce but very handsome and interesting species, with broadly lance-shaped leaves, rift. in length, arranged in opposite rows. The peduncles spring from the axils of the leaves, and each bears a soli- tary flower, 3in. or gin. across. The sepals and petals are similar in shape, broad at the base, their colour being pale yellow, changing in the upper half to purplish brown. The lip is about half as large as the petals, and is white at the base and purplish brown in front; there is a curious crescent-shaped fringe of stiff, yellow hairs in the throat. This species flowers at mid-summer, and is a native of Brazil. Syn. Huntleya Meleagris. Botanical Register, 1839, t. 14. B. Beaumontit, B. Colleyt, and B. grandiflora, are also in cultivation, but their flowers are dingy and un- attractive. CHAPTER oT BLETIA. A LARGE genus of terrestrial or epiphytical Orchids, several species of which are highly ornamental, and especially vaiuable because of the abundance and bright colours of their flowers. They are related to Phaius, and are natives of tropical America, China, and Japan. The plants are characterised by having round or flattened pseudo-bulbs, clustered on a creeping rhizome, and bearing from the top several long, narrow, plaited leaves, which fall off in autumn. The name Bletia has also been given to a section of what is now known as Lelia—as, for instance, Bletia Perrini, now called Lzelia. Culture.—Bletias are not difficult to cultivate, requiring liberal treatment when growing, and after that a long season of rest. The most suitable compost for them is a mixture of fibrous yellow loam and decayed leaf-soil, with a little silver sand. The kinds described below being truly terrestrial, the pseudo-bulbs should be buried just beneath the surface of the soil; about 2in. of drainage is sufficient. These plants may be grown in the cool- house or in a heated frame. In well-established specimens occasional applications of weak manure-water will be found beneficial. After flowering, the plants may be placed out BLETIA. 65 of doors, plunging the pots in ashes, and leaving the leaves exposed to full sunshine. They should be taken indoors on the approach of cold weather, and be kept on the dry side until new growth appears. B. hyacinthina.—This is a useful and handsome species, and one of the hardiest; indeed, in favoured situations it 4 Va sf = fy N) Fig 16. Portion of Raceme of Bletia hyacinthina (4 nat. size). has been grown outside. In the cool Orchid-house, its rosy- purple, graceful flowers produce a charming effect, and it well merits the little care necessary to grow it successfully. The leaves are long and plaited, and in spring, when the plant is in bloom, are of a beautiful pale green, forming an F 66 ORCHIDS. admirable background for the rosy-purple flowers. The flowers are numerous, on scapes about rft. high, each flower measuring 2in. across; the lip is white, streaked and edged with crimson. Introduced from China in 1802. Syns. B. gebina, B. japonica. Fig. 16; Botanical Magazine, t. 1492. B. patula.—This handsome plant has roundish pseudo- bulbs 2in. in diameter, and plaited leaves 143ft. in length. The flower-spike rises from the young growth in March, and grows to 3ft. in height, bearing about a score of red- dish-lilac coloured flowers, each upwards of 2in. across. The base of the lip is white, as are also the six ridges occurring on the disk. During growth this plant requires a warmer atmosphere than the others, and should be placed with the Cattleyas. A native of the West Indies ; introduced in 1830. Botanical Magazine, t. 3518. B. Shepherdiii—A strong-growing species, producing its long, branching spikes of flowers during the winter months. The leaves are broadly lance-shaped, and about r4ft. long; the flowers are of a uniform deep purple colour, except the centre of the lip, which is dull yellow. A native of Jamaica; introduced in 1825. Botanical Magazine, t. 3319. B. Sherrattiana.—This species is probably the prettiest of all. Its pseudo-bulbs are flattened, 2in. in diameter, and carry three or four plaited leaves, which taper towards either end. The flowers are of delicate texture, but large and showy; they are produced towards the top of an erect spike, 3ft. in height, twelve or more flowers occurring on a spike. The sepals and petals are of a bright rosy-red colour, and about in. long, the former being oblong in shape, and BLETIA. 67 bluntish, and the latter being twice as broad, and rounded. The lip is three-lobed, of a deep rosy purple, with three parallel, golden-yellow, raised lines, traversing the white centre. Introduced from New Grenada in 1867. Botanical Magazine, t. 5646. B. verecunda.—An interesting plant, which is now and again imported and offered as new. It was the first in- troduced of all exotic Orchids, having been cultivated in England by Collinson in 1731. It has flattened, under- ground pseudo-bulbs, tall, plaited, grass-like foliage, and erect, branching racemes 2ft. to 3ft. high, bearing numerous reddish-purple flowers. Compared with others here de- scribed, it is not beautiful, but it is worth growing for the sake of its historical interest. It requires a warm-house temperature, and blooms in summer. A native of Florida and the West Indies. Syns. B. acutipetala, Limodorum altum. Botanical Magazine, t. 3217. CHAPTER) Xi BOLLEA. THIS genus consists of a small group of Orchids regarded by some botanists as Zygopetalums, but so distinct as to justify us in keeping them separate here. They have short, erect stems (not developing into pseudo-bulbs proper), bearing the sheathing leaves in opposite rows, and single- flowered, erect scapes. The flowers are full and large, usually 3in. to 4in. in diameter, with broad sepals and petals, a prominent crest on the lip, and a short, stout column. Culture.—Bolleas require warm-house treatment, and enjoy a shaded position, near the glass. They are found to succeed best on pieces of soft fern-stem, or, where that cannot be obtained, on blocks or rafts of teak, which should hang horizontally. The roots should have a little sphagnum placed about them, and frequent dippings overhead are necessary during the period of growth; in hot weather the plants should be looked over both night and morning. Thrips are apt to infest these plants, and soon do serious damage, so that, on the slightest indication of their presence, tobacco-dust or tobacco-water should be at once applied. B. celestis—A bright and distinctly-coloured species, well worth cultivating on account of its unusual tints, which, if not actually the much-coveted blue, are a near approach. BOLLEA. 69 flower, which is sometimes 4in. in diameter. The oblong, pointed sepals, and rather smaller petals, are light blue at the base, changing to mauve in the middle and white at the tips. The lip at the front is a beautiful deep violet, with a large, yellowish callus at the base. The column is purple-blue and boat-shaped. This species flowers during the summer months, and is a native of Colombia. Intro- duced in 1878. Syn. Zygopetalum celeste. Botanical Magazine, t. 6458. B. Lalindei.—A distinct and handsome species, producing flowers 3in. in diameter, on one-flowered scapes, and having broadly lance-shaped leaves, rft. long and _five-nerved. The sepals and petals are rose-coloured, with greenish- yellow tips; the lip is golden-yellow, with recurved margins, and the arching column is very broad and rose-coloured. According to different published descriptions, there appears to be a variation in the colouring of the flowers. Professor Reichenbach describes them as having sepals and petals of bright violet, lip deep orange, and column deep purple. The first, however, is the form we have met with. Introduced from New Grenada in 1874. Syn. Zygopetalum Lalindet. Botanical Magazine, t. 6331. B. Patinii—A desirable species, somewhat resembling the preceding, but with larger, though less brightly coloured, flowers. From the base of the broad, nerved, and pointed leaves, spring the decurved flower-scapes, each bearing one flower. The sepals and petals are oblong in shape, wavy, and rose-coloured, the lower side of the two lateral sepals being deep rose. The lip is short and yellow, and above it curves the broad, pink column. This species was found in the forests of New Grenada in 1873. Syn. Zygopetalum Patinit. Gardeners’ Chronicle, Jan., 1875, p. 9, Fig. 1. CHAPTER’ “X Ve BRASSIA. THIS genus includes about twenty species, which are some- what widely distributed over tropical America. There is very little difference, in a botanical sense, between Brassia and Oncidium, some botanists uniting the two under the latter name. Horticulturally, however, Brassia is very distinctly characterised by the long, tail-like form of its sepals and petals, and by the absence of wings from the sides of the column. All the cultivated species are robust, free-growing plants, very similar to some Oncidiums in habit, and when strong they flower every year. The flowers are not remarkable for any brilliancy of colour, but they find many admirers on account of their large size and spider- like form. Culture.—These plants succeed in either pots or pans; the drainage must be thorough, and they should be potted in good fibrous peat, with a little sphagnum and sand added. They should be placed in the warm end of the Cattleya or intermediate house, and be liberally supplied with water during the summer. In winter, still keep them in the same position, and give just sufficient moisture to prevent the pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling. The flowers remain in good condition a long time on the plants. BRAS SILA. aa B. antherotes—A handsome, free-growing plant, with healthy, green foliage, and stout flower-spikes, sometimes 2ft. or more in length, bearing many flowers, each 7in. across; the sepals are long and narrow; petals only half PE i Fig. 17. Flower of Brassia Lanceana (2 nat. size). as long, yellow, brownish black at the base; lip triangular, yellow, barred with brown. Brazil (2). Introduced in 1879. B. Gireoudiana.—A fine, bold-growing species, producing its many-flowered scapes of singular and beautiful flowers during the spring and early summer. The remarkable 72 ORCHIDS. lengthening-out of the sepals, which is so characteristic of Brassia, is well exemplified in this species. In general character it resembles B. Lanceana, the sepals and petals being bright yellow, spotted and blotched with deep red, and the lip similarly coloured. Native of Costa Rica. Kenia, t. 32: B. Lanceana.—This is a plant of robust growth, with dark green pseudo-bulbs and leaves, and a many-flowered scape. The narrow, tapering sepals and petals are bright yellow, blotched with brown, or sometimes with dull red; the lip is wholly yellow, slightly spotted at the base, and much waved. In the typical form the lip is rather more than half as long as the sepals. The flowers are deliciously fragrant, and last in full beauty for two or three weeks; they are produced in summer. It is a native of Surinam, whence it was introduced by Mr. J. H. Lance, in 1843. Fig. 17; Botanical Magazine, t. 3577. Var. macrostachya.—A very large-flowered form, the sepals nearly 5in. in length. Var. pumila.—In this the sepals are pale yellow, without spots or markings, and the petals of the same colour, but tinged with purple near the base. B. Lawrenceana.—This, though often confounded with B. Lanceana, is, nevertheless, quite distinct. The flowers are large and sweet-scented; the sepals and petals bright yellow, spotted with cinnamon-brown and green; the lip also yellow, tinged with green. It blooms toward the end of summer, and lasts for a long time in full beauty. Native of Brazil; introduced in 18309. Botanical Register, xxvii., t. 18. Var. dongissima.—This produces a many-flowered scape, nearly 2ft. in length. The sepals are deep orange-yellow, blotched and spotted with reddish purple, and as much as BRASSIA. 73 qin. in eee The oli is about 3in. in length, le ibe dotted and spotted towards the base with purple. It is a magnificent variety, and blooms during August and September. It was introduced from Costa Rica. Botanical Magazine, t. 5748. B. maculata.—One of the earliest exotic Orchids that flowered in Britain, having been introduced in 1806, and figured in the ‘Botanical Magazine” for 1814, from a i re a \ Ss AN ay ty } 4 ‘ ; = / ~ y Fig. 18. Flower of Brassia maculata (nat. size). plant which flowered at Kew. The sepals and petals are pale yellow, irregularly spotted with brown, the former being short compared with those of other species; the lip is large and spoon-shaped, white, spotted about the centre with brown and purple. Its flowers, which are somewhat showy, are produced during spring and early summer. It is a native of Jamaica. Fig. 18; Botanical Magazine, t. 1691. 74 ORCHIDS. Var. guttata.—This is in cultivation under the name of B. Wrayz. it has greenish flowers, spotted with purplish brown throughout. The blossoms vary a good deal in size in different examples. Native of Guatemala. Botanical Magazine, t. 4003. B. verrucosa.—A robust plant, with large, deep green foliage; the scape is many-flowered, the blossoms being large, with greenish-white sepals and petals, which are blotched with blackish purple. The lip is white, ornamented with numerous little green protuberances or warts, from which the species takes its name. It is a showy plant, and an abundant bloomer, the flowers appearing in May and June. Introduced from Guatemala in 1838. Bateman’s Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala, t. 22. The best variety is that known as grandzfiora, the flowers of which are larger than in the type. } J CHAP TER XVI, BULBOPMYLLUM. COMPARATIVELY few of the 150 described species of this genus find favour with Orchid- growers. Those here described are in cultivation and are either pretty or deserving of notice on account of the singular structure of their flowers. The rhizome is stout and creeping, and usually the pseudo-bulbs are small and roundish, bearing one or two stiff, leathery leaves on the top. The flowers are chiefly remarkable in the lip, which is jointed and movable, a very slight touch being sufficient to produce an oscillatory motion. In some instances, a dense tuft of hairs occurs at the point of the lip, and here the movement is started by the slightest breath of air. The genus is also interesting as containing, on the one hand, one of the most gigantic of Orchids—B. Beccarii—and, on the other, one of the most minute—B. pygmzum, a native of New Zealand. Cu/ture.—The species enumerated below are all natives of the tropics, and require a warm, moist atmosphere when growing; even when at rest it is not advisable to allow them to become quite dry. They thrive on blocks of wood, or, better still, on soft fern-stem, with a little sphagnum about the roots, and are found to succeed best when suspended near the glass. 76 ORCHIDS. B. barbigerum.—An interesting little plant, with pseudo- bulbs less than rin.in diameter, bearing one oblong, fleshy leaf. The flower-spike springs from the base of the pseudo- bulb, and carries eight to twelve flowers. The sepals are pointed, and of a chocolate-brown colour; the petals small and inconspicuous; and the lip, which is long and narrow, is of a yellowish tint, terminating in a brush of dark purple, silk-like hairs. The lip is set in a rocking motion by the least current of air. Introduced from Sierra Leone in 1836. Plate ; Botanical Magazine, t. 5288. B. Beccariii—This is one of the most extraordinary members, not only of the Orchid family, but of the whole Vegetable Kingdom. Its flowers have the reputation of giving off the vilest odour of any known plant. It. is a gigantic Orchid, with rhizomes big enough to encircle the large trees on which it grows—resembling, it is said, the coils of a serpent. The leaf is the largest of any of the Orchidacez, measuring 2ft.in length by r13ft. in breadth; it is also very thick and leathery. The flowers are produced in dense, pendulous racemes, measure 4in. in diameter, and are, in the main, yellow. When this plant was first flowered at Kew, a few years ago, the stench from the flowers was so powerful as to render the Orchid-house unbearable, and a lady who attempted to make a drawing of it fainted because of the smell. Originally found by Thomas Lobb in Borneo, in 1853, and again by Doctor Beccari, in 1867. Botanical Magazine, t. 6567. B. calamarium.—A pretty little plant, with short, dark green, leathery leaves, roundish pseudo-bulbs, and a slender scape ft. to 13ft. high, bearing a spike of yellow and purple flowers 4in. long; the lip deeply and elegantly fringed. A native of Sierra Leone; introduced in 1843. Botanical Magazine, t. 4088. BULBOPHYLLUM BARBIGERUM (nat. size). BULBOPHYLLUM. 77 B. Dearei.—This is probably the handsomest of the genus, having large, showy flowers, 3in. in width. The pseudo- bulbs are clustered, about rin. in diameter, and bear a soli- tary, oval leaf, 4in. to 6in. long. The prevailing colour of the flower is a tawny yellow, with darker reticulating veins, and spotted with purple. The triangular lip is jointed and flexible, and is rendered conspicuous by a horseshoe-shaped crest. The history of this Orchid is not published, but it is assumed to have been introduced from the Philippine Islands. B. lemniscatum.—One of the most singularly beautiful of small-flowered Orchids. It has small, warty pseudo-bulbs, and erect, slender scapes, bearing at the apex a recurved spike of purple flowers of very curious structure. Each of the sepals bears a relatively long, club-shaped appendage, attached by a hair-like point, so that it moves very easily. Under a magnifying lens these flowers are exceedingly interesting. This species was introduced from Moulmein in 1870. Botanical Magazine, t. 5961. B. Lobbiii—A desirable species, somewhat resembling ’ B. Dearii. It has flowers 3in. to 4in. in diameter, produced singly, on slender stalks, 4in. long, from the base of the one- leaved pseudo-bulbs. The leaf is oblong, and about 6in. in length. The spreading sepals and petals are of a deep, tawny yellow, the upper sepal being spotted at the back with purple; the lip is reflexed, and, like the broad, short column, is yellow, spotted with purple. It flowers in June. A native of Java, Moulmein, &c.; introduced in 1846. Syns. Sarcopodium Henshalli, S. Lobbit. Botanical Magazine, t. 4532. Var. stamense has leaves longer and more leathery than the type, and its lemon-coloured flowers are marked with veins and spots of reddish crimson. CHAP PER’ VEE BURLINGTONIA. A SMALL genus of epiphytal Orchids, for the most part natives of the warmer parts of Brazil. The species are few in number, and only one or two are good garden plants. The pseudo-bulbs are small, flattened, and usually two- leaved; leaves sheathing at the base, stiff and leathery in texture, not more than 6in. long. Flower-scape from the base of the pseudo-bulb, bearing numerous flowers, which have short sepals and petals, arranged in a more or less tubular manner. The lip is large and spreading, with a short, horn-like spur at the base. Culture.—All may be grown upon small blocks of wood, or in small teak baskets suspended from the roof of the stove, and liberally watered whilst making new growth. In winter they require less water, but the plants must not be allowed to get quite dry. When fastening them to blocks of wood, use a little sphagnum moss, but sparingly, for we have found that the plants thrive best when their thin, white roots can grow out, and hang free in the air. When basketing them, we prefer first to fasten them securely upon small pieces of teak, then to fill the basket with crocks, and cover the whole thinly with a layer of living sphagnum. Burlingtonias are not difficult to cultivate; their greatest BURLINGTONIA DECORA (2 nat. size). BURLINGTONIA. 719 enemy is a small white scale, which secretes itself in the sheathing bases of the leaves. B. candida.—This—the type of the genus—is a compact plant, well suited for basket-culture. The leaves are firm in texture, and dark green. The gracefully drooping racemes are produced from the axils of the leaves; they bear four to six very handsome flowers, which are snowy white, with a slight stain of yellow on the upper part of the lip, “in substance and appearance like white satin trimmed with gold.” It blooms during the months of April and May, lasting about three weeks in perfection. The flowers are very fragrant. It is a native of Demerara. Introduced in 1834. Botanical Register, xxiil., t. 1927. B. decora.—This has a long, slender, rooting rhizome, bearing small, oval pseudo-bulbs, each having a single leaf. A lesser leaf appears at the base of a bulb, and from the axil of this the scape springs. The flower-stems are erect, bearing from five to ten blossoms, which are white or pale rose-coloured, spotted with red, saving the large, spreading lip, which is pure white. The straggling rhizomes must be tied into position, so as to bring the roots from the base of the pseudo-bulbs under the influence of the basket or block. It blooms during May and June, lasting for a long time in full beauty. It is a native of St. Paul’s, Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1852. Plate; Botanical Magazine, t. 4834. Var. picta has deeper-coloured flowers, and blooms in the autumn. - Botanical Magazine, t. 5419. B. fragrans. — This beautiful plant is a favourite on account of the hawthorn-like fragrance of its flowers. It 80 ORCHIDS. forms a compact tuft, with rigid, dark green leaves, and erect racemes of large flowers; the latter are pure white, saving the middle of the lip, which is stained with yellow. It blooms during April and May, lasting in per- fection about three weeks. It is a native of Brazil, where it grows on the highest branches of the cedrela-trees, and fills the forest with its fragrance. Introduced in 1850. B. venusta.—This forms a compact mass of stems and dark green foliage; the flowers are white, lightly tinted with _pink, the lip being stained with yellow ; they are produced in heavy, pendulous clusters. It blossoms at various periods of the year, and is a native of Brazil. Lindley’s Sertum Orchidaceum, t. 12. CHAP Th Rh XVPii. CALANTHE. NUMEROUS very handsome kinds of this genus are in cultivation. Most of them are robust-growing, terrestrial plants, producing large, broad, many-ribbed or plaited leaves, which are evergreen or deciduous; the racemes are long, bearing many flowers, and these are distinguished by their spurred lip, which is attached to the column, and by the eight thick, waxy pollen-masses adhering to a separate gland. About forty species are known, chiefly natives of Asia, a few being American. Calanthes deserve to be special favourites with amateurs, because, in the first place, they produce an abundance of showy flowers, which last a long time in full beauty; and secondly, they are, as a rule, so easily managed that anyone possessing a warm greenhouse may grow them successfully, and may be sure of an abundance of bloom when the flowering season comes round. Culture.—These plants thrive in a mixture of turfy loam, leaf-mould, and sphagnum, to which may be added some silver sand and dried cow-manure. During the growing season they enjoy an abundant supply of water, and even in winter water must be freely administered to the ever- green kinds, the drainage being carefully attended to; G 82 ORCHIDS, the deciduous kinds require a thorough rest after they have flowered. Cultural information on C. vestita and others of the deciduous section will be found under the description of C. vestita. C. Masuca. — This is a bold-growing, evergreen plant, with large, many-ribbed, dark green leaves, and stout, erect flower-spikes, 2ft. or more high. The flowers are spreading, Iin. across, the segments overlapping; they are very Fig. 19. Flower of Calanthe Veitchii (nat. size). numerous, with deep violet sepals and petals, which change into lilac with age, whilst the lip is intense violet- purple. This species commences to bloom during early summer, and continues until autumn; it is almost always to be found with a few spikes of flowers upon it. Native of Northern India, whence it was introduced about 1842. Botanical Magazine, t. 4541. CALANTHE. 83 Var. grandiflora differs from the species in its greater size, both of spike and individual flower. C. Veitchii.—This is a garden hybrid, being the result of a cross between C. vestita and a near relative—Limatodes rosea; it surpasses both its parents in beauty, and is one of the most useful and beautiful of all Orchids. The pseudo- bulbs are flask-shaped, with a constriction in the middle, producing large, plaited, light green leaves, which are deciduous. The spike, in many instances, attains a height of 3ft., and bears an immense quantity of flowers, which are similar in shape to those of C. vestita, but shorter in the lip; they are rich bright rose, saving the throat, which is white. It blooms in the winter months, and is invaluable as a source of cut flowers. Fig. 19; Botanical Magazine, t. 5375. Var. del/a has bright pink flowers. Var. Sandhurstiana has deep crimson flowers. Var. Sedent has deep rose-coloured flowers, darker than in the type. For culture, see under C. vestita. C. veratrifolia—In general appearance this plant re- sembles C. Masuca, producing bold, dark green, evergreen leaves, 2ft. long, and erect, many-flowered spikes, which in strong plants attain a length of 3ft. The individual flowers are not large, but they are very numerous, crowding the upper part of the scape; they are pure white. They are developed in spring and early summer, and if not wetted, last long in beauty.” Although an old introduction, this species is still frequently shown among exhibition collections of Orchids. It is a native of India, Australia, &c. Fig. 13; Botanical Magazine, t. 2615. C. vestita.x—One of the most popular of all Orchids, and one of the oldest favourites. It is grown in every garden G2 84 ORCHIDS. where stove plants are cultivated, and is frequently the only Orchid represented. It was introduced in 1848, by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, since which time it has been con- siderably improved by cultivation and selection, and also Fig. 20. Calanthe veratrifolia, showing Habit and detached Flower (Habit, much reduced; Flower, nat. size). by cross-breeding. The type has apple-shaped pseudo- bulbs ; large, plaited, bright green leaves; and a basal flower- spike, from rft. to 3ft. long, sometimes branching. Each flower is about 2in. across; sepals and petals similar, spreading; lip large, divided into four lobes, pure white, wre _ CALANTHE. 85 with a yellow blotch in the throat. Flowering time, early winter. Native of Moulmein. Botanical Magazine, t. 4671. There are numerous named varieties of C. vestita, the best of which are: Var. gigantea.—Larger in all its parts; spike very stout ; flowers large, white, with a blood-red eye. This retains its foliage till new growth begins, and flowers from November to March. Fig: 21. f \Wi LGW / Villa W444 ~\ A ‘ Fig. 21. Flowers of Calanthe vestita gigantea nat. size). Var. nivalis.—Flowers pure white. Var. porphyrea.—Flowers wholly blood-crimson, with a deeper-coloured eye. Var. Regniert.—Spike compact; flowers tinged all over with rose, differing slightly in form from the type. Var. rubro-oculata.—F lowers large, with a crimson blotch, instead of yellow, in the throat. Var. ZYurnert.—Flowers more compact on the spike, smaller than in the type; throat blotched with rose-red. 86 ORCHIDS. Soon after the flowers are over the new growth begins to push from the base of the pseudo-bulbs. In February or March the bulbs should be re-potted, either singly or three to six together. The best results are got from plants grown singly and potted on. Three bulbs are sufficient for a 6in. pot. Turfy loam, with one-sixth rotted cow- manure and a sprinkling of sand and sphagnum, forms a good mixture, and the pots should be one-quarter filled with drainage. Plant the bulbs on the top of the soil, so that the new growth is not buried; do not press the soil too firmly, and leave about 4in. of space for water. Give no water till the new roots have penetrated into the soil, and then water carefully until the new growth is well away, when a liberal supply at the root, on the leaves, and in the atmosphere, is necessary. The best position for them all through the summer is close to the glass, on the lightest side of a moist stove. When the new bulbs are approaching full size, weak liquid manure may be given weekly. Do not dry the plants off till after the flowers are over. By careful management the foliage may be got to remain on the plants till they flower. When in bloom, a dry, warm greenhouse is most favourable to the duration of the flowers. If started in small pots, the plants must be removed into larger pots as the soil fills with roots. The size and strength of the inflorescence is regulated by that of the pseudo-bulbs. These plants may be multiplied by cutting the pseudo- bulbs through transversely, and placing them on sandy soil, in a moist hothouse or frame, till rooted. The flowers are amongst the most useful for cutting for decorative work of all kinds. In the neighbourhood of London, the flowers of this and other allied Calanthes are much damaged by foggy weather. ces CoHVAUP TS he x1 Xk. CATASETUM. ALTHOUGH, with one or two exceptions, the flowers of this genus are not beautiful, yet their quaint appearance and remarkable structure, together with the power they have of ejecting the pollen-masses when either of the horns attached to the column is touched, render them objects of greater interest to many than even their most showy allies. The genus deserves much more attention from Orchid-cultivators than it has hitherto received. The pseudo-bulbs are, in most instances, short and stem-like, bearing four or five plaited leaves, with stout, membranous veins. The flowers are borne on erect or drooping racemes, and are usually green, yellow, and brown, with sepals and petals of a firm, leathery texture. Occasionally flowers of different sexes are produced on the same pseudo-bulb. Culture.—The culture of Catasetums is in nowise difficult, the essential points to be observed being abundance of heat and moisture during active growth, and afterwards a well- marked period of rest. They succeed in either pots or baskets, in a compost of fibry peat and loam, with an addition of chopped sphagnum and silver sand. Water must not be given until growth has fairly commenced, and at all times it must be prevented from lodging in the centres 88 ORCHIDS. of the growths. Catasetums require a greater amount of light than most Orchids, and are well suited if grown along with tropical Dendrobiums. When the leaves begin to drop off, the plants should be removed to an airy position in an intermediate temperature, only sufficient water being then given to prevent the shrivelling of the pseudo-bulbs. ———s —_=—— Fig. 22. Flower of Catasetum Bungerothii (2 nat, size). C. Bungerothii.—This species is by far the finest as yet introduced, one of the first plants sold in this country realising fifty guineas: it may now, however, be bought for half as many shillings. The pseudo-bulbs are 8in. to 12in. high, and taper towards the top; the leaves are of a greyish tint, and have several prominent, parallel nerves CATASETUM. 89 or ribs. The flowers are greenish or cream-white at first, finally becoming a beautiful ivory-white; they measure 4in. across. The sepals are lance-shaped, and pointed, the upper one, with the two petals, forming a kind of hood above the column. The lip is broad, and spoon-shaped, with a depression or pit in the centre, and in most cases finely serrated at the edge. A native of tropical America; introduced in 1885. Fig. 22; Botanical Magazine, t. 6998. C. Christyanum.—A curious species, with stout, tapering pseudo-bulbs, and long, plaited leaves. The flower-spike is erect, bearing six to twelve flowers, which are developed during September and October. The sepals and petals are of a dull chocolate-brown, and the lip is bright green, shaded with purple. Native of Brazil. Williams’ Orchid Album, t. 83. C. longifolium.—This is a most remarkable Orchid, found growing on the top of a species of palm in Demerara. The pseudo-bulbs are stout and grey, and they have the curious habit of growing downwards. The leaves are narrow and glaucous, attaining a length of from rft. to 4ft. The flowers are densely produced on pendent spikes, having sepals and petals of a dull red colour, and a helmet-shaped lip of brownish lake, thickly dotted with yellow; they are about 13in. in diameter. This species was discovered by Sir R. Schomburgk, in 1836, and flowered first in this country three years later. When growing it requires very hot and moist treatment. Syn. Monacanthus longzifolius. C. macrocarpum.—One of the most easily-grown, and, at the same time, one of the most striking of Cata- setums. The pseudo-bulbs are 1ft. in length, and the flowers 3in. to 4in. in diameter. The broad, stiff sepals and petals go ORCHIDS. have a ground-colour of pale yellowish green, marked with numerous spots of purplish brown. The helmet-shaped, very fleshy lip is of a deep orange-yellow, spotted with brown. Several varieties of this plant are in cultivation. Syns. C. Claveringii, C. tridentatum (Botanical Magazine, t. 3329). Botanical Magazine, t. 2259. C. saccatum.—A large-flowered and interesting species, remarkable for its sac-shaped lip. In the form of its pseudo-bulbs and foliage it resembles C. macrocarpum. The flower-scape is stout, curved, and bears several flowers ; the sepals and petals are green, spotted with purple; the lip is bright yellow, with crimson spots, having a_ small hole in the centre leading into the chamber or sac beneath. The plant flowers in March, and is a native of Demerara, whence it was introduced in 1840. C. scurra. ceding, with pseudo-bulbs about r14in. high, and bright green A more compact species than any of the pre- leaves, 6in. long. The flowers are delightfully scented, and are of a yellowish white, with green veins. The curiously-shaped lip is three-lobed, the side lobes standing erect on each side of the column; the middle lobe consists of a short, broad stalk, developing into two lateral horns, with toothed edges. Introduced from Demerara in 1872. Gardeners’ Chronicle (n. s.), vii, p. 304. GQ y ~ \\ ) Yh ; Wi, y f///, Gig iH Uy YY SSS \\\ \\\\ Ses ||// | Ea TSS \\N \\"\* NE r \ \ \) \ \\ \ f == SS SSESSs FLOWER OF CATTLEYA LUDDEMANNIANA (3 nat. size). CRAP TER XX. CATTLEYA. THIS magnificent genus was founded by Dr. Lindley, in 1824, upon Cattleya labiata, and was named by him in honour of Mr. William Cattley, of Barnet, who was a celebrated horticulturist, and who had the finest collection of Orchids then known. “The Cattleyas have a horticultural importance that is scarcely equalled by any other branch of the great Orchidean family. This pre-eminence is due to the surprising beauty of the flowers of nearly all the species and varieties, which are not only of large size, but are also adorned with a wonderful variety of the most delicate and pleasing tints. Especially striking is the labellum, or lip, which is remarkable for the extreme richness of colour often developed in its anterior lobe, and for the beauty of the pencillings and markings in the throat’’ (Veitch). The characters by which Cattieya is distinguished are: Sepals free to the base, and nearly equal in size; petals broader than the sepals; lip large, folded at the base into a tube inclosing the column, the other portion spreading, and very variable in colour and form in different species ; column long, thick, with a toothed top, covering a two- celled, globose anther-case; pollen-masses in two pairs. g2 ORCHIDS. The only difference between this genus and Leelia is that in the latter there are four pairs of pollen-masses—termed pollinta—instead of two. In all other characters the two genera are identical. The rhizome is strong and woody, creeping, and bearing at intervals the stems, or pseudo- bulbs. The leaves are apical, and usually in pairs, some- times solitary; they are leathery in texture, and remain on the plant several years. Generally, each branch of the rhizome produces only one new pseudo-bulb annually. The flowers are developed on short, stout spikes, from the top of the pseudo-bulb, and are at first inclosed in a sheath. When in good health, each pseudo-bulb will produce a spike of flowers, which last a considerable time before fading. Many of the kinds are plentiful enough to be obtained at little cost, and they are not difficult to cultivate when once understood. In a word, Cattleyas are gorgeously beautiful, and are essentially Orchids for amateurs. The various members of this genus are natives of New Grenada, Brazil, and Central America, and are entirely confined to the Western hemisphere. They vary considerably in size; for whilst some have. pseudo-bulbs only 2in. or 3in. long, others reach as many feet in height, forming, in a state of nature, huge masses several yards in diameter. In addition to true species and varieties, we have now many Cattleyas which have been produced in this country by hybridising and cross-breeding, and these, both for size of flower and the beauty of their markings, may vie with the choicest of the introduced kinds. With reference to the conditions under which Cattleyas are found growing in a state of nature, M. Van Volxem says: ‘““Cattleyas grow generally from 5ft. to 15ft. above the ground, commencing on the forks of thick trees, whence they | extend to the branches, preferring those that are more horizontal than vertical. Between and around the bulbs CATTLEYA, 93 2) rich vegetable mould accumulates, in which they luxuriate. Sometimes, however, I found them growing on the small lateral asperities of bare rocks, in the full blaze of the sun; but in this position they were of a very stunted growth, although flowering freely.’ Culture.—Many of these plants will grow when attached to a block of wood with a little sphagnum moss, and suspended from the roof; pot-culture, however, for the bulk of the kinds will be best, as they will not only in this manner produce the finest blossoms, but will require less constant attention at the hands of the cultivator. For potting material, use good fibrous peat from which all the fine soil has been well beaten ; add to this some chopped living sphagnum moss and some clean and sharp silver sand ; fill the pots at least two-thirds with drainage, and in potting let the rhizome sit upon the top of the soil, which should be elevated somewhat above the rim of the pot, in order to carry the water away quickly. If necessary to hold the plant firmly in the pot, a few stakes should be placed in along with the drainage, to which the pseudo- bulbs can be secured. Very much depends upon the amount of water given at different seasons—Cattleyas like an abundant supply of moisture during the growing season, and a nice, genial, moist atmosphere—but it should be given from the watering-can, and not from the syringe, for in the case of Cattleyas grown in pots we have frequently remarked that where regularly syringed they never either grow or flower so well. In the case of those kinds which are suspended from the roof in baskets or upon blocks of wood, there is less to fear from the syringe, so long as the water is not allowed to stand in the large, sheathing scales which envelop the young growths and flower-scapes. This, however, may easily occur with careless or indis- criminate syringing, and often proves fatal to young pseudo- 94 ORCHIDS: bulbs. The syringe should not be depended upon entirely as a supply to those plants grown upon blocks, but during summer they should be examined once a day, and if at all dry, immersed in a tub or pan of water, which should at least be of the same temperature as the house they are growing in. After the pseudo-bulbs are formed, water must be withheld, and the plants allowed a season of rest; but care should be taken to prevent their becoming very dry during this period, as much injury may arise from entirely withholding water for any length of time. If a house can be set apart specially for Cattleyas, it will be found that the majority of the kinds may be accommodated in it. The temperature should range from 55deg. in winter to 7odeg. in summer, although in bright, warm weather, the latter temperature is often necessarily exceeded with safety. Ventilation should be carefully attended to, as Cattleyas cannot bear a stuffy atmosphere at any time. With respect to shading, it may be said that as little as possible should be used; only in bright sun- shine should the blinds be down, and these should be of the thinnest material. Sudden changes of temperature should be avoided. To the beginner we would recommend that each plant be considered separately in respect of water and re-potting, as Cattleyas, and, indeed, all Orchids, cannot be successfully dealt with collectively. C. Acklandiz.—A lovely, dwarf-growing species, which should be grown upon a block of soft wood, or in a teak basket, and placed at the warm end of the Cattleya-house or stove, where it can receive full light all the day through. When growing, it should be kept constantly moist at the root. If grown in baskets, very little potting material should be used. The pseudo-bulbs are slender, and usually from CATTLEYA. 95 5in. to 6in. long, bearing two oval, leathery, dark green leaves, 3in. long, and usually a pair of handsome flowers. These are large for the size of the plant, and vary somewhat in colour in different examples. They are about 4in. in diameter, the sepals and petals similar, chocolate-brown, barred with irregular, transverse bands and streaks of yellow; the lip is large and spreading, varying from rich rose to almost deep purple. This charming plant produces its flowers in May, June, and July; it will sometimes mature bulbs, each bearing two flowers, at short intervals throughout the season. It is easily distinguished by the base of the lip being too narrow and too spreading to cover the column. Introduced from Brazil, in 1839. Botanical Magazine, t. 5039. C. amethystoglossa.— A beautiful plant, resembling C. guttata Leopoldii in habit, but it is stronger, the pseudo-bulbs attaining a height of from aft. to 3ft., and bearing a pair of dark green, leathery leaves upon the apex. The scape is erect and many-flowered; the sepals and petals are rosy lilac, beautifully spotted and blotched with purple; the lip is wholly of a rich, deep purple or ~ amethyst hue, whence the specific name. It blooms during the spring months, and lasts several weeks in full beauty ; the blossoms sometimes exceed 5in. in diameter. It is a native of Brazil. Syn. C. Prinait. Botanical Magazine, t. 5683. C. bicolor.—The entire absence of the lateral lobes of the lip (which usually enfold the column in this genus) gives this species a most remarkable appearance. The stems are slender, from 2ft. to 3ft. high, jointed, two- leaved. The leaves are oblong, and 6in. in length. Peduncles bearing from three to five flowers, each of which is about 4in. across; the sepals and petals are fleshy, and 96 ORCHIDS. of a peculiar brownish hue; the labellum is long and narrow, of a crimson-purple colour, paler towards the margin. It was introduced in 1837 from Brazil, where it grows in large tufts, at a great elevation, on the trunks of Fig. 23. Flower of Cattleya bicolor (nat. size). the largest trees. It blossoms from August to October. Except where a collection of distinct kinds is aimed at, this species is not often met with. Fig. 23; Botanical Magazine, t. 4909. CATTLETA. 97 C. Bowringiana.—A new introduction, with the habit of C. Skinneri, but stouter in the stem and longer in the leaf than that species. The flowers are produced from five to ten together on a scape; they are very similar to those of C. Skinneri, usually less than 3in. across, the petals as wide again as the sepals, and the lip overlapping at the sides, so as to form a funnel, slightly prolonged on the lower side. The colour is rose-purple, with veins of a deeper tint, the lip being deep purple, paler at the margin, white in the throat. This species promises to become a popular garden plant, as it grows and flowers freely under ordinary treat- ment, and its flowers are pretty. It requires plenty of moisture whilst growing, and should not be allowed to get dry, even when at rest. Its flowers are developed in October and November. Introduced in 1884, from British Honduras. C. chocoénsis. — Under this name we have a winter- blooming Cattleya of much value. The flowers vary much in the depth and intensity of their markings, but all are extremely beautiful; in general habit of growth the plants resemble C. Triane. The flowers usually have broad, pure white sepals and petals, more or less fringed at the edges; but in some varieties these are blush, and even deep rose in colour. The lip is yellow, stained more or less profusely with rich purple. The flowers are excep- tionally fragrant; they are also remarkable in remaining half-closed, as it were. This species is a native of New Grenada. Illustration Horticole, t. 120. C. citrina.—This fragrant and beautiful Orchid has the extraordinary habit of growing with its head down- wards, and, indeed, is so obstinate in this respect that no coaxing of the cultivator has been able to induce it to H 98 ORCHIDS. hold up its head and grow upwards in the usual manner; so that, to succeed with this plant, it should always hang with the growing-point downwards. It should be grown upon a block of wood, or in shallow pans, and fastened with some copper wire,, with just a small portion of sphagnum moss and peat fibre; the atmosphere should be moist, and the temperature cool. It does well if placed in a shaded corner of the Odontoglossum house. The pseudo-bulbs are almost round, and they are inclosed in silvery coats or sheaths; each bears two grey leaves. The flowers are large, growing mostly singly, but sometimes in pairs, and wholly of soft lemon-yellow, the margin of the lip wavy and white. It blooms during April and May, and owing to the great substance of the flowers, which are very fragrant, it lasts long in beauty. It is a native of Mexico, where its peculiar habit and great beauty early attracted the attention of naturalists. A Jesuit who wrote in the seventeenth century described it under the wonderful title of ‘‘Corticoatzoate coxochitl,” the meaning of which is not known to us. It has been in cultivation since 1838. Botanical Magazine, t. 3742. C. dolosa.— An exceedingly rare plant in cultivation. It may be called a large C. Walkeriana, differing in the form of its pseudo-bulbs, the two leaves, and in the flowers springing from the leaf-growths, and not in a separate growth, a peculiarity known only in C. Walkeriana. The side lobes of the lip in C. dolosa are very broad, and overlapping ; the colour of the whole flower is a soft lilac, suffused with white, the lip being broad and purple, with a white throat. Introduced from Minas Geraes, in 1872. This plant is so rare that we might have been excused for omitting it altogether. It requires ordinary Cattleya treatment. CATTLEYA. 99 C. Dowiana.—A magnificent Orchid, and a free flowerer when well managed. It thrives only when treated as a stove plant. With us it is grown along with the Vandas, and is suspended in baskets near the glass; in growth it is robust, and somewhat resembles C. labiata, but even when not in bloom it is sufficiently distinct in appearance to be recognised from that species. The scape bears from two to six flowers of great size ; the sepals and petals are of a deep nankeen-yellow colour; the labellum is large and spreading, delicately frilled on the margin, and wholly of an intense, rich purple, shaded with violet-rose, and beautifully streaked with lines of gold. Its flowering season has usually been during the late summer and early autumn months. It is a native of Costa Rica, whence it was introduced some years ago, but in bad condition. On its re-introduction in 1864, it was obtained by the Messrs. Veitch, and flowered in the autumn of the following year. Botanical Magazine, t. 5618. Var. aurea.—This plant is commonly known as C. aurea, but it scarcely differs from C. Dowiana, except in the yellow of the lip being more copious, and _ irregularly distributed. C. Eldorado.—This species is related to C. labiata. It has stout, rounded pseudo-bulbs, which support a single large, deep green leaf. The flowers are nearly as large as in C. labiata; the sepals and petals vary in colour from pink to clear rose, and are more or less serrate at the edges ; the lip is large and spreading, serrate at the edge, and purplish crimson in front, whilst the throat is stained with deep orange and bordered with white. It blooms in July and August, and has been introduced from the region of the Rio Negro. Flore des Serres, xviii., t. 1826. 100 ORCHIDS. Var. crocata.—Flowers deep rose, with a blotch of deep orange on the lip. Var. Wallistt—Flowers white, with a small blotch of orange on the lip. C. Forbesiii—Stems slender, 1ft. high, bearing two oval leaves, and erect spikes, with from two to five flowers, each of which is 4in. across; sepals and petals similar, Fig. 24. Flower of Cattleya Forbesii (} nat. size). yellowish green; lip with a small, rounded blade, yellow, rayed and spotted with reddish purple. Native of Brazil. Introduced in 1823. It flowers in autumn. This species is not attractive enough to find favour among Orchid-growers nowadays. It requires intermediate treatment. Fig. 24; Botanical Magazine, t. 3265. CATTLETYA. IOI C. Gaskelliana. — One of the most beautiful of the labiata group, and especially valuable on account of its flowering at an unusual time, viz., July and August. Its pseudo-bulbs, leaves, and habit, are like those of C. Mossize. The flowers are full, and as much as 7in. across ; sepals and petals pale purple, suffused with white, some- times wholly amethyst-purple; the upper or folding parts of the labellum are the same colour as the petals, the lower, spreading part pale mauve, with a large, saddle- shaped blotch of deep yellow, or sometimes lemon-yellow. There are also two white blotches and a mottled deep purple one on the front of the lip. Some of the forms are much inferior to others, but a good one is equal to the best of the Cattleyas. It requires the same treatment as C. Mossiz. It is a native of Venezuela, whence it was introduced in 1883. C. gigas.—The flowers of this grand species are the largest of any Cattleya known; they measure 8in. or more across, and are delicate mauve-purple. The lip is large, spreading, and rich crimson-purple, edged with a paler shade of purple. There is a large blotch of yellow in the throat. The habit of the plant is similar to that of C. Trianze. It should be treated as advised for C. Warneri. It blooms in July and August, sometimes in May, and is a native of New Grenada. Vars. imperialis, Sanderiana, and Shuttleworthii are exceptionally fine forms, with large, richly-coloured flowers. C. granulosa.—A slender-growing species. Pseudo-bulbs ft. high ; leaves oblong; flowers 4in. across; sepals and petals olive-green, with rich brown spots; lip whitish, with numerous crimson, raised spots or granulations — hence the name. A _ dusky-flowered plant, admired by some growers. It thrives under ordinary Cattleya treatment. 102 ORCHIDS: Introduced from Guatemala, in 1840. Flowering season, autumn. Botanical Register, 1842, t. 1. Var. Russelliana.—Leaves and flowers larger than in the type ; lip yellow inside the folding portions, the spread- ing part white, spotted with crimson-purple. C. guttata.—This species attains a height of from 1}ft. to 21ft., and bears a pair of oblong, dark green leaves uh) wilt NI 1 w(t Ui} Fig, 25. Flower of Cattleya guttata Leopoldii (4 nat. size). upon the apex of the pseudo-bulbs; the scape is erect, bearing from five to ten flowers, each 4in. across; the dotted sepals and petals are green, tinged with yellow and crimson; lip white and rosy purple. It flowers during autumn, and was introduced from Brazil in 1827. Botanical Register, t. 1406. CATTLEYA. 103 Var. Leopoldit resembles the type in general habit; the flowers are produced during the summer, and differ from those of C. guttata in the colour of the sepals and petals, which is deep chocolate, with dark red spots; the lip is of a rich red-purple, white on the inner side. The fragrant blossoms are more numerous than those of C. guttata, as many as twenty being sometimes produced on each spike. It is a native of the Island of St. Catharine, Brazil, and was named in honour of the late King of the Belgians. Fig. 25; Pescatorea, t. 43. Var. Russelliana.—This beautiful variety was brought from the Organ Mountains in 1838, and is altogether a taller and larger plant, with larger and darker flowers. Botanical Magazine, t. 3693. C. Harrisoniana.—Although an old species, this is still worth growing, as it flowers freely, and is easily managed. The pseudo-bulbs are about 14ft. high, bearing a pair of leaves each. The flowers are 4in. across, spreading, the sepals and petals equal, the whole being soft rose- colour, saving the base of the lip, which is stained with yellow. It usually blooms during July and August, lasting a month in full beauty. It is a native of Brazil, and has been in cultivation since 1836. Syn. C. Harrisoniz. Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, iv. 247. Var. candida.—F lowers white. Var. maculata.—Sepals and petals dotted with purple. Var. violacea.—F lowers purplish rose. C. intermedia.—There are several forms of this charming and easily-managed species. The stems are slender, jointed, ft. high, two-leaved; the leaves are ovate, 6in. long. The flowers are borne on an erect scape, usually three to five flowers on each, and they are 4in. across. The sepals and petals are ‘soft rose, shaded with purple; the lip is 104 ORCHIDS. paler in colour, blotched in front with deep violet-purple. It blooms during May, June, and July. It is an old in- habitant of our houses, having been introduced from the neighbourhood of Rio in 1824. Syns. C. amadbilis, C. amethystina. Fig. 26; Botanical Magazine, t. 2851. Fig. 26. Flower of Cattleya intermedia (2 nat. size). C. labiata.— This name is used by the Messrs. Veitch for a large group of distinct kinds which are reduced by them to varieties of C. labiata. To us, however, it appears much the simpler plan to treat such kinds as C. Mossia, C. Triane, C. Dowiana, &c., as species, therein following CARTLEYA. 105 the late Professor Reichenbach. The typical plant, now known as C. labiata vera, is robust in habit, attaining a height of from 18in. to 2o0in., bearing a _ single, broad, leathery, dark green leaf, on a pseudo-bulb 5in. to roin. long, swollen in the middle, and furrowed. ‘The flowers are large, measuring upwards of 6in. in diameter. The sepals and petals are very broad, and of a deep rose-colour, the latter being beautifully waved; the lip is large, and somewhat folded, the front portion being of an intense deep velvety crimson, bordered with rose-lilac, and with a blotch of yellow below. The colours of this portion of the flower are gorgeous; and the substance and texture being singularly clear and translucent, the plant, when in full bloom, seems actually luminous. As we have already observed, this species was the first to flower in England, having been introduced from Brazil in 1818. It blooms always during the late autumn months, and lasts for a long time in perfection. It is extremely rare and valuable. Botanical Magazine, t. 3998. Var. pallida resembles the preceding in its style of growth, but is less robust; its flowers are large and handsome, but considerably paler in colour than the type. C. Lawrenciana.—One of the handsomest and most inter- esting of recently-introduced kinds. It belongs to the labiata group, and suggests the characters of two well- known kinds, viz., C. Mossize and C. Skinneri. The pseudo-bulbs are 6in. long, one-leaved, the leaf gin. long. Flowers 5in. across, produced in spikes of from five to seven flowers; sepals narrow, pale purple or lilac; petals as broad again as the sepals, similar in colour; lip rolled into a tube with a spreading front, which is purple, shaded with maroon, and blotched with white. This species is almost tropical in its requirements. It should be treated 106 ORCHIDS. as advised for C. Dowiana. Flowering season, spring. It was introduced from the Roraima Mountain, in British Guiana, by Messrs. Sander & Co., in 1884, and is named in compliment to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., President of the Royal Horticultural Society. Sander’s Reichenbachia, i., t. 12. C. Loddigesii—Similar in habit and stem to C. Har- risoniana. Flowers on erect peduncles, 4in. in diameter; sepals and petals equal, delicate rose-lilac; lip with a broad, rounded blade, crisp at the margin, coloured pale amethyst-purple, with a pale yellow blotch on the disc. It blooms in August, and remains a long time in per- fection. Although a small Cattleya, this is a desirable plant for amateur collections, being easily grown, cheap, and a free bloomer. It thrives under the treatment re- commended for Cattleyas generally. Introduced by Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney, early in the present century. It is one of the commonest of Orchids in Brazil. C. Luddemanniana.—This is another member of the labiata group, resembling C. Mossiz in the size and shape of its pseudo-bulbs and leaves, and also somewhat in its flowers. The latter measure 8in. across, and are pro- duced on spikes three or four together. The petals are three times as broad as the sepals, and the lip is large, folding well over at the sides. The whole flower is purplish rose, except the spreading portion of the lip, which is of a deep amethyst-purple, with two blotches of yellow or creamy white in the throat, where also there are diverging lines of bright amethyst. This species is also called C. spectosissima Lowit and C. Mossiz autumnalis. It is a magnificent Cattleya, but is somewhat difficult to flower. The flowers appear directly after the new growth attains full size, and not after a rest as the others do. It requires an airy, light LLZ__ Ze WW ge YJ KOA Ay zz p22 SKC \ \ Z = WX = Sw“ \ \ Well ZeessS SQ Ae N d ‘ Z —— = : SSSA \ RS Mt G7 — = = ~ "s Sa = = AY\\\\ SR AN \ WY FLOWER OF CATTLEYA MENDELII (= nat. size). CATTLEYA. 107 position in the warm end of the Cattleya-house, and if care- fully managed it should blossom in September and October. Introduced from Venezuela in 1854, and again in quantity, by Messrs. Low & Co., in 1883. Plate; Williams’ Orchid Album, vi., t. 261. Var. alba has large, white flowers, the lip blotched with yellow. Vars. brilliantissima and Regina are very deep-coloured forms. Var. Schrederi has white flowers, the lip blotched yellow and lined with purple. C. maxima—tThis is a useful species, producing several of its fine flowers upon one spike in November. The blossoms are 5in. across, rose-coloured throughout, of a pale hue when they first expand, gradually becoming darker; the lip, which is very large, is almost white, beautifully ornamented with dark purplish-crimson veins, and streaked in the centre with orange-colour. The pseudo-bulbs are slender, about 1ft. long, one-leaved, the leaves from 6in. to roin. long, and 2in. broad. It is a native of Columbia and Guayaquil, whence it was intro- duced in 1844. Botanical Magazine, t. 4902. Var. alba—Flowers white, with a yellow blotch and purple markings on the lip. Var. aphlebia.—Lip without purple markings. A form with short stems and deep-coloured flowers is known as Backhouse’s variety. C. Mendelii—A magnificent Cattleya of the labiata group. The pseudo-bulbs are short, stout, and furrowed, and the leaf is oblong and leathery. The flowers are very large; the sepals and petals are white, or pale satiny pink, becoming, in most varieties, almost pure white soon after 108 ORCHTIS. opening; the folding parts of the lip are the same colour as the petals, the spreading portion being very large, the margin crisped and wavy, and the colour rich crimson- purple with a distinctly-defined blotch of yellow in the throat. This is one of the most popular of Cattleyas, and although varying a great deal, not one of its numerous varieties could be called poor. It is easily cultivated, thriving if treated as advised for the bulk of Cattleyas, and flowering annually from April to June. There are many named varieties of it, the best of which are described below. It was intro- duced in 1870, and large quantities of it are now imported annually from New Grenada. Plate; Williams’ Orchid Album, i., t. 3. Var. della.—Flowers pale lilac; lip rose-mauve, veined with lilac. Var. Bluntiz—Flowers pure white, save a small, yellow blotch on the lip. Var. Leeana.—Flowers deep-coloured, the petals blotched with amethyst-purple. Var. Morgane.—F¥lowers white, with a small purple blotch on the lip, which is veined with red. Var. Rothschildiana.—F lowers large, pale purple, the lip brilliant amethyst, margined with pale lilac. C. Mossie.— This grand old species should be repre- sented in every collection of Orchids. The pseudo-bulbs are stout, variable in length, broadest in the middle, and furrowed, and bear a single, coriaceous, dark, shining green leaf. The scape bears from three to five flowers, measuring 6in. or 8in. in diameter; and even larger examples are on record. Although the flowers vary much, the sepals and petals are usually of some shade of blush or deep rose, the latter being sometimes as much as 3in. in breadth. The labellum is of the same colour, in CATTLEYA. 109 most instances beautifully fringed or crimped round the edge ; it is large and spreading, the front portion being suffused with rich violet, purple-veined, bordered with YY 17 tf ip a | . iti i \) Kis \ \\\\\ Saas NS WS GY Fig. 27. Flower of Cattleya Mossiz (4 nat. size). lilac, and, in addition, stained with orange at the base; the folding portion is veined with purple on the inside. By this marking of the lip this species is very easily I1O ORCHTDS:. distinguished from C. labiata, of which it is by some considered a form. We have seen examples of this species with forty blooms expanded at one time, presenting a truly magnificent appearance. The flowers are produced from April to August, and will remain three or four weeks in full beauty ; they are deliciously fragrant. A native of La Guayra, whence it was introduced in 1836. It was named in honour of Mrs. Moss, of Otterspool, near Liverpool, who, fifty years ago, had a famous collection of Orchids. Fig. 27; Botanical Magazine, t. 3669. Some of the most distinct and beautiful of the va- rieties are here given. Many others are in cultivation. Var. candida.—Flowers white, the lip streaked with purple. Var. Hardyana.—Flowers lilac-purple, with magenta blotches; lip deep purple in the centre, with radiating veins. Var. Retneckiana.—F lowers white; disc and lip veined with deep purple. Var. Wageneriana.—Flowers white, with a yellow blotch in the centre of the lip. | The treatment required by C. Mossiz suits the majority of the species. It likes an intermediate temperature, shade from bright sunshine, plenty of water at the root and in the atmosphere during summer, or whenever growth is active, and just sufficient to prevent shrivelling in the winter, or whilst the plant is at rest. It should be potted in peat- fibre and a little sphagnum, and the pot should be two- thirds filled with clean crocks and a few pieces of charcoal. The soil should be pressed firmly about the roots. Re- potting ought to be done directly new roots begin to push from the young end of the rhizome. Whilst in flower the plant may be removed into a shaded greenhouse or cool living-room. CATIELEEY A. 111 C. Percivaliana.—A distinct and beautiful Cattleya, of medium size, and not unlike a small C. Mossiz in general characters. The colour of the flowers is, however, deeper, and the lip is exceptionally richly marked, being crimson shaded with maroon, rich yellow in the throat, and thickly veined with red and purple. The beauty of the markings on the lip cannot be easily described in words. This comparatively new kind is easily grown and flowered. It requires the same treatment as recom- mended for C. Mossiz, with very little shade, even in the brightest weather. The flowers are developed in mid- winter. There are several named forms of it, which differ from the type in the markings of the lip and the shade of purple in the sepals and petals. Introduced in 1882, from Venezuela. Williams’ Orchid Album, iii., t. 144. C. Schilleriana.—This resembles C. Acklandiz in its habit of growth, but the pseudo-bulbs are more robust, the texture of its leaves is more leathery, and they are reddish on the under side. The flowers are large, measuring between 3in. and 4in.in diameter, and are borne upon an erect scape, which is three- to five-flowered. The sepals and petals are olive- green, and more or less spotted with rosy purple. The lip is large and spreading, the ground-colour being deep amethyst, tinged with rosy purple; this is set off by a neat marginal border of white, whilst the throat is stained with yellow. It requires the same treatment as recommended for C. Acklandiz, and flowers both in early summer and in the middle of the autumn. It is a native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1857, and flowered in the collection of Consul Schiller, at Hamburg. It is sometimes known by the name of C. Regnediz. Botanical Magazine, t. 5150 (var. concolor). 112 ORO ID Ss C. Schofieldiana.—This is closely related to C. granulosa, resembling it in form and habit, but differing in the colour of the flowers, which are also larger. They are pale tawny yellow, spotted with purplish crimson ; the lip is 24in. long, the spreading portion granulated and magenta- purple, the folding portions being white and rose. It is the handsomest of the group of Cattleyas to which it belongs, and which are characterised by the colour of the flowers and the granulated lip. It is easily kept in health, if grown in the warm end of the Cattleya-house. It was introduced from Brazil in 1881; flowering in August of 1882. Williams’ Orchid Album, ii., t. 93. C. Skinneri.—This is an old favourite of English Orchid- growers, and one which during the past few years has become very popular. It enjoys a little more warmth than most of the species, the warm end of the Cattleya-house suiting it. The pseudo-bulbs are from 6in. to r2in. high, and bear a pair of deep green, oval leaves, 6in. long; the scape is erect, and bears from six to twelve flowers, each about 5in. across, and coloured a beautiful rose-purple except the lip, which is white, bordered with purple; the petals are as broad again as the sepals, the column is shorter than in most of the species, and the lip is folded into a tube at the base, spreading and open at the apex. The flowers are produced during April and May, lasting several weeks in full beauty. It was introduced in 1836, from Guatemala, where it was discovered by the indefatigable Mr. Skinner (whose name it bears). It is in great request among the natives of those regions for the purpose of decorating the altars of their churches, and is known to them as the ‘Flower of S. Sebastian.” It grows upon very high trees, and, according to its discoverer, is very difficult to get at. Botanical Magazine, t. 4270. CATTLIEYVA. 113 Var. alba has pure white flowers, save a primrose-yellow blotch on the lip. Var. oculata is characterised by a large blotch of maroon on the lip. Var. parviflora has smaller flowers than the type, and a unicoloured lip. Botanical Magazine, t. 4916. C. superba.—A beautiful species, but usually difficult to cultivate. The pseudo-bulbs are slender, channelled, about N/a SA \ ~ \\ 4 Wr WHY WS SSyi Y 2 VGCAW 4S A be, \ HEE) || WSN Wi); @/7) |||; ms Mf} Hh) Wes ij th MBN Fig, 28. Flower of Cattleya superba (2 nat. size). Sin. long, purplish, two-leaved. Leaves 5in. long, ovate. Spikes three- to five-flowered; flowers 5in. across, bright rosy purple, suffused with white, very fragrant; lip with acutely-angled side lobes folding over the column, the I II4 ORCHIDS: front lobe spreading, kidney-shaped, crimson-purple, with a blotch of yellow and white in front. This plant was very successfully cultivated by the late Mr. Spyers, who grew it as follows: The plants were fastened to a piece of soft fern- stem, and from the commencement of growth, till the flowers expanded, they were liberally watered, and suspended in the hottest stove. Whilst in flower they were placed in a cooler, airier house, which assisted the new pseudo-bulbs to ripen. After flowering, the plants were again removed to the hot-stove. When well managed this Cattleya is a most lovely Orchid. It is a native of tropical South America. Flowering season, July and August. Fig. 28; Botanical Magazine, t. 4083. C. Triane.— This is an extremely variable species. In habit it resembles C. Mossiz, but the pseudo-bulbs are usually thinner. The scape is many-flowered; the sepals and petals are rosy lilac, varying to deep rose or white; the lip is of the same colour, stained at the base with yellow, and having the front lobe of a more or less rich purplish-violet colour. The blossoms last a long time in full beauty, if not damaged by water from the syringe. In some of the forms the flowers are as much as 8in. across. ‘This species is a native of New Grenada, and was first flowered about 1860. Syn. C. guadricolor. Plate ; Botanical Magazine, t. 5504. There are many named varieties, some of them being of exceptional beauty ; amongst them are: Var. alba.—F lowers white, save a blotch of purple on the lip. Var. Backhouseana.—F lowers blush-pink ; lip large, with a bright magenta stain, yellow in the throat. Var. Dodgsoni.—Sepals and petals white; lip violet-crim- son; throat yellow. | | | | | | it CATTLEVA “TRIANA: (Much reduced). CATTLEYA. 115 Var. Leeana.—F lowers very large, rosy lilac; lip large, rich magenta, striped with orange in the throat. Var. Wirlliamstt.— Flowers blush-white, veined with magenta; lip crimson-purple. C. Walkeriana.—An elegant little plant, with short, conical pseudo-bulbs, bearing each one leaf; the spike of two flowers is developed on a separate flowering growth, which bears no leaves, and withers after the flowers Fig, 29. Flower of Cattleya Walkeriana (% nat. size), fade. Flowers 5in. across, the sepals and petals over- lapping and reflexed, rose-coloured; the lip has two broad side lobes, which also are rose-coloured, the rounded, spreading blade being brilliant amethyst outside, with radiating lines of a deeper colour, while the throat is I 2 116 ORCHIDS. yellowish white. The flowers are developed in winter, and last in perfection about six weeks. This plant thrives best when grown in shallow teak baskets, or fastened to a piece of soft fern-stem. It likes plenty of light, shading only in very bright weather, and abundance of moisture always. It is rather a shy flowerer. Introduced from Brazil in 1839. Syn. C. dulbosa. Fig. 29; Botanical Register, 1847, t. 42. Var. nobzlior.—Flowers larger than in the type; side lobes of lip broader. Var. Schrederiana.—Stems not thicker than a goose- quill; flowers of a bright rose-purple; side lobes of lip small. C. Warneri. — This is one of the most beautiful of all Cattleyas, much resembling C. labiata in habit, and doubtless nearly related to it. The scape is many-flowered, each bloom measuring upwards of 6in. across; the sepals and petals are broad, and of a deep rose-colour; the large labellum has its middle lobe much expanded, deep rich crimson in colour, ornamented in front with an elegant marginal fringe, which adds considerably to its beauty. It blooms during the summer months, and continues long in perfection. The cultivation of this species is not easy. Newly-imported plants often fail to establish themselves, and well-established specimens do not always flower. It should be grown in the warm end of the Cattleya-house when established. Newly-imported plants should be fas- tened on to blocks of wood, and be kept in a moist stove atmosphere till they commence to make new roots. They should then be potted in peat fibre, and be removed to the Cattleya-house to make their growth. C. Warneri was introduced from South Brazil about 1859. Warner’s Select Orchids, t. 8. GATT ELEVA. ITF Supposed Natural Mybrids. The following kinds have been described as hybrids which have originated by the crossing of species in a wild state. They are so rare that for our purpose it is not necessary to give more than the parentage, with a very brief descrip- tion of each. Zig ZA i) MY i My f i My, y) ih f Fig. 30. Flower of Cattleya exoniensis (% nat. size). C. Brymeriana (from C. superba and C. Eldorado).— Sepals and petals rose-purple and white; lip deep purple in front, mauve-purple and yellow at the sides. 118 ORCHIDS. C. exoniensis.—Often called Lelia exoniensts. This is a plant of English origin, and is a supposed cross between C. Mossiz and Lelia purpurata. In habit it much resembles the latter, whilst the flowers partake of the beauty of both. The sepals and petals are white, tinged with rosy lilac; whilst the labellum, which is very large, is of an intense, rich, shining purple, with a white, marginal border, the throat being suffused with rich golden yellow. It blossoms during late summer and autumn, and lasts many weeks in perfection. Fig. 30; Floral Magazine, t. 269. C. Hardyana (from C. Dowiana and C. gigas).—One of the grandest of Cattleyas. Flowers very large, rose-purple ; lip magenta-purple, veined with golden yellow. C. velutina (from C. bicolor and C. guttata).—Flowers tawny yellow, spotted with purple; lip white and yellow, streaked with purple. C. Whitei (supposed to be from C. labiata and C. Schil- leriana).—Flowers olive-green and rose; lip magenta-purple, with veins of deep purple. Garden Mybrids. The following is a list of the hybrid Cattleyas which have been raised in English gardens, chiefly by the Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea. These plants are most of them repre- sented by only one or two specimens, and as they cannot be propagated except by division—a very slow process in the case of Cattleyas—they are out of the reach of most amateurs. When it is remembered that from the time of sowing the seeds to the time when the plants thus obtained develop flowers is seldom less than twelve years, and —— CATTLEYVA. 11g that even then only oxe plant may be worth saving, the high value set on good hybrid Cattleyas is easily under- stood. NAMES OF HYBRIDS. RAISED FROM C. Brabantiz . . Loddigesii and C. Acklandiz. C. calummata . . intermedia and C. Acklandiz. C. Chamberlainiana . Leopoldii and C. Dowiana. C. Dominiana . . maxima and C. intermedia. C. fausta . Loddigesii and Lzelia exonensis. C. Harris . . Leopoldii and C. Mendelii. C. hybrida picta C. Manglesit C. Mardelli C. Marstersoniz . C. Mitchelli C. porphyrophlebia C. suavior . guttata and C. intermedia. Luddemanniana and C. Loddigesii. Luddemanniana and Lelia elegans. . labiata vera and C. Loddigesii. . Leopoldii and C. Trianz var. . intermedia and C. superba. Oe) OO Ge @ Gi@ @ @ © . intermedia and C. Mendelii. CHAPTER XXI. CMYSIS. THE several cultivated species of this genus are remarkable for their large, fleshy flowers, and one of them—viz., C. bractescens—is handsome enough to rank among the most select of Orchids. All the kinds have large, fleshy pseudo- bulbs, about 1ft. long, thin at the base, and greyish green. The leaves are lance-shaped, and have prominent nerves; when the growth ripens, the leaves wither and fall off. The flowers are in short racemes, and are developed along with the new growth; the sepals and petals are fleshy, broad and spreading, and the lip is large, with prominent side lobes and a recurved middle lobe. The introduced kinds are natives of Mexico or Colombia. Culture.—Teak baskets, pans, or pots, may be used for these plants; they like plenty of root-room, good drainage, and a mixture of peat-fibre and sphagnum. When growing, they must have tropical treatment, with plenty of water at the roots. When growth is finished, they should be removed to an intermediate house, and be kept rather dry till they begin to grow again. They should be re-potted as soon as new growth shows itself. C. aurea.—This has rounded pseudo-bulbs, about gin. long, and broad, lance-shaped leaves; the flowers are tawny CAYSIS. R21 yellow, somewhat cup-shaped, and the tips of the seg- ments are marked with crimson on the inside. It usually flowers twice a year, and remains in blossom about a month. Native of Venezuela; introduced in 1834. Botanical Magazine, t. 3617. C. bractescens.—A larger plant than C. aurea, the pseudo- bulbs being thicker, and the leaves broader. The flowers Fig. 31, Chysis bractescens (much reduced). are developed about six together on a semi-drooping raceme, each one being nearly 3in. across; the sepals and petals are spreading, overlapping, and pure white; the lip is white, blotched inside with yellow, and marked with crimson lines and fleshy, teeth-like projections; the flowers appear in April or May, each lasting about a fortnight. Native of Mexico; introduced in 1840. Fig. 31; Botanical Magazine, t. 5186. 122 ORCHIDS. C. chelsoni is a hybrid, raised from C. Limminghei and C. levis. It has rather narrow pseudo-bulbs, bearing re- curved, green leaves on the upper part; the raceme is 6in. long, arched, and bears five or six flowers, which have the sepals and petals yellow, blotched with purple on the upper half, and a whitish lip, blotched with deep purple; the column also is white, with purple dots. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons, to whom we are indebted for the illustration. Plate. C. Limminghei.—This has pseudo-bulbs rft. long, broad, lance-shaped leaves, and arched racemes of large flowers, which are white, with purple-rose tips; the lip is yellow, striped with rose inside, the front being wholly purple-rose, with blotches and stripes of a deeper colour. It flowers freely in May and June. It is a native of Central America. Botanical Magazine, t. 5265. » OF CHYSIS .CHELSONI LEAVES AND FLOWER (nat. size). CHAPTER XXII. CIRRMOPETALUM. In this genus there are several beautiful little plants, whilst all of them are remarkable in the structure of their flowers. They are nearly allied to Bulbophyllum, from which they are distinguished by having their lateral sepals very much lengthened out. It is this singular elongation which gives them their distinctive appearance and peculiar charm. Between forty and fifty species are known, nearly all of them being natives of tropical Asia. They are epiphytes, with roundish pseudo-bulbs springing from a_ creeping rhizome, and from each of which proceeds a single fleshy leaf. The scapes are erect and thin, and grow from the sides of the last-ripened pseudo-bulbs; the flowers are all arranged in a compact head or umbel on the top of the scape. Culture.—These plants should be grown in baskets or upon blocks of wood or fern-stem, and suspended from the roof, where they may receive a goodly share of sun, air, and light. They enjoy a liberal supply of water during the summer months, and, even during winter, nothing like drying-off should be attempted, although, as a matter of course, much less water will be required. When the plants are flowering, carefully avoid sprinkling the blossoms with 124 ORCHIDS. the syringe, and shade from the sun’s rays, and then the flowers may be enjoyed for a long time. They all require stove treatment when growing, and a lower temperature whilst at rest and when in flower. C. Cumingii.— This species is somewhat slender in growth, having small, four-angled pseudo-bulbs, oblong, blunt leaves, and large, regular, circular umbels of rich reddish- purple flowers in great profusion, elevated on thin, wiry stalks. The lateral sepals give a very peculiar appearance to the flower; they are rin. long, linear-oblong, acuminate, projecting forward, and having a peculiar twist at the base, which brings the outsides of these two sepals on the same plane, their inner edges meeting together; the dorsal sepal and the petals are fringed with silky hairs, and the lip hangs so loosely that the slightest movement causes it to rock freely. The plant was introduced from the Philip- pines in 1839. Botanical Magazine, t. 4996. C. Medusz.—This is a most singular species, robust in habit, and producing freely its singular, dense heads of blossom, which certainly have a striking resemblance to the fabled tresses of Medusa. The pseudo-bulbs are ovate, four-angled, and each bears an oblong, thick, fleshy, deep green leaf. The scape is erect, bearing a dense head of pale straw-coloured flowers, dotted with pink. Two out of the three sepals are lengthened into long, thread- like points, 4in. to 5in. in length, and to these the curious dishevelled appearance of the flower-head is due. It flowers during the summer months, and sometimes several times during the year. It is a native of Singapore, and was introduced to England in 1839. Botanical Magazine, t. 4977. air a aT v | ; ihc a a ; oe fh A CIRRHOPETALUM PICTURATUM (= nat. size). CIRRHOPETALUM. 125 + C. picturatum.—A free-growing plant, small in stature. The pseudo-bulbs are ovoid, and the leaves deep green. The scapes are thin and erect, bearing dense, circular umbels of emerald-green flowers, spotted with red on the shorter divisions; the two lateral sepals are prolonged and united so as to form a sleeve-like tube. It flowers in spring, and was introduced a few years ago from Moulmein. Plate ; Botanical Magazine, t. 6802. C. Thouarsiii—This is a pretty-flowered species, of somewhat robust growth. The smooth pseudo-bulbs are produced from a creeping rhizome or stem, and bear a single, oblong, blunt, dark green, leathery leaf. The flowers are produced in umbels, on the apex of the slender scape; the long, strap-shaped sepals are of a tawny orange colour, whilst the remainder of the flowers are yellow, dotted with red. It blossoms during the summer months. Native of Java, Manilla, the Society Islands, and the Isle of Bourbon. Botanical Magazine, t. 4237. Char MR: XXII: CHLOGYNE. Dr. LINDLEY established this genus in 1825, the first species described being the well-known C. cristata. The numerous species are confined to the tropical and sub- tropical parts of Asia. They are all epiphytes, with two- leaved pseudo-bulbs, distinct along the rhizomes, and have, as a rule, large, coloured, membranous flowers, with con- verging and slightly-spreading sepals, petals of like nature, but narrower, a great, cucullate (or hood-like) lip, usually bearing fringes on its veins, and a broad, membranous column. About sixty species have been described, many of which are in cultivation and are deservedly held in high esteem. Of these we have selected those most suit- able for the amateur’s collection, and which, with ordinary care, are easy to grow, and will flower freely. These, with few exceptions, are what may be termed intermediate-house plants; for, although they like a somewhat higher tem- perature during the growing season, they remain healthier, and flower more abundantly, if kept in such a house during the resting and flowering time. Culture.—Basket- or pot-culture is suitable for most of these plants; for, although they may be grown upon blocks of wood when newly imported or when small, they C@LOGYNE. 127 are apt to dwindle away, instead of increasing in size, if permanently kept under this treatment. In preparing the pots for Ccelogynes, good drainage must be provided, as they require and enjoy an abundant supply of water during the growing season, though nothing stagnant or sour must be allowed to remain about the roots. For soil we should advise about equal parts of living sphagnum moss and fibrous peat, with the addition of a little silver sand. The plants should be raised upon a moderate-sized cone above the rim of the pot, and the soil firmly pressed about them. The time for re-potting or top-dressing Ccelogynes is just after the flowers are past; and as most of the kinds bloom during winter, this means re-potting about the middle of February. Those species which have long, pendent racemes are most conveniently grown in teak baskets suspended from the roof; indeed, almost any of the Ccelogynes may be treated in this way, if they are kept thoroughly moist whilst growing. As several of the kinds included here require tropical treatment, the temperature will be given for each. We have already stated that these plants enjoy a copious supply of water during the growing season, but care must be taken that it does not lodge in the centre of the young shoots, or they will very likely damp off. When the growth is fully matured, an amount of moisture just sufficient to keep the pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling will be all that is necessary. C. asperata.—This is a large-growing species, requiring the heat of a warm stove. It usually attains a height of about 2ft. The pseudo-bulbs are large and oblong, the stalked pair of broad leaves being dull green. The raceme is pendulous, about 1ft. in length, and many-flowered, each blossom measuring some gin. in diameter. The sepals 128 ~ ORCHIDS. and petals are cream-coloured, as also is the ground- colour of the lip, which is marked with chocolate and yellow streaks and veins, radiating from a rich orange- coloured central ridge or crest. The plant requires tropical treatment and plenty of root-room. It blossoms during the summer months, and is a native of Borneo, whence it was introduced in 1845. Syn. C. Lowzz. Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, xvi., p. 225. C. barbata.—A free-growing, robust plant, with roundish egg-shaped pseudo-bulbs, and leaves in pairs, each being about 1ft. long and 2in. broad. Flower-spikes erect, bearing a cluster of short-stalked flowers, each of which is about 2hin. across; sepals and petals white; lip also white, with a margin or fringe of pale brown hairs, and three ridges in the centre, forming the crest. The plant requires cool- house treatment, and blossoms in January. It was intro- duced from North India in 1837. C. corrugata.—This is a pretty autumn-flowering species, with pseudo-bulbs much corrugated or wrinkled (whence the specific name), and apple-green in colour. The leaves, which are produced in pairs, are about 6in. long, and leathery in texture. The racemes are erect, and shorter than the leaves ; the sepals and petals are pure white ; the lip is white, with a yellow plate in front, and veined with orange. It is a native of Khasia and the Neilgherry Hills, and thrives under cultivation in an intermediate house. It was introduced in 1863. Fig. 32; Botanical Magazine, t. 5601. C. corymbosa.—A beautiful plant, closely related to C. ocellata, but larger in all its parts. The pseudo-bulbs are oblong, about 2in. long, bearing each a pair of broad lance-shaped leaves, 6in. to 1ft. long. Flowers 3in. across, C@LOGYNE. 129 in pendent racemes of about three flowers each; colour pure white, with two large, orange-yellow spots on the front lobe of the lip, the throat being yellow and brown. Grown in a basket, or on a raft, this plant makes a hand- Fig. 382, Flowers of Caelogyne corrugata (nat. size). some specimen, and when in flower it is a most beautiful Orchid. Introduced from Moulmein about 1866. It requires the same treatment as C. cristata. Syn. C. ocellata maxima. Botanical Magazine, t. 5323. 130 ORCHIDS. C. cristata.—This is an Orchid which should find a place in every amateur’s collection, however small. It is one of the most beautiful of all East Indian Orchids, and one of the easiest to manage in a plant-house. It is a healthy- looking plant when in growth during summer, and during winter it produces an abundance of flowers, which rival snow in their purity. They are elegant and graceful in form, large, and last a long time when cut and Fig. 83, Caelogyne cristata (much reduced). placed in water. In mid-winter a plant with qualities like these is of exceptional value. When growing, the temperature of the Cattleya-house suits this Coelogyne admirably; but during winter it should be kept cooler: when in flower, it may be removed to the drawing-room or dining-room without fear of injury. It must, how- ever, be placed in the greenhouse again as soon as the flowers wither, or the dryness of the atmosphere may cause the growths to be stunted, and thus one season’s We a As CELOGYNE:. 131 blossom would be lost. The pseudo-bulbs are oblong or almost spheroid, smooth and shining, and apple-green in colour, bearing a pair of narrow, leathery, dark green leaves. The raceme is somewhat drooping, many-flowered, about gin. in length; the blossoms are fragrant, and from gin. to 5in. in diameter. The sepals and petals are snow- white, the former being broad and wavy, the latter narrower; the lip is also white, with a large blotch of rich yellow in the middle, the ridges or crest being ornamented with a golden fringe, to which the plant owes its specific name. The flowers, which are fragrant, are developed along with the young growth from Christmas to March, and, if not sprinkled with water, will last long in perfection. Cul- tivated plants sometimes attain a remarkable size, as many as 500 or 600 pseudo-bulbs, bearing upwards of 100 spikes of snow-white flowers, with foliage of a beautiful fresh green, having been counted on one plant. Native of Northern India; introduced in 1837. Coloured Plate; Fig. 33; Botanical Register, xxvii., t. 57. Var. alba has every part of the flower of the purest white. Var. Chatsworth has large pseudo-bulbs and fine flowers of unusual substance. Var. Lemontana flowers about a month later than the type, and has the blotch on the lip pale citron-yellow. Var. maxima has larger flowers than the type. C. Dayana.—A most beautiful plant when in flower, but at present very rare. The pseudo-bulbs are long pear-shaped, with stalked, ovate, pointed leaves, and pendulous spikes, 2ft. or more in length, bearing numerous flowers, which are pale ochre-yellow, with broad stripes of dark brown on the side lobes of the lip, and a crescent-shaped band of brown on the front. Each flower is nearly 2in. across, the sepals K2 132 ORCHIDS. and petals being ligulate-acute, and the lip broad, three- lobed, and wavy; it is not unusual for a spike to bear two dozen or more flowers. This species requires stove treatment, and should be planted in well-drained peat and sphagnum, in a basket. It blossoms in summer, and is a native of Borneo, whence it was introduced in 1884. C. flaccida.—This is an erect-growing species, with oblong pseudo-bulbs, each bearing a pair of leathery, dark green leaves. The racemes are long, pendulous, and many- flowered; the sepals and petals are white, as is also the ground-colour of the lip, which is stained with pale yellow in front, and streaked with crimson towards its base. The flowers are produced during winter and spring, and con- tinue in full beauty a long time. The scales at the base of the raceme are remarkable for their scorched appearance. This species should be grown in the intermediate house ; it is a native of Nepal, and was introduced in 1833. Botanical Magazine, t. 3318. C. fuscescens.—A fine, bold-growing species, producing terete pseudo-bulbs gin. to 5in. high. The leaves are broad and plaited, and about gin. long. The raceme is few- flowered, and slightly pendulous; the flowers are large, having sepals and petals of a pale yellowish brown, tipped with white, a lip edged with white and streaked with orange-yellow, and two spots of cinnamon-brown at the base. It blossoms during the winter months, continuing in beauty for several weeks. It was introduced in 1848, and grows freely under ordinary Cattleya treatment. Native of Moulmein. Botanical Magazine, t. 5494 (var. drunnea). C. Gardneriana.—This is a very distinct and attractive species, in which the pseudo-bulbs are smooth, long, and C@LOGYNE. 133 narrow, tapering from the base upwards, and resembling long flasks; each bears a pair of thin, lance-shaped, bright green leaves, from 1ft. to 14ft. long and 3in. wide. The raceme is long and nodding, bearing many large, long-petaled flowers, which are pure white, except the base of the lip, which is stained with lemon-colour. The bracts at the base of the flowers are large and white. The flowers do not open fully. It should be cultivated in an intermediate house, and be kept free from thrips, which are very fond of its young leaves. It blossoms during the winter months. Native of Nepal and Khasia, at about 4oooft. elevation; introduced in 1837. Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, vi., 73. Fig, 34, Flower of Calogyne Massangeana (2 nat. size). C. Massangeana.—One of the handsomest of Cclogynes, and a first-rate grower when properly treated. The pseudo-bulbs are 3in. to 4in. long, pear-shaped, and two- leaved. The flower-spikes are pendent, and sometimes 2ft. long, bearing a score or more flowers, each being 2in. across; the sepals and petals are light ochre-yellow, and the 134 ORCHIDS. lip is deep crimson-brown, with lines of yellow, the front lobe being white at the edge, with a blotch of brown in the centre, through which run three yellow keels. It should be grown in a Cattleya or intermediate house, in a basket suspended from the roof, and be watered liberally when growing. Native of Assam; introduced in 1879. Fig. 34; Williams’ Orchid Album, i. t. 29. Probably the plant known as C. tomentosa is merely a variety of this. C. ocellata.—A pretty little species, admirably adapted to basket-culture. The pseudo-bulbs are small and ovate. Leaves long, narrow, and bright green. Flower-spikes erect; the sepals and petals pure white, as is also the lip, which is curiously fringed or crested, and streaked and spotted with yellow and brown at the base; on each of the side lobes there are two bright yellow, eye-like spots, from which the plant takes its specific name. It usually flowers abundantly during the months of March and April, and should be grown in an intermediate house. It is a native of Sikkim, at 7oooft. elevation, whence it was introduced in 1822. Botanical Magazine, t. 3767. C. odoratissima.—This is of dwarf habit, with the pseudo- bulbs in dense tufts, about rin. high, each bearing a pair of pale green leaves, 4in. in length. The raceme is slender and drooping, bearing sweet-scented flowers; these are pure white, except the centre of the lip, which is stained with yellow. It succeeds in a cool house, being found in large masses on the summits of the highest Neilgherry Hills, but always on the north side, and frequently growing among stones and wet moss. It flowers in April. Intro- duced in 1864. Fig. 35; Botanical Magazine, t. 5462. CELOGYNE. 135 C. pandurata.—A very striking species, remarkable for the singular colours of its. flowers. The pseudo-bulbs are large, broadly ovate, compressed at the edges; they are several inches apart on the stout, creeping, woody rhizome. The leaves are 1ft. or 143ft. long, plaited, broad, stout and leathery, and bright shining green in colour. Fig. 35. Caelogyne odoratissima (% nat. size). The raceme is pendulous, longer than the leaves, and many-flowered, each flower being upwards of jin. in diameter and very fragrant; the sepals and petals are bright green; the lip is of the same colour, with the addition of several deep velvety black, raised ridges or crests running parallel upon its surface; in shape it is 136 ORCHIDS. oblong, warty on the front, and curiously bent down at the sides, assuming somewhat the form of a violin, from which the plant takes its specific name. This species is a native of Borneo, where it grows on trees overhanging water in shady places, and blossoms during June and July. It requires tropical treatment all the year round, and thrives best when grown in a long basket, so that the rhizomes have room to develop. It first flowered in England in 1853. Botanical Magazine, t. 5084. C. Parishii—A small species, with four-angled, narrow pseudo-bulbs, 4in. long, each bearing a pair of broad, stout leaves, and a six-flowered raceme. The flowers are like those of C. pandurata, but smaller; they are produced in April and May, on plants grown in an intermediate house and kept saturated in the growing season. A native of Moulmein ; introduced in 1862. Botanical Magazine, t. 5323. C. Sanderiana.—A new introduction, and a most beauti- ful one. It is not unlike C. cristata in its flowers, but is quite different from that species in other respects, and especially in the treatment it requires. The pseudo- bulbs are ovate, 2in. long, wrinkled, and bear each a pair of leaves. These are 1ft. long, 2in. wide, ribbed, stalked, and dark green. The flowers are produced in loose racemes on the young growths, each raceme bearing about six flowers, which are 3in. across, snow- white, the sepals narrow, pointed, and keeled, the petals broader, and the lip three-lobed, the side lobes being striped with brown and the front lobe blotched with yellow. It requires tropical treatment, and plenty of water always. Introduced in 1887 by Messrs. Sander and Co. CELOGYNE. 137 C. speciosa.—The pseudo-bulbs in this are large and oblong, each bearing a thin, dark green leaf about gin. long. The flowers are produced singly or in pairs at the end of a slender peduncle, each flower measuring up- wards of g3in. in diameter. The sepals and petals are brownish or olive-green, the latter being longer and_nar- rower than the sepals. The lip is beautiful, both in colour and marking, and in the exquisite fringe of the crests and margin: it is yellow, veined with dark red; at the base it is dark brown, and at the apex pure white. It is three-lobed, the lateral lobes small and resembling ears. Two long crests run nearly the whole length of the lip, and are copiously fringed with hairs. A native of Java; introduced about 1845. It is a free-growing and free-flowering plant, requiring the same treatment as C. cristata. Botanical Magazine, t. 4889. CHAPTER XXIV. COLAX. THE present genus is very closely allied to Lycaste— indeed, so closely that some authors now include it in that genus. The chief point of distinction lies in the shape of the flowers, which in Colax is sub-globose, and the segments are broad and spreading. A hybrid between Colax and Zygopetalum has lately been raised and flowered by the Messrs. Veitch. There are two species, but only one is worth growing. Culture.—C. jugosus should be treated as a pot-plant, the pots being thoroughly drained, and the compost formed of living sphagnum moss and good peat, to which may be added some medium-sized lumps of charcoal. When potted, it should be placed in the Cattleya-house and subjected to the same treatment as other Orchids from the warm parts of Brazil. It likes plenty of water during active growth. C. jugosus.—This plant seldom exceeds rft. in height. The pseudo-bulbs are smooth, and somewhat ovate, about 2in. long, bearing a pair of dark green leaves, 6in. to gin. long, upon their summit. The scape is erect, rising from the base of the pseudo-bulbs, and produces two or three flowers, which are 2in. in diameter; the sepals COLAX. 139 and petals are creamy white without—the latter, however, are beautifully banded with transverse stripes of rich deep bluish purple on the inside (Dr. Lindley describes them as speckled with crimson, but this is at any rate by no Ree s Fig, 36. Flower of Colax jugosus (nat. size). means usual); the lip is three-lobed, with fleshy ridges, white, and striped and veined with deep velvety purple. This plant, when healthy, flowers freely during the months of April and May. Fig. 36; Botanical Magazine, t. 5661. CHUA PER 2 20V, CORYANTMHES. THIS is a genus of South American Orchids, with flowers of such an extraordinary character that a correct idea of their structure and appearance can only be obtained by seeing them. The plants themselves are, in habit, similar to Stanhopeas, having lance-shaped, plaited leaves upwards of ift. in length, and pendent racemes of flowers pro- duced from the base of the pseudo-bulbs. The remarkable feature of the flower is the lip, which is helmet-shaped, and is attached to the rest of the flower by a thick, hooded stalk. Near the base of this stalk a sweet, watery fluid is secreted, which, during the time the flower is in full development, drips continuously into the helmet-shaped part. The sepals and petals decay soon after opening, and the lip lasts only three or four days in perfection. Culture.—Coryanthes require to be grown in baskets, in a compost of sphagnum and peat fibre, and as they need abundant supplies of water when growing, perfect drainage is essential. The plants grow naturally on the outer branches of trees, fully exposed to the sun, and therefore it is advisable, if possible, to place them along with the Dendrobiums and other heat- and light-loving Orchids. After the completion of the growth, the plants should have CORVANTAES. 14! a drier position, and water should be withheld as much as possible without allowing the pseudo-bulbs to shrivel. C. macrantha.—This remarkable plant flowers during the summer months, and bears a pendulous scape with two or three flowers, each measuring, when fully expanded, nearly 6in. in diameter. The sepals and petals are yellow, Fig. 37. Flower of Coryanthes macrantha (4 nat. size). irregularly spotted with purplish red; they are very delicate in texture, and soon fade. The lip is fleshy and solid, with the pouch 2in. in diameter, and of a brownish-yellow colour, the projecting arm which supports it being dark purple. A powerful and agreeable odour is emitted by the flowers on first opening. This species—the finest of the genus—was introduced from Caracas about 1840. It 142 ORCHIDS. is a most difficult Orchid to manage in cultivation, and has rarely flowered in England; yet it is one of the most wonderful of all Orchids. Fig. 37; Botanical Register, 1841, t. 22. C. maculata.—A species with clustering, striated pseudo- bulbs, 51in. to 6in. in length, and tapering upwards. The leaves are two in number, broadly lance-shaped and some- what membranous. The flowers are borne six to ten together on a pendent scape, and are of a pale brownish- yellow, the lip being tinged and spotted with purple. This species is found growing on the branches of trees in Demerara, and was introduced into this country in 1829. Botanical Magazine, t. 3102. Var. punctata is an improvement on the type; the sepals and petals are thickly spotted with deep wine- purple, and the lip is also blotched with the same colour, the pouch being almost entirely purple. C. speciosa.—In the size and form of its pseudo-bulbs and foliage this resembles C. maculata. The scape is pendent, three-flowered, and each flower is about gin. across, of a dull pinkish colour, spotted with dark brown, faintly and not agreeably scented. This species is a native of Demerara, where it is common on large trees, forming large masses of closely-woven roots and _pseudo-bulbs, which are usually the abode of families of stinging ants. Collectors find great difficulty in procuring these plants because of the pertinacity of the ants. All the Coryanthes have this character. OHA PT ER) xv le CYCNOCMES. ABOUT a dozen species of this singular genus have been introduced into this country at various times, and, although scarcely any are grown nowadays, they are all of great interest, and some of considerable beauty. They resemble Catasetum in many respects, notably in the property some species have of producing two different kinds of flowers on the same plant. The thick and fleshy pseudo-bulbs are usually from 6in. to 1oin. high, and bear several pointed, stoutly-ribbed leaves. The flowers are produced from the upper part of the pseudo-bulb, and are generally large; their most prominent character lies in the long, slender column, which curves gracefully, and by somewhat resem- bling the neck of a swan suggested the generic name— Cycnoches, or Swan’s-neck. The plants are commonly known as “Swan Orchids.” All the species are natives of tropical America. Culture.—These plants should be grown in fibrous peat and sphagnum, to which a little loam fibre and silver sand may be added. They will succeed in either pots or baskets, provided these are well drained. They require when grow- ing a light position in a tropical, moist house, with copious waterings at the root; it is advisable, however, to avoid 144 ORCHIDS. wetting the foliage, as the centres of the growths are liable to rot if water is allowed to remain there. The leaves drop off in autumn, when the plants should be removed to drier quarters, and water almost entirely withheld until growth recommences. C. aureum.—A handsome species, bearing numerous large, yellow flowers, closely arranged on a drooping raceme. The sepals and petals are lance-shaped, and dotted with purple, the latter being curved in at the tips. The lip is small and much divided, and the gracefully-curving column is marked with purple dots. Introduced from Central America in 1851. C. chlorochilon—A striking species, and one of the largest-flowered, with fleshy pseudo-bulbs rft. high, and ribbed leaves of the same length. The flowers, which are borne on curving scapes from 8in. to 12in. long, are fragrant, and measure 5in. across. The sepals and petals are yellowish green, and the lip (in the plants we have seen) is ivory-white, with a bronzy-green blotch in the centre; in some forms this blotch is bright yellow. The column is 2in. long, and curved, whilst at the apex, where the pollen- masses are inserted, it is swollen into a roundish knob. This species is of easy culture, and flowers freely about June or July. Some varieties produce only three flowers on a scape, whilst in others we have seen as many as ten. A native of Demerara; introduced in 1838. Plate. C. ventricosum.—This produces several—usually two— racemes of flowers from the axils of the upper leaves on the last matured pseudo-bulbs; each raceme bears five flowers, and each flower has lanceolate sepals, the petals being curved downwards, and light green in colour. CYCNOCHES CHLOROCHILON (much reduced). CYCNOCHES. 145 The lip is white, with a black callosity on the short claw which connects it with the column. The strange behaviour of this plant when it was first introduced caused no little surprise amongst botanists, and led to a careful investigation of the whole genus by Dr. Lindley. He wrote of C. ventricosum: ‘‘Such cases shake to the foundation all our ideas of the stability of genera and species, and prepare the mind for more startling discoveries than could have been otherwise anticipated.” At one time it produces large green flowers, in a short spike, with broad flat sepals and petals, and a white convex lip, and at another bears small blackish flowers in a very long drooping spike, the narrow sepals and petals folded back, the labellum disk- like, with a horn in the middle and projecting finger-like divisions round the edge. On one occasion these two dis- tinct kinds of flowers were produced on the same spike. Native of Guatemala; introduced in 1842. Botanical Register, 1843, t. 22. C. Warscewicziii—This plant also sometimes produces on one raceme flowers of quite a different appearance to those produced on another. It is supposed to be a sexual form of C. ventricosum, notwithstanding that both have been described, and are now cultivated, as distinct species. The larger, or female, flowers occur three or four together on a short raceme, and have broad sepals and petals, and a broad, pale green, undivided lip. The smaller, or male, flowers are produced on a long, pendent raceme of twelve to eighteen; they are wholly pale green except the lip, which is yellow, and much divided. In these flowers the column is long and curved, whilst in the larger form it is short and club-shaped. A native of Guatemala ; introduced in 1879. te eet —_—_—__<_— CHALTIER XXVii- CYMBIDIUM. ABOUT thirty species are included in this genus, but only a small proportion of this number are considered orna- mental enough to be classed among garden plants. The genus is represented in almost all parts of tropical Asia. Most of them have Flag-like foliage, the growths clustering, and the flower-spikes nearly always erect. Those men- tioned below have large, fleshy flowers; the sepals and petals equal; the lip three-lobed, the two side lobes erect and _ half-inclosing the column, the front one tongue- shaped, with two elevated ridges. Culture.—Cymbidiums are not difficult to grow when once established; but, on account of their thick, fleshy roots, they are by no means easy to restore if imported in a bad state. They succeed best under pot-culture, and should be placed in good rough peat, sphagnum moss, and a little sharp sand. Some growers mix turfy loam with the peat, and as a rule the plants thrive in this. They must never be dried, or the loss of many leaves will follow, to the great disfigurement of the plants; they re- quire water at all seasons, but there must be a great differ- ence made in the quantity supplied during the summer and winter months. A warm, sunny corner in the Cattleya- a ————--—- CYMBIDIUM. 147 or intermediate-house is the best position for them. When not growing, keep them cooler, and at all. times supply plenty of fresh air, avoiding cold chills. Many of the species have small and inconspicuous flowers, but the fol- lowing are well worth growing. Fig. 38. Cymbidium eburneum (much reduced). C. eburneum.—A deservedly popular species, in which the leaves are narrow and sword-shaped, arranged in a distichous manner, bright light green in colour, and about 2ft. long. With age the plant forms a stout, stem-like pseudo-bulb, but when young it shows no sign of this. The raceme is erect, 8in. to 12in. long, and bears one or two beautiful, large, E-2 148 ORCHIDS. fragrant flowers, which have ivory-white sepals and petals, and the lip white, stained with pale yellow, their odour resembling that of lilac. The blossoms are developed in spring, about March, and they last several weeks in perfec- tion. A well-grown, well-flowered specimen of this Orchid is a beautiful object. The species is a native of Burmah, Bengal, China, &c., and was introduced in 1846. Fig. 38; Botanical Magazine, t. 5136. Fig. 39. Flower of Cymbidium giganteum (nat. size). C. giganteum.—This is a strong and bold - growing species, which, on account of its rather shy-flowering habit, has not found so much favour with Orchid-growers as it CYMBIDIUM. 149 otherwise deserves. The spike is stout, arching, and many- flowered; the blossoms are large, with brown sepals and petals, and a brown lip, stained with yellow and blotched with crimson. The plant has a distinct pseudo-bulb, which is clothed with the broad, sheathing bases of the long, sword-like leaves. It blossoms during the winter and early spring, lasting several weeks in full beauty. It requires tropical treatment and plenty of water. It is a native of Northern India, where it was discovered by Dr. Wallich; introduced in 1837. Fig. 39; Botanical Magazine, t. 4844. C. Hookerianum.—A large and handsome plant, not unlike C. giganteum in habit, the leaves being 2ft. long, green, striped at the base with yellow. The flower-spike is erect, arching above, and the flowers are 4in. to 5in. in diameter, bright yellow-green, except the lip, which is straw-coloured, with a deep yellow margin, and blotches of deep crimson in front; there are also two crimson projections on the disk. It flowers in autumn, the blos- soms lasting well if kept in a cool temperature. The plant is a native of Sikkim-Himalaya, and was introduced in 1866. Botanical Magazine, t. 5374. C. Lowianum.—This splendid plant is almost identical with C. giganteum in habit and general appearance; in fact, when first introduced it was distributed as a form of that species. The stout flower-spikes are from aft. to 4ft. long, arching, and clothed almost from base to point with flowers, each of which is 4in. across; the sepals and petals are equal, spreading, yellowish-green, with lines of brown, and the lip is scoop-shaped, with large, erect, yellow side lobes, the front being coloured deep 150 ORCHIDS. maroon in the best varieties, brownish red in others. The flowers are developed in March or April, and they remain fresh several weeks. This plant now occupies a first position among exhibition Orchids. It requires stove treat- ment, an abundant supply of water all summer, a mixture of fibrous loam and lumpy peat, and a solution of cow- manure when the flower-spikes are forming. When in blossom, the plants should be removed to a greenhouse temperature. The species is a native of Burmah, and was introduced in 1878. Floral Magazine, ser. il., t. 353. C. Mastersii—tIn general appearance the growth of this species resembles C. eburneum. The leaves are, however, longer, broader, and more recurved, and are destitute of that close-sheathing base which is a striking feature in the latter plant. The spike is erect and many-flowered, the flowers being very much smaller than those of C. eburneum; they are pure ivory-white, with a _ yellow throat; the lip is spotted in front with rose-purple. It blossoms during winter, and remains long in flower, having an almond-like fragrance. A native of Assam; introduced in 1841. Botanical Register, 1845, t. 50. C. Parishiii—This is similar in habit to C. eburneum, but the leaves are broader. The spikes are erect, usually three-flowered, each flower of the same size as in C. ebur- neum; the sepals and petals creamy white; the lip white, with a band of deep orange in the centre, and spotted with purple; the side lobes are also spotted with purple; the column is white, with yellow edges. A rare but exceedingly beautiful Orchid. Introduced from . Burmah in 1874. Williams’ Orchid Album, t. 25. CYMBIDIUM. I5I C. pendulum var. purpureum.—The normal form of this species is very handsome; but, as the majority of amateurs are limited to space, we can scarcely recommend them to grow it and the present variety also, which is very superior. The leaves are semi-erect, long, and narrow, very thick, leathery, and dark green. The spikes are pendulous, from rft. to 3ft. long, bearing many flowers of great sub- stance. The sepals and petals are deep purple inside, yellow outside; the lip white, spotted and blotched with crimson. It blossoms during the spring months, and is a native of Northern India. Introduced in 1848. Botanical Magazine, t. 5710. C. tigrinum.—A dwarf plant, with compact pseudo-bulbs, erect, few-flowered spikes, altogether unlike the other species of this genus. The bulbs are as large as walnuts, furrowed, wrinkled, with two leaves on the apex and one on each side at the base. The leaves are strap-shaped, 4in. long, leathery, and grey-green. The scape springs from the base of the matured bulb, and is about 6in. high ; it bears about three flowers, each of which is over gin. across. The two lower segments hang downwards, and the other three are almost erect; they are green, tinged and spotted with brown. The lip is large, three-lobed, the side lobes erect, and the front one spreading; it is white, with large blotches and spots of crimson. A native of Tenasserim; introduced in 1864. Botanical Magazine, t. 5457. Ciryn Pe tk AXVILE CYPRIPEDIUM. THIS is one of the most distinct genera of the whole Orchid family, whether looked at from a botanical or from a horti- cultural point of view. When speaking of the structure of the flower in Orchids it was remarked that one characteristic of the family was its possessing only one perfect stamen, the two lateral ones being abortive. To this rule the Cypripedez form the sole exception, possessing, as they do, two fertile lateral stamens, the central one (which is fertile in other Orchids) being represented by a broad, shield-like plate. How widely the flowers of the genus differ in general appearance from those of other Orchids may be gathered from a glance at any of the figures which accompany the descriptions of the species. The large, inflated pouch which is formed by the labellum suggested not only the English name of the genus—for this is one of the few Orchid genera which possess an English name— but also the Latin Cypripedium, or ‘Venus’ Slipper.” Previous to this, however, our European species (C. Cal- ceolus) had been known as Calceolus Mari, or “ Mary’s Shoe,” and to this the English name, ‘“ Lady’s Slipper,” may be traced—‘‘Our Lady” being the old English, as “Notre Dame” is the modern French, designation for FLOWERS AND LEAF OF CYPRIPEDIUM SELLIGERUM (nat. size). CYPRIPEDIUM. 153 the Blessed Virgin. C. Calceolus has a similar name in all European languages; the North American species are known as ‘“ Mocassin Flowers.’ The pouch has considerable influence upon the fertilisation of the flower. Sir John Lubbock, speaking of C. longifolium, says: ‘The opening into the slipper is small, and partly closed by the stigma and the shield-like body which lies between the two anthers. The result is that the opening into the slipper has a horseshoe-like form, and that bees or other insects which have once entered the slipper have some difficulty in getting out again. While endeavouring to do so, they can hardly fail to come in contact with the stigma, which lies under: the shield-like representation of the middle anther. As the margins of the lip are inflected, the easiest exit is at the two ends of the horseshoe-like opening, through which the insect generally escapes; in doing this, however, it almost inevitably comes in contact with and carries off some of the pollen from the corre- sponding anther. The pollen of this genus is immersed in a viscid fluid, by means of which it adheres firstly to the insect, and secondly to the stigma, while in most Orchids it is the stigma that is viscid.” Several botanists have separated the South American species from Cypripedium on account of slight differences in the structure of the seed-vessel, and also in habit. For these the name Selenipedium is proposed; but for garden purposes there does not appear to be any good reason for this division: consequently, we have included here those plants which are sometimes called Selenipedium or Urope- dium in the genus Cypripedium. The genus Cypripedium is very widely distributed: “ great numbers of species occur in both the Old and New World, in the ice-bound woods of Canada and Siberia, the warm glades of Mexico and Nepal, and in the torrid regions of 154 ORCHIDS. Centrai India and continental (not insular) America” (Veitch). One species, C. Calceolus, is a native of England. Those belonging to temperate regions have erect, leafy, annual stems, while the Indian species are stemless, with usually solitary blossoms. We have already referred to the remarkable pouch by which the flowers are characterised: it may be added that the top or dorsal sepal is in nearly all cases very conspicuous, being large, spreading, and usually most attractive in colour; the two lower sepals are generally much smaller, united, and, as a rule, unattractive; the petals are narrow and long, extending sometimes into slender, tail-like appendages of extraordinary length. The blossoms are very variable in colour, yellow, white, purple, red, pink, brown, and green, being represented. In some instances, they are beautifully spotted and lined. There is considerable variety in the leaves; those of C. caricinum are like grass or sedge; while in C. palmifolium, a tall-growing species of the sandy Savannahs of Guiana, they are hard, like those of a Palm. This latter has not yet been brought into culti- vation. The genus was founded by Linnzus, in 1737, upon the European species, C. Calceolus. It may be noted that the fruit of one species C. (Selenipedium) Chica, which does not appear in our list, is highly esteemed as an aromatic by the inhabitants of the Isthmus of Panama, who employ it as a substitute for vanilla. Another species (C. pubescens) is used in medicine. Culture-—The compost most suitable for the cultivation of these plants consists of two parts good fibrous peat, one part live sphagnum moss, a little charcoal, and a portion of sharp silver sand. In potting, the drainage must be thorough and effective; for as these plants have no pseudo-bulbs, they must not be dried off as the majority of Orchids are during winter, and therefore, if the drainage is not good, the roots are sure to decay, and the leaves CYPRIPEDIUM. 155 will shrivel. The roots should be spread out amongst the potting mixture, which should be pressed in firmly and at once well watered. The key to the successful manage- ment of Cypripediums is the watering-pot. All the species like plenty of water at the roots all the year round. The atmosphere about them, too, should be constantly saturated, but the leaves should not be wetted beyond a light syringing in the evening of hot days. When Cypripediums show signs of bad health, they should be at once shaken free of soil, the roots carefully washed, all rotten portions cut away, and the invalids then planted in clean living sphagnum and sand, in small pots. They must be kept moist, in a warm, shaded stove, till they recover, when they may be re-potted into the proper mixture. Except very few species, all the Cypripediums require tropical treatment all the year round. During the last ten years Cypripediums have received more attention from hybridists and specialists, as well as from horticulturists generally, than any other genus of Orchids. The exceptional form and, almost invariably, attractive colours of the flowers, their great lasting qualities, the ease with which the majority of the kinds can be cultivated, and the comparatively short time it takes to grow a small plant into a specimen—all these are points which have favoured the Cypripediums as garden plants. But their great interest and value in horticulture is seen in their plastic nature in the hands of the hybridist. There are more hybrids of Cypripediums than of all other Orchids put together. Hybrid Orchids almost invariably fetch high prices. Many of the hybrids are exceedingly beautiful, and quite distinct in character; but a good many more are poor, and scarcely worth growing, except, perhaps, as hybrid curiosities. There are also a very large number of varie- ties, both of species and hybrids, all of which have names: 156 ORCHIDS. indeed, there are a great many more names than there are distinct kinds. However, this is the case with all races of plants which have become popular in gardens. One has only to consider what has been done to improve the genus Cypri- pedium in a garden sense, the variety of form and colour added, the improvement in constitution and floriferousness, for which we are indebted to hybridisers and specialists, and we can afford to look beyond the fault of over-numerous names. The Cypripediums may be considered an established and valuable addition to horticultural plants, in this respect taking rank with such favourites as Gloxinias, Begonias, Anthuriums, &c. It will be obvious that Cypripediums have an exceptional claim to consideration in a work intended for amateurs. To enumerate here all the named sorts would be going to unnecessary length; but all that are distinct and inte- resting enough to cultivators are included. The number of true species named by botanists is about 110; of named hybrids there are more than 100; whilst the varieties of species and hybrids which have names number over 150. This gives a total of above 350 named kinds of Cypripedium known in gardens at the present time. There are several private gardens in England, and at least one in France, where almost every one of these named kinds is culti- vated. Such collections represent several thousands of pounds in value. The hybrid kinds are arranged together at the end of the present chapter, and the hardy species will be found included in the chapter on Hardy Orchids. C. Argus.—Habit of C. barbatum. Leaves 6in. to 8in. long, 1in. broad, variegated with dark green on a yellowish- green ground. Flower-scape central, 1ft. high, single- flowered; dorsal sepal large, white, striped with green and CYPRIPEDIUM. 157 purple; petals 3in. long, deflexed, wavy, white, with green stripes and rosy tips, the surface covered with purple eye- like spots; pouch broad, brown-purple. This requires tropical treatment. It flowers in March or April. Native of the Philippine Islands; introduced in 1873. Botanical Magazine, t. 6175. There are several named varieties, the best of them being Moensiz, which has larger flowers, with petals more thickly spotted, than the type. Fig. 40. Flower of Cypripedium barbatum (3 nat. size). C. barbatum.—An old favourite, which is still very popular, on account of both its variegated foliage and the large, dark-coloured flowers. The leaves are strap-shaped, 158 ORCHIDS. about 6in. long, leathery, channelled, light green, prettily blotched and spotted with dark green. The flowers are borne singly, on erect scapes about rft. high, The dorsal sepal is large and broad, the lower portion being green, beautifully striped with purple, the upper half pure white; the petals are similar in colour, and ornamented with several tufts of black hairs, which are produced from the purple shining warts bordering the upper edge; the pouch is large, helmet-shaped, and blackish purple in colour. The plant blossoms during spring and summer, and lasts many weeks in full beauty. It is a native of the Malay Peninsula, and was introduced to our gardens in 1840. Fig. 40; Botanical Magazine, t. 4234. There are about twenty named varieties of this species. Many of these closely resemble each other. The most distinct are: Var. Jiflorum.—Leaves narrower, and flowers smaller, than in the type; scape about 1oin. high, usually two- flowered. Syn. var. Warnertanum. Var. nigrum.—Flowers very large, and much darker than in the type. This is sometimes called gzganteum. Var. superbum. — Leaves more clearly variegated. Flowers distinct in colour, the purple being deeper, and the white purer, than in the type. C. bellatulum.—A very pretty species, belonging to the same group as C. Godefroye, C. concolor, &c., but larger than any of them. The largest leaves are leathery, . 1oin. long, and jin. in width, green, with grey marbling above, dotted with purple beneath. Scape 3in. to qin. high, bearing one large flower, 3in. in diameter, white, spotted all over with purple-black, some of the spots being large; the dorsal sepal is almost round, concave, hairy on the outside; petals large, almost as broad as long, the lower CYPRIPEDIUM. 159 C. concolor. Hitherto this species has flowered at various seasons. It is easily grown, requiring a tropical tempera- ture, with plenty of moisture; but water should not be allowed to lodge in the bases of the leaves. It thrives best when potted in a mixture of turfy loam and peat, in equal parts, with a few nodules of limestone added. The Fig. 41. Flower of Cypripedium bellatulum (2 nat. size). flowers are very varied in their marking. Native of islands near Cochin China; introduced in 1888. Fig. 41, for which we are indebted to the Editor of the ‘Gardeners’ Chronicle.” C. Boissierianum.—A rare and exceedingly interesting plant, of recent introduction. It belongs to the Seleni- pedium section. The foliage is narrow, grass-like, rft. to 2ft. long, somewhat recurved, and shining green. The scape is erect, as long as the leaves, branching, many- 160 ORCHIDS. flowered, the flowers expanding in slow succession. The flower is 6in. across; the dorsal sepal is narrow, curved forwards, crisp-edged; the petals are 3in. long, jin. broad, crisp-edged and twisted, and they stand out horizontally ; the pouch is tin. long, rin. broad, rounded and smooth like an egg, save at the mouth, where it is curiously cut. Each flower is subtended by a large, boat-shaped bract. The colour is yellow, veined and tinged with bright green, and margined with white. This species thrives along with C. longifolium. A native of Peru; introduced in 1876. Gardeners’ Chronicle, i. (1887), fig. 33. C. BoxalliiimA handsome, free-flowering species, of recent introduction, related to C. villosum, which it resembles in foliage and in the form of its flowers. Leaves green, strap-shaped, 1ft. or more long. Scapes erect, one- or two- flowered; flowers large; dorsal sepal reflexed at the sides, greenish, with a white margin and numerous large purple spots; petals and pouch green-yellow, tinged with purple. The whole surface of the flower has a shining, varnished appearance. This species may be grown in an_ inter- mediate temperature. It blossoms in January and February. A native of Burmah; introduced in 1877. Illustration Horticole, ser. iil., t. 345. There are several named varieties of this, but the fol- lowing is the only one deserving special mention: Var. atrata.—Flowers very large; dorsal sepal green, with a white margin and large blotches of black-brown; petals and pouch reddish purple and pale green. Gardeners’ Chronicle, i. (1887), fig. 47. C. caricinum.—A sedge-like species, the leaves springing in tufts from stout, creeping rhizomes; they are green, somewhat rigid, and about tft. long. Scape erect, bearing four to six flowers, which are medium-sized, pale CYPRIPEDIUM. 161 green, with white margins to the sepals and petals; pouch bright green, with a row of black dots on the inner margin. This species may be grown in a moist greenhouse. Native of Peru; introduced in 1863. Syn. C. Pearcet. Botanical Magazine, t. 5466. C. caudatum.—One of the most graceful and attractive of Orchids, and one which has always excited much interest when in flower. It has rather stiff, bright green, strap- shaped, curved leaves, 1ft. long, and erect scapes, about 13ft. high, springing from the centre of the growths. Strong plants have produced four flowers on each scape, but the usual number is three. Both dorsal and lower sepals are narrow, 6in. long, and curved forward; the petals are narrow and ribbon-like, pendent, ultimately becoming as much as 2ft. or even more long; they are yellow at the base, the rest being brown and purple; pouch 2in. long, reddish brown, yellow at the base, with red spots. The flowers are developed in April or May, and remain fresh for about a month. Native of Peru and New Grenada; introduced in 1847. For its cultivation this plant requires either warm greenhouse or stove treatment, some growers preferring the one, some the other, and we have seen it thrive under both methods. It requires plenty of moisture, and the soil about the roots should be kept sweet and open, the slightest sourness causing the roots to rot. Warner’s Select Orchids, ii., t. 1. Var. giganteum has large, dark-coloured flowers. Var. Linden? is remarkable in the form of its lip, which, instead of being pouch-shaped, is long and _ ribbon-like, resembling the petals; it is also paler in colour. This is supposed to be an abnormal or monster form of the type. Syns. C. Lindeni, Uropedium Lindent. Regel’s Gartenflora, x., t. 315. M 162 ORCHIDS. Var. roseum has brighter-coloured flowers than the type, the rosy colour predominating. Var. Wadllisiti—A very remarkable variety, the flowers being large and distinct; sepals white, with green veins; petals 8in. long, rather broad near the base, the apex tinted with brown; the lip large, yellowish, spotted and veined with dull crimson, white at the mouth. Syn. Selenipedium Wallisiz. C. concolor.—A charming little plant, very similar to C. niveum. It has strap-shaped, fleshy, blunt-pointed leaves, Fig, 42. Cypripedium concolor (2 nat. size). about 4in. long, dark green, mottled with grey, on the upper surface, vinous purple on the under side. The scape is erect, short, one-, sometimes two-flowered; flowers 2in. across; the sepals and petals oval, almost similar in shape, concave; pouch small; the whole flower is coloured clear CYPRIPEDIUM. 163 cream-yellow, with numerous small spots of cinnamon-red. The blossoms appear in autumn, and last over a month in perfection. The plants are small, and they grow slowly. They thrive best when potted in a mixture of peat and sphagnum in equal parts, with a sprinkling of silver sand. The pots should be drained with limestone. They should be placed near the roof-glass in a tropical house, and in a lighter position than is required by the majority of species. Native of Cochin China, &c.; introduced in 1864. Fig. 42; Botanical Magazine, t. 5373. Var. Regniert has longer leaves, paler in colour, and scapes bearing three, sometimes five, flowers each. Var. sulphurinum.—In this the leaves are green, and the flowers pure sulphur-yellow, without spots. C. Curtisii—A handsome species, related to C. super- biens. The leaves are strap-shaped, about 8in. long, light green, with darker mottlings. The scape is about rit. high, purplish, hairy; the flowers are large; dorsal sepal short, green, with a white margin, and purple and green nerves; lower sepals small; petals narrow, pointed, deflexed, dull green on the upper half, white below, veined and spotted with purple, hairy on the margins; pouch large, helmet-shaped, with acute side angles, vinous purple, with blackish veins. The blossoms appear in May and June, and last a long time. This species should be grown in a hot, moist house. Introduced from Sumatra in 1882. Williams’ Orchid Album, iii., t. 122. C. Dayanum.—One of the prettiest of ornamental-leaved Orchids. It is dwarf and compact; the leaves are about 6in. long by r4in. wide, and coloured yellowish green, marbled with olive-green. Scape stout, 1ft. high, one-flowered; flowers 4in. across; dorsal sepal large, white, with green veins; lower sepals similar but smaller; petals narrow, M 2 164 ORCHIDS. fringed with long, black hairs, deep purple, shaded with dull green; pouch large, deep purple, veined with green. The flowers last a long time, usually appearing in May or June. It will be seen that the flowers are large and dark- coloured, but the most attractive character is the varie- gation of the leaves. It is a native of Borneo, and was introduced in 1860. Syns. C. Burbidget, C. Petri. Flore des Serres; t) 1527: C. Druryi.—A stout-leaved, dwarf plant, with leaves gin. to 1ft. long, green, somewhat rigid. Scape about gin. high, brown, hairy, one-flowered ; dorsal sepal broad, curved forwards, hairy on the outside, dull yellow, the midrib marked with a broad, black-brown band; lower sepal similar, but smaller; the petals are broad, curved down- wards, yellow, with a line down the middle, as in the sepal, warted at the base; pouch pale yellow, spotted inside with purple. The flowers are developed in March or April, and they last over a month. This is one of the most distinctly marked species, and a remarkably pretty one when well flowered. It is a shy-blossoming plant under cultivation. It requires tropical treatment. Native of Travancore; introduced in 1875. Floral Magazine, ser. il., t. 425. C. Elliottianum.—A large and beautiful species, belonging to the group typified by C. Stonei. The leaves are bright green, ft. long, rin. broad, sometimes larger. Scape tft. long, bearing from two to five flowers; dorsal sepal 23in. long, rin. wide, pointed, ivory-white, with dark crimson lines ; lower sepal similar, but smaller; petals white, 5in. long, drooping, narrowed gradually to a point, white, with large, oblong spots and blotches of crimson, the edges wavy ‘and fringed with hairs; pouch rin. long, in shape resem- bling that of C. Stonei; colour reddish brown. Introduced CYPRIPEDIUM. 165 by Messrs. F. Sander and Co., in 1888, from the Philippine Islands. It will, no doubt, require the same treatment as its allies, C. Stonei and C. Rothschildianum. C. Fairieanum.—This is one of the prettiest of all Cypripediums, the form as well as the colour of the flowers being exceptionally attractive. The leaves are Fig. 43. Cypripedium Fairieanum (much reduced). 6in. long, iin. wide, and bright green. The scape is slender, pale green, 6in. high; the flowers are produced singly, usually during the autumn months; the dorsal sepal is large and white, yellowish green at the ‘base, beautifully streaked with brownish purple; petals similar in colour, fringed with black hairs, deflexed, and curiously curved at the ends; the pouch is dull purple, suffused 166 ORCHIDS: with dull brown, and veined with green; the blossoms last six weeks in full beauty, if not sprinkled with water from the syringe. This plant seems to have become extinct in a wild state, as no new importations of it have been made, although it is one that is much sought after by cultivators. It is very rare in English collections, and, from its slowness of growth and impatience of division, is likely to remain so. It thrives best when placed in a warm, moist greenhouse, on a shelf near the glass, where it requires shade from sunshine. It is a native of Assam, and was introduced in 1857. Fig. 43; Botanical Magazine, t. 5024. C. Godefroye.—A delightful little plant, similar in habit and general characters to C. niveum, differing chiefly in the markings of its flowers. It has short, rather fleshy leaves, seldom over 5in. in length, the upper surface coloured in waves of light and dark green, the under side usually purple. Scapes 2in. to 4in. high, bearing one or two flowers; dorsal sepal almost round; petals oblong, deflexed, nearly as large as the sepal, all coloured creamy white, with large and small spots of brown- purple ; pouch medium size, similarly coloured, but the spots are reduced to minute dots. This is greatly admired by everybody. Its flowers are developed in summer, and remain fresh a long time. Introduced from islands near Siam, in 1883. It requires the same treatment as C. concolor. Botanical Magazine, t. 6876. C. Haynaldianum.—A large-flowered, handsome species, related to C. Lowii. The leaves are rft. long, leathery, and green. The scapes are about 2ft. high, green, bearing two to six flowers; dorsal sepal oval, pale green, with blotches of brown at the base, rosy towards the apex; lower sepal CYPRIPEDICUNM. 167 large, green, with brown spots; petals oblong, gin. in length, greenish yellow, the margins of the upper part rose- tinted, the lower part twisted, blotched with brown; pouch green, tinged with purple. This is not one of the easiest to cultivate. It requires a hot, moist atmosphere, with plenty of water at the root during summer; and care must be taken to keep the soil sweet and open. The flowers are developed in March. It is a native of the Philippine Islands, whence it was introduced in 1873. Botanical Magazine, t. 6296. C. hirsutissimum.—One of the most distinct and attrac- tive kinds, flowering freely under ordinary treatment. It has green, strap-shaped leaves, about gin. or rft. long, and scapes of the same length, bearing solitary flowers, which are very large, measuring at least 6in. across. The dorsal sepal is large, heart-shaped, reddish-purple, with a margin of clear green; lower sepal small, same colour; the back is densely covered with soft, blackish hairs; petals large, broad, tongue-shaped, twisted, hairy along the margins, narrowed and wavy at the base, deep purple and green; the pouch is large, helmet-shaped, deep green, shaded with purple. The flowers are produced freely in March or April, and they remain good on the plant for at least six weeks. This is one of the choicest of stove species. It is a native of Assam, &c., and was introduced in 1857. Botanical Magazine, t. 4990. C. Hookere.—This species deserves favour because of the beauty of its foliage alone, whilst the flowers are not wanting in interest. The leaves are 6in. long, broad and obtuse, deep black-green, beautifully variegated with irre- gular blotches of creamy yellow; the scapes are long, and one-flowered; the sepals and petals are yellowish brown, the points of the latter being of a rich rosy purple; the 168 ORCHIDS. pouch is somewhat small, dark green, suffused with choco- late. It blossoms during the summer months, and is very easily cultivated. C. Hookere is a native of Borneo, whence it was introduced in 1862; it was named in compliment to the late Lady Hooker. Syn. C. Bullen- 7anum. Botanical Magazine, t. 5362. C. insigne.—This is one of the best known of all exotic Orchids, and it is also one of the easiest to cultivate. It was introduced, along with C. venustum, many years before any other Cypripedium, and it still remains a useful and handsome garden plant. It may be cultivated in a green- house, along with Geraniums, or even in the window of an ordinary dwelling-room, where, with ordinary care, it will grow freely and flower annually. The leaves are about gin. long, green; the scapes rft. high, bearing a single flower 4in. across, and shining as if varnished; dorsal sepal large, oval, the apex bent forward, apple-green, with dull purple spots, and a white margin; lower sepal small, pale green; petals broad, spreading, wavy, pale green, with purple longitudinal lines; lip green and brown, paler near the mouth. It blossoms in December and January, the flowers lasting fully a month. Native of Sylhet; intro- duced in 1820. Fig. 44; Botanical Magazine, t. 3412. There are no less than forty named varieties of this species, but not one-fourth of them are really distinct. The following are the best: Var. Chantini has the dorsal sepal pure white on the apical half, and spots of a rich purple; petals with amber veins; and the pouch reddish-brown. Syn. var. punctatum violaceum. Var. Mauler is large-flowered, has less white on the CYPRIPEDIUM. 169 dorsal sepal, and the petals and pouch are paler, than in Chantini. “Nar. Sandere has flowers whoily primrose-yellow save | Sion Fig. 44, Flower of Cypripedium insigne (nat. size). the apical margin of the dorsal sepal, which is white, with a few brown dots. / Other distinct forms are: albo-marginatum, Hors- manianum, Kimballianum, and Wiott. 170 ORCHIDS. C. Lawrencianum.—A very handsome species, remarkable for its large, attractive flowers, as well as for its richly- variegated foliage. It is a robust grower, the leaves about gin. long, 2in. broad, tessellated with yellow-green on a dark green ground, and very ornamental. Scapes tft. or more high, purple, hairy, usually one-flowered; dorsal sepal very large, spreading, white, with broad, parallel lines of brown-purple; petals spreading, 24in. long by 4in. in width, green, tinged with purple at the apex, shaded with red at the base, the margins bearing a few purple, hairy warts; pouch large, almost cylindrical, purplish brown, yellowish at the base. The blossoms are developed in summer. This plant should be included in every stove collection of Orchids. It is a native of Borneo, and was introduced in 1878. Botanical Magazine, t. 6432. Var. Hyeanum differs in having the dorsal sepal white, with pale green lines; petals green, covered with short, dark hairs; and the pouch grass-green, with veins of a darker shade. It is considered to be a bleached or albino form of the type. There are eight other named varieties of this, viz.: albo- marginatum, atro-purpureum, biflorum, elegantissimum, magnificum, majus, superbum, and virescens. The names are descriptive of the distinctive character of each. C. longifolium.—A free-growing and stately plant, with long, strap-shaped, dark green, shining foliage, forming a large tuft. Scape erect, from 2ft. to 3ft. high, six- to ten-flowered, the flowers opening in slow succession, so that the plant is in blossom for about half the year; dorsal sepal pointed, thin, wavy, green, with faint reddish streaks ; lower sepal large, boat-shaped, pale green; petals narrow, 4in. to 6in. long, twisted, green, margined with rose and CYPRIPEDIUM. 171 white; pouch large, wide at the mouth, green and purple- brown. This is an easily-grown plant, but poor in floral colour. There seems to be very little difference between it and C. Roézliz. Native of Central America; introduced in 1870. Syns. C. Reichenbachianum, C. Hincksianum. Botanical Magazine, t. 5970. C. Lowii.—This prettily-marked species has been a great favourite ever since its first introduction. The leaves are upwards of rft. long, about 2in. broad, and pale green in colour. The scapes are from 2ft. to 3ft. long, and produce from two to five flowers, a greater number being noticeable upon wild specimens. They are about 4in. across, variously shaded with green, yellow, purple, or violet, and are also spotted with black or deep purple; the petals are long, twisted once, broadest at the apex, fringed on the margins, green, spotted with purple, at the base, purple at the apex; the pouch is helmet-shaped, shining purplish green. The plant grows upon lofty trees in the thick jungles of Borneo and Sarawak, and was introduced in 1846. Bloce des Serres, &. 375: C. niveum.—This is a gem amongst Cypripediums. The leaves are small, dark green on the upper side, irregularly blotched with grey, the under side being of a dull vinous red; the flowers are on erect scapes, from gin. to 6in. high, solitary, or rarely produced in pairs, and pure, soft, snowy white, save for a few freckles of cinnamon irregularly scattered over the sepals and petals. The appearance of the plant, when not in flower, is very similar to that of C. concolor, the flowers of which are yellow. It blossoms during spring and summer, and remains in perfection about a month. It requires tropical treatment, and some broken limestone should be added to the peat and sphagnum used in potting. It is sometimes stated to be a native of 172 ORCHIDS. Moulmein, but this is an error: the plant is a native of the Straits of Malacca, and is brought to Moulmein by the coasting steamers in exchange for Moulmein Orchids; it has also been received from the west coast of Siam. Botanical Magazine, t. 5922. C. pardinum.—A handsome species, resembling C. venus- tum. The leaves are green, mottled with a darker shade, purplish beneath. Scape erect, about gin. high, two- or three-flowered; flowers large; dorsal sepal broad, white, with emerald-green stripes; petals strap-shaped, pointed, pale green with dark purple warts at the base, reddish purple and fringed with hairs towards the apex; pouch large, pale yellow, veined with dark green. An easily-grown and free-flowering plant, requiring stove treatment. Intro- duced from Assam in 1869. Floral Magazine, ser. i1., t. 51. C. Parishii—Although not to be reckoned amongst the most popular of Lady’s Slippers, this is a really handsome plant. It somewhat resembles C. philippinense in general appearance, but is a more robust grower. The scape is sometimes as much as 2ft. in height, stout, hairy, sometimes branching, and it bears from three to six flowers; the sepals are broad, projecting forward, straw-coloured, with pale green veins; the petals are about 5in. long, undulated, green at the base, rich purple at the apex, and the margin bears purple, hairy warts ; pouch long, green and purple. It blossoms in autumn, and requires tropical treatment. Introduced from Burmah in 1859. Botanical Magazine, t: 5791. C. philippinense—This handsome species is related to C. Stonei. The leaves are strap-shaped, rather thick and fleshy, shining green, and about 1ft. long. The scape is ee CYPRIPEDIUM. 173 erect, 14ft. high, hairy, three- or four-flowered; flowers large; dorsal sepal broad, white, with purple stripes; lower sepal similar, but with green stripes, hairy externally; petals pendulous, 6in. long, narrow, spirally twisted, yellow at the base, green and white at the apex, the medial part covered with deep brown blotches and dark, glandular spots; pouch small, greenish yellow. The flowers are developed in April or May, and they last about a month. Introduced from the Philippines, where it was found growing with Vanda Batemani, in 1863. It requires tropical treatment. Syn. C. levigatum. Botanical Magazine, t. 5508. C. prestans.—A striking and distinct plant, of recent introduction. It has stout, green leaves, like those of C. Stonei, and erect, many-flowered, hairy scapes; the dorsal sepal is 2in. long by 1r4in. in width, with the point arching forwards, whilst in colour it is creamy white, with about a dozen purplish stripes; the petals are 5in. long, narrow, twisted, with black, hairy spots on the edge near the base, ochre-coloured, with a mid-line of brown; pouch 2in. long, slipper-shaped, shining yellowish green, with red-brown nerves and blotches. It blossoms in August, and requires the same treatment as C. Stonei. Introduced from New Guinea in 1886. An older name for this species is C. glanduliferum. Gardeners Chronicle, 1887 (i1.),, fig. 155- C. purpuratum.—A pretty-leaved species, closely related to C. barbatum. Leaves 5in. long, pointed, pale green, marbled with a darker shade. Scape 6in. long, erect, one- flowered; flowers as in C. barbatum, but the dorsal sepal has revolute margins, and is pure white on the upper part, the rest being greenish, with purple stripes; the petals are broad, wavy, acute at the points, and ciliated, purplish, with r7A ORCHIDS. black warts. This is an easily-grown and free-flowering plant, blossoming in the winter. It is a native of Hong Kong and China, and was introduced in 1836. Botanical Magazine, t. 4901. C. Rothschildianum.—This is one of the handsomest of the C. Stonei group. Prof. Reichenbach described it as being “‘one of the most astonishing introductions ever seen.” It has stout, green, glossy leaves 2ft. long by 24in. wide. Scape stout, 1ft. or more high, reddish, bearing three or more flowers, which are quite as large as those of C. prestans; dorsal sepal oblong, acute at the apex, yellowish, with black-purple stripes and a white margin; petals narrow, wavy at the base, yellowish green, with dark longitudinal lines and blotches; pouch as in C. Stonei, almost leathery in texture, cinnamon-coloured, reddish at the mouth. The staminode in this species is very remark- able; it is curved and formed not unlike a crane’s beak and head. Introduced from New Guinea in 1888. It requires the same treatment as C. Stonei. Syn. C. neo- guineense. Reichenbachia, t. 61. C. Sanderianum.—A most remarkable and _ beautiful species, which has lately been introduced from the Malay Archipelago by Mr. F. Sander, after whom it is named. In habit and leaf-characters it is similar to C. philip- pinense. Flower-scapes stout, erect, 1ft. or more high, black-purple and velvety, each bearing from one to four flowers, which are as large as those of C. philippinense; dorsal sepal triangular-concave, hairy outside, the front beautifully striped with brownish crimson on a pale green ground; the petals, which form the most striking feature in the flower, are curved back at the base, and thence extend spirally downwards, ultimately lengthening CYPRIPEDIUM. 175 to from 14ft. to 2ft., as in C. caudatum; in colour they are crimson and white on the upper part, brown-crimson below; pouch small, narrow, dark brown. The flowers last at least six weeks in perfection. This interesting Cypripedium is apparently easily grown if treated as a tropical plant. It does well when under the same con- ditions as suit C. Stonei. We have seen it in excellent health in the same house as Phalznopsis. C. Schlimiii—A distinct and pretty species, suitable for cultivation in a greenhouse. The leaves are 6in. to 8in. long, thin and narrow, and light green. The scape is erect and branched, bearing six or more flowers, which are 2in. across; the sepals and petals are snow-white, tinged with green towards the ends, and mottled with purplish rose; the pouch is round, very much contracted at the mouth, white, with a blotch of deep rose in front. This plant should be grown in a mixture of peat, sphagnum, and sand, and be well drained; it should be kept moderately cool, and at all seasons of the year freely supplied with water, but during the growing season a copious supply must be given. It blossoms at various times of the year. It is interesting as being one of the progenitors of the many fine hybrids represented by C. Sedeni. It inhabits swampy places in New Granada, at an elevation of 4oooft. above the sea, where it was discovered by M. Schlim, a collector employed by M. Linden, about 1866. Fig. 45; Botanical Magazine, t. 5614. C. Spicerianum.—A beautiful and very distinct species, which has recently become one of the most popular of Orchids, although about five years ago 170 guineas was paid for a small plant of it. The leaves are like those of C. insigne, but broader and shorter, and spotted with purple on the under side. The scape is hairy, purple, 176 ORCATDS: gin. long, generally one-flowered; flowers 24in. across, full, of good substance; dorsal sepal 2in. wide, green, and folded at the base, the rest pure white, tinged with rosy violet, Fig. 45. Inflorescence and Leaf of Cypripedium Schlimii (% nat. size). and having a stripe of purple from the apex to the base; lower sepal ovate, greenish; petals 2in. long, wavy along the margins, pale green, striped and spotted with purple; pouch large, open, dull purple; staminode large, disk-like, CYPRIPEDIUM. 177 bright purple, with a white edge. This very desirable plant will grow and flower freely in an intermediate house, although it thrives perfectly in a stove. It blossoms from October to December, and the flowers last over a month. Native of Assam; introduced in 1878. Botanical Magazine, t. 6490. The following are named varieties: giganteum, magnt- ficum, nigrescens, radiatum, virescens, viride. These names are sufficiently descriptive. C. Stoneii—This is a truly beautiful species, and although somewhat difficult to establish when newly imported, under ordinary care it grows tolerably quickly, and forms a handsome specimen. The leaves are about rft. in length, leathery, obtuse at the ends, and dark shining green. The scape is about 2ft. long, erect, and usually three-flowered ; the sepals are large and broad, of a china-white hue, thinly striped with reddish purple, and shaded with ochreous yellow; the petals are 5in. to 6in. long, narrow, curved downwards and twisted, and are of the same colour as the sepals; the lip is large, and has a curious pouch, somewhat resembling a Turkish slipper in form; the ground- colour is dull red, with purple veins, whitish on the under side. It is a native of Sarawak, in Borneo, and in its specific name commemorates Mr. Stone, formerly gardener to Mr. John Day, of Tottenham, who flowered it for the first time in this country in 1860. It blossoms in autumn, and requires tropical treatment. Botanical Magazine, t. 5349. Var. platytzentum.—A plant of exceptional interest and beauty. The petals are tin. broad, white, tinted with yellow and blotched with purple; dorsal sepal white, with purple stripes. The highest sum ever paid for an Orchid, viz., 310 guineas, was given for a small plant of this variety N 178 ORCHIDS. by Baron Schroeder, in 1887. It first appeared in the collection of the late Mr. John Day, in 1867. C. superbiens.—This is undoubtedly the finest of the barbatum section, and deserves a place in every collection of orchidaceous plants. The leaves are 6in. long by 2in. broad, oblong and blunt at the apex, beautifully mottled with dark green upon a yellowish-green ground. The scape is 1ft. high, and bears a single very large flower; the dorsal sepal is large and broad, ciliated, white, beautifully streaked with purple and green; the petals are 3in. long and nearly tin. broad, white, green, and purple, the margin warted, fringed with soft hairs; and the pouch is very large and prominent, of a uniform rich brown-purple, reticulated in front. It blossoms during summer, and lasts a long time in full beauty. It is a native of Java, and is regarded by some botanists as one of the many forms of C. barbatum. It was introduced in 1835. Syn. C. Veztchianum. Flore des Serres, t. 1996. C. venustum.—One of the first of the East Indian kinds to be introduced to English collections, having been brought home about the year 1819. It is a very accommodating plant, for whilst some keep it entirely in the stove, others grow it in a greenhouse, the latter being preferable, as the blossoms are produced in greater abundance, although the variegation of the foliage is more brilliant where the plants are grown in a warm-house. The leaves are short, of a dark bluish green above, curiously mottled and blotched with grey-green, whilst the under side is dull purple. The flowers are solitary, and of medium size; the sepals and petals greenish white or pink, striped with bright green; the latter are fringed and warted with purple, and the pouch is yellowish green, veined with olive-green and flushed with dull purple. It blossoms from January to CYPRIPEDIUM. 179 March, and lasts a long time in perfection. It is a native of Silhet and Nepal, and is perhaps as much valued for its handsomely-marked leaves as for its dark-coloured flowers. Botanical Magazine, t. 2129. Var. pardinum has larger foliage, which is also more distinctly marbled, and the flowers are clearer and brighter in colour. Fig. 46. Flower of Cypripedium villosum (4 nat. size). C. villosum.—A well-known and handsome species, of robust habit and strong constitution. The leaves are leathery, from ft. to 14ft. long, bright green above, paler below, and spotted with purple at the base. Scapes rft. long, very hairy, one-flowered; flowers large ; dorsal sepal erect, oval, folded back at the base, the margin fringed with hairs, N 2 180 ORCHIDS. brownish purple, the upper portion green, paling to white at the margin; lower sepal smaller, pale green; petals tongue-shaped, narrowed to a stalk at the base, rin. wide in the broadest part, brownish yellow, with a purple midrib ; pouch large, open, brownish yellow. The flowers are very freely produced from January to March, and remain fresh about a month. There are many variations from the type here described, some of the forms being considerably better than others. The varnish-like surface of the whole flower gives this species a very distinct appearance. Its nearest ally is C. Boxallii. It may be grown in an intermediate- house. Introduced from Moulmein in 1833. Fig. 46; Illustration Horticole, iv. (1857), t. 126. Mybrid Cypripediums. No genus of Orchids has been so successfully manipulated by the hybridist as the Cypripediums. There are already at least a hundred named hybrids, and a great many more will soon be added to this number, several specialists having been engaged for some years in cross-breeding from the various kinds. Probably, the proportionately large number. of hybrid Cypripediums is due to the fact of their crossing much more freely, and maturing seed better, than many Orchids do. Any beginner can cross-fertilise Cypripediums. Considerable patience and skill, however, are required to obtain flowering plants from the seeds. Usually, the period between the sowing of the seeds and the flowering of the plants which are obtained from them, is about five years. There can be no doubt that a large proportion of the hybrid Cypripediums are of no value as flowering plants, many of them being positively ugly. And yet extremely high prices are paid for some of them; some peculiarity of form or colour—whether pretty or no does not in the CYPRAIPEDIUM. 181 least matter—coupled with the fact of the plants being unique or rare, being sufficient to cause Cypripedium fanciers to pay £50, £100, and even £300 for them. To anyone unacquainted with the Orchid market, this will appear in- credulous. All hybrid Cypripediums do not fetch such fabulous prices; it is, however, certain that immense sums have been obtained for these plants in recent years. In the following selection, we have included only those which can be recommended as good garden plants. Many of them are very expensive at present, but as they are, as a rule, easily and rapidly increased by division, they will, in a few years, be much more moderate in price. Following each are the names of the parents from which the hybrid was obtained. As hybrids are usually a combination of the characters of their parents, they do not require such minute description as the species. C. albo-purpureum (from C. Schlimii and C. Dominianum). —A handsome, free-growing plant, with long, upright, reed- like foliage, and tall flower-spikes. Flowers as in C. Sedeni, but larger; dorsal and under sepals ivory-white, tinted with pink, .with yellowish veins; petals 5in. long, drooping, twisted, pink-coloured ; pouch dull crimson, the edge white, spotted with rose. An easily-managed plant, and one which is in flower several months in the year. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1877. Garden, Xxi., p. 332. C. Arthurianum (from C. insigne and C. Fairieanum).— A small plant, with the appearance of C. insigne. Flowers smaller; dorsal sepal pale green, white on the apical part, veined and spotted with crimson-purple; petals curved downwards, with fringed and wavy margins, green, with crimson veins; pouch greenish yellow, mottled and veined 182 ORCHIDS. with brown. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1874. C. Ashburtoniz (from C. barbatum and C. insigne).— Leaves as in C. insigne, and faintly marbled with grey. Flowers large; dorsal sepal as in C. barbatum; petals narrow, fringed, reddish brown, with purple veins; pouch pale purple, tinged with yellow. Raised in the gardens of Lady Ashburton, Melchet Court. First flowered in 1871. Syn. £. obscurum. Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1871, fig. 348. There are several named varieties of this. C. calophyllum (from C. barbatum and C. venustum).— Chiefly remarkable for the size and rich variegation of its leaves. Flowers with dorsal sepal as in C. barbatum, and petals and pouch as in C. venustum, but deeper in colour. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1881. C. calurum (from C. longifolium and C. Sedeni).—A tall, robust plant, with bright green foliage, and erect, branching, brownish flower-scapes, bearing large handsome flowers ; dorsal and lower sepals whitish green, with rosy stripes; petals 2}in. long, green, with a white midrib and red edges at the base, wholly red on the apical half; pouch deep rose-pink. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1881. C. cardinale (from C. Sedeni and C. Schlimii).—Very like C. Sedeni, but the flowers are larger and brighter in colour, the petals broader and untwisted, and the pouch more contracted at the mouth. One of the best of the Sedeni group. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1882. Fig. (47. CYPRIPEDIUM. 183 C. Charles Canham (from C. villosum and C. superbiens). —An exceptionally fine hybrid, which flowered for the first time in 1887. Leaves as in C. superbiens. Flower very large, varnished; dorsal sepal 2in. across, whitish, with stripes of purple-brown, changing to green at the apex; iy; i, LNW f TH \ MANN JES fh) Fig. 47. Flower of Cypripedium cardinale (% nat. size). petals light purple-brown, with yellowish veins and spots of dark purple; pouch 24in. long and thin. across, pallid behind, purplish brown in front. Var. Mrs. Canham has narrower leaves, the petals are unspotted, and the dorsal sepal has more purple in it. Origin not known. 184 ORCHIDS. free-growing plant, with tall, grassy green foliage, and erect, branching scapes. The flowers are pale green, shaded with yellow, the pouch having a few small spots of brown. This is one of the least attractive of the most commonly- grown hybrids. Raised by Mr. J. C. Browning, Windsor. First flowered in 1881. C. Crossianum (from C. insigne and C. venustum).—A fine hybrid, having robust leaves, coloured light green, with olive-green blotches. The scape is hairy, purplish, one- flowered; dorsal sepal very large, whitish, with green lines and purple spots near the base; petals chocolate-coloured ; pouch brown-yellow, with green veins. Although very dark in hue, yet this is a noble-looking plant when in flower. Raised in the gardens of Lady Ashburton, Melchet Court. First flowered in 1873. C. Dominianum (from C. caricinum and C. caudatum).— A tall-growing plant, with long, arching, green leaves, and erect scapes bearing two or three flowers, in which the two sepals are 2in. long, whitish, with yellow veins; the petals 8in. long, narrow, spiral, pale yellow and rose, with green veins; pouch large, constricted, yellowish green, with brown veins, the mouth pale yellow, spotted with rose. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1870. Plate. C. euryandrum (from C. Stonei and C. barbatum).—A stout plant, with deep green, faintly-mottled leaves, and erect, hairy scapes, bearing two or three flowers. Dorsal sepal short, broad, concave, white, shaded with crimson and striped with purple and green; petals gin. long, narrowed from the broadish middle to a point, whitish, with large INFLORESCENCE OF CYPRIPEDIUM DOMINIANUM (+ nat. size). CYPRIPEDIUM. 185 . spots of purple and a fringe of hairs; pouch as in C. bar- batum, but larger and brighter in colour. Garden; xix;; p. 636.. ‘ C. Godseffianum (from C. hirsutissimum and C. Boxallii). —One of the newest hybrids. Leaf gin. by 2in., very stiff, green. Scape stout, hairy, reddish; flowers large; dorsal sepal sepia-brown on the central part, pale yellow about the margin; petals broad, rounded at the apex, wavy at the base; colour gorgeous purple-mauve on the upper half, the lower half sulphur-yellow, with blackish-red spots; pouch slender, light brown, yellowish underneath. Raised by Mr. N. C. Cookson, Wylam-on-Tyne. First flowered in 1888. C. grande (from C. caudatum and C. longifolium).—A magnificent plant, hardly equalled by any other hybrid. The leaves are sword-shaped, from 2ft. to 24ft. long, and 2in. broad, bright green. Scape as long as the leaves, many- flowered; flowers very large; sepals elongated, incurved, yellowish white, with green veins; petals drooping, ribbon- like, 1ft. or more long, cream-coloured at the base, the remainder rose-crimson; pouch very large, prominent, narrow at the mouth, where the colour is white, with rosy spots; the front is yellow and brown, fading to creamy white underneath. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1883. C. Harrisianum (from C. villosum and C. barbatum).— This is exactly intermediate between its parents. The leaves are green, with waves of a deeper shade. The flowers are larger than those of C. barbatum; dorsal sepal large, broad, shining, dark purple, white on the upper margin; petals purple; pouch vinous _ purple, shaded with green. A free-flowering, easily-grown plant, 186 ORCHIDS. which succeeds in an intermediate temperature. It blossoms in May or June. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1869. Interesting on account of its being the first artificially-raised hybrid Cypripedium. There are over half-a-dozen named varieties of this, the names being descriptive of the special characters of each. They are nigrum, rubrum, superbum, venustum, &c. C. Io (from C. Argus and C. Lawrencianum).—Leaves similar to those of the latter parent; flowers large; dorsal sepal ovate, white, with purple and green stripes; petals spreading, green at the base, purplish at the tips, the margins bearing brown, hairy warts; pouch green and purple, large. A distinct and handsome kind. Raised by Mr. N. C. Cookson, Wylam-on-Tyne. First flowered in 1886. C. Leeanum (from C. insigne and C. Spicerianum).— Similar in habit and leaf-characters to C. Spicerianum. The flowers have a broad oval dorsal sepal, which is green at the base, the upper and greater part being pure white, with spots of mauve. The petals and pouch are as in C. insigne, save that the latter is shining red-brown. A good variety of this is a desirable plant, but there are many which are in no way superior to the ordinary C. insigne. Var. superbum is the best form, raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons, and Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. First flowered in 1885. Fig. 48. C. marmorophyllum (from C. Hookere and C. barbatum). —Foliage as in C. Hookere. Scape ift. or more high, purple, hairy, one-flowered; dorsal sepal large, broad, green and white, with dark green stripes, shaded with purple near the base; petals drooping, purple, bearded; CYPRIPEDIUM. 187 pouch dull purple, warty on the inflexed margin. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1876. C. Marshallianum (from C. pardinum and C. concolor).— A rare and very beautiful little plant, and one of the best 4 A i wih ' es, f ci Wy Fig. 48. Flower of Cypripedium Leeanum superbum (2 nat. size). of the hybrids raised by crossing C. concolor with others. It has the habit of C. concolor, but the leaves are broader, flatter, and greener. The flowers are 4in. across; dorsal sepal ovate, 14in. across; petals oblong, rounded at the 188 ORCHIDS. apex, 2in. long; pouch as large again as in C. concolor. The colour of the whole flower is cream-white and pale rose, with numerous small spots of dark crimson thickly scattered over the sepal and petals. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1875. C. Measuresianum (from C. villosum and C. venustum). —Leaves 6in. long, dark green above, purplish beneath. Flowers large; dorsal sepal yellow, white-margined, veined with brown; petals brown-purple, becoming yellowish with age; pouch large, orange, tinted and veined with purplish brown and green. A free-growing plant, which may be cultivated in a greenhouse temperature. Raiser’s name not recorded. First flowered in 1888. C. Meirax (from C. venustum and another).—A pretty little plant, having pointed, green leaves, with darker marbling, purplish beneath. Scape hairy, purple, single- flowered; dorsal sepal large, fringed at the base, white, tinted with rose and striped with green and purple; petals purplish crimson, with green basal nerves; pouch yellowish green and purple, with purplish veins. It flowers in winter, and remains in blossom about six weeks. Raised by Mr. R. Warner, Chelmsford. First flowered in 1880. C. microchilum (from C. niveum and C. Druryi).—A charming little plant, with strap-shaped, recurved, green, mottled leaves. Habit and flowers the same as those of C. niveum; sepal and petals large, white, barred and spotted with purple; pouch very small, laterally com- pressed, white, with pale green veins. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1882. C. Morganie (from C. superbiens and C. Stonei).— This is a splendid hybrid, as the names of its parents would lead one to expect. It bears a most remarkable CYPRIPEDIUM. 189 resemblance to C. Stonei var. platytanium, and is almost as rare. Foliage as in C. Stonei. Scapes tall, three- flowered; dorsal sepal rosy white, with deep red veins; petals broad, about 6in. long, pale sulphur-coloured, blotched with brown-purple on the inside; pouch as in C. superbiens, but longer, and coloured dull rose, with crimson veins, whitish in the throat. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1880. C. cnanthum (from C. Harrisianum and C. insigne Maulei).—Foliage dark green. Scape hairy, one-flowered ; dorsal sepal large, green at the base, white above, lined with violet, the lower part blotched with purple; petals deflexed, vinous purple, yellowish and blotched at the base; pouch deep purple. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1876 (the variety in 1885). Var. superbum has larger, brighter-coloured flowers. C. politum (from C. venustum and C. barbatum ?).—A curiously-coloured plant, with robust, green foliage, chequered witha darker shade. Flowers medium in size; dorsal sepal whitish, spotted with purple and lined with green; petals linear, glossy, dull red, fringed with black hairs, green at the base, and warted; pouch narrow, purplish brown, with veins of a darker shade, the mouth green, spotted with purple. It blossoms in January or February. Raised by Mr. R. Warner, Chelmsford. First flowered in 1880. Fig. 49. C. Saundersianum (from C. caudatum and C. Schlimii). —A splendid hybrid, for the first plant of which £300 was paid. Foliage similar to that of C. Sedeni, which has been suggested as one of the parents. Flower as large as those of C. villosum; stalked ovary 5in. to 6in. long, velvety ; dorsal sepal oblong-triangular, whitish, with purple and 190 ORCHIDS, green stripes; petals broad strap-shaped, wavy, incurved- falcate, clear purple; pouch large, rounded in front, furrowed near the mouth, mauve-purple, whitish and spotted about the mouth, the front covered with asperities. As this hybrid is said to be free in both growth. and flowers, it is sure to become a favourite. Professor Fig. 49. Flower of Cypripedium politum (2 nat. size). Reichenbach considered it to be one of the finest. Raised by Mr. Marshall, of Enfield. First flowered in 1886. C. Schrodere (from C. caudatum and C. Sedeni).—A very stately, handsome plant, with long, tufted, bright green leaves, and tall, branching scapes, each bearing several large, bright-coloured flowers; dorsal and lower sepals pale green and pink, veined with dark green; petals pendulous, CYPRIPEDIUM SEDENI (} nat. size} CYPTTPEDIONM. 191 4in. long, twisted, pale green, stained with pink and veined with crimson; pouch large, in shape like that of C. cau- datum, and coloured rose-pink, white inside, spotted with crimson. It blossoms in December, and continues to develop flowers for several months. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1883. C. Sedeni (from C. longifolium and C. Schlimii).—A free- flowering kind, and a popular garden plant. It has long, arching, green leaves, and tall scapes bearing many flowers, which open in slow succession, so that the plant is rarely out of blossom; dorsal and lower sepals whitish green, tinted with rose; petals narrow, twisted, deep rose, with whitish margins; pouch round, rich crimson, white and spotted about the mouth. Named after Mr. John Seden, the most successful of all hybridists, to whose skill we are indebted for the many beautiful hybrids distributed by Messrs. Veitch. Plate. Var. candidulum is a cross between C. longifolium and C. Schlimii var. album. It resembles C. Sedeni in every- thing except that the colour of the sepals and petals is white, and the pouch is deeper-coloured. Var. porphyreum.—This is a robust variety, with larger and deeper-coloured flowers. C. albanense is also a form of C. Sedeni. C. selligerum (from C. philippinense and C. barbatum).—A beautiful hybrid, with very distinct characters. The leaves are large, broad, fleshy, deep green, with darker mottlings. Scape stout, erect, dark purple, hairy, two- or three-flowered ; flowers large; dorsal sepal broad, white, green at the base, with dark crimson lines; petals curved downwards, 3in. long, 3in. broad at the base, hairy on the margins, dull red, veined with purple, and freely warted; pouch as in 192 ORCHIDS. C. barbatum, but paler. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons, to whom we are indebted for the illustration. First flowered in 1878. Plate. Var. majus has larger and richer-coloured flowers than the type. C. Swanianum (from C. Dayanum and C. barbatum).— This is one of the finest of the barbatum group of hybrids. Foliage as in C. Dayanum, but darker. Flowers as in C. barbatum, but larger; dorsal sepal white, lined and shaded with green and purple; petals broad, usually warted, dull red at the apex, brownish green at the base, with green nerves; pouch large, crimson-purple, warted on the mouth. The flowers last a long time in per- fection. Raised in the gardens of Mr. W. Leech, Fallow- field. First flowered in 1876. C. Tautzianum (from C. barbatum and C. niveum).—A pretty little hybrid, very similar to C. tessellatum-por- . phyreum. The habit is that of C. niveum. Dorsal sepal elliptical, pointed, white, with purple and green veins; petals spreading, ligulate, green at the base, purple-lined towards the apex, spotted with darker purple, and fringed with dark hairs; pouch as in C. barbatum, dark purple, paler underneath. Raised by Messrs, Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1886. C. tessellatum-porphyreum (from C. concolor and C. bar- batum).—A beautiful plant, quite exceptional in colour. Foliage as in C. concolor, but larger. Scape two-flowered ; ‘all the floral segments of a pale buff-yellow, much stained with rose-purple, the purple greatly predominating; veins of upper sepal deep vinous purple, those of the lower sepal plainer; veins of the petals with numerous blackish- CYPRIPEDIUM. 193 purple spots towards the base; pouch deeper in colour in front than the other segments, pale green beneath, the mouth spotted with purple” (Veitch). Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 188r. C. vernixium (from C. Argus and C. villosum).—Leaves as in C. villosum, but less distinctly mottled. Scape stout, hairy, one-flowered. Flowers large, varnished; dorsal sepal pale green, with dark green nerves and black spots; petals wavy, bearded, dark brown; pouch olive-green, shaded with brown and conspicuously veined. C. vexillarium (from C. Fairieanum and C. barbatum).— A charming hybrid, partaking much of the characters of its beautiful parent, C. Fairieanum. The leaves are pale green, blotched with a darker shade of the same colour, whilst the flowers combine the beauties of both parents in a marked degree. The sepal is white, tinged with pale green at the base, and streaked and shaded throughout with soft purple; the petals are deflexed, hairy, purple, slightly shaded with green; the pouch is pale brown, tinged with yellowish green, and veined with pale green. Raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. First flowered in 1870. Garden; v., 103. C. Williamsianum (from C. villosum and C. Harrisianum). —Leaves long, green, tessellated. Flowers very large; the dorsal sepal white, with a broad central line of brown and parallel green lines; petals somewhat as in C. villosum; pouch large, brown in front, yellowish behind, the margin ochre-coloured. Raised by Mr. R. Warner, Chelmsford. First flowered in 1882. CHAPTER -XXTES DENDROBIUM. THIS genus has supplied a larger number of beautiful garden Orchids than any other among those which are natives of the Old World. Between 300 and 400 species are known, about 100 of which are cultivated in English collections, and amongst these are many Orchids which, for beauty of flowers, are unsurpassed in the whole Vegetable Kingdom. There is a great range of variation in the principal characters of the genus—size, habit, form of stem and leaf, shape and colour of flowers, all showing considerable diversity. The pseudo-bulbs of Dendrobiums exhibit a wonderful range of form from a small, thin, wiry stem to a strong, woody pseudo-bulb as tall as a man, and as thick as one’s wrist. Species with the habit and appearance of Epidendrums, Cattleyas, Coelogynes, &c., are known. The Bamboo-like stem is most frequent among those in cultivation, others being club-shaped or ovate; they are always marked with ring-like scars, called joints, and they are either pendulous or erect. The foliage is strap-shaped or ovate, or sometimes very narrow and grass-like, and it is either deciduous or persistent till the pseudo-bulbs perish. The flowers are borne in lateral’ or terminal bunches, sometimes singly, DENDROBIUM. 195 sometimes in very large, pendent racemes; the sepals and petals are usually equal in length, the two lateral sepals being joined at the base, and forming a spur or chin; the lip is usually large and handsome, and is narrowed to a stalk-like base; the column is attached by its middle to the ovary, and there are four waxy pollinia. The natural distribution of Dendrobium extends over an immense area, from the Himalayas, through Burmah, to the Malayan regions, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Japan. None have been found in Africa or in Madagascar. They are most abundant in Burmah and Moulmein, and from these two places the majority of the most beautiful of cultivated kinds have been obtained. As having an important bearing on the cultural requirements of Dendrobiums, a few observations on the climate of these regions may be worth attention. The wettest months are from June to September, at which time the atmosphere is almost constantly saturated. As much as 6o0oin. of rain has been known to fall in these regions in one year, and 250in. in a month have been recorded (Hooker). The average day temperature at this season is from 8odeg. to godeg. in the shade, falling to about 7odeg. at night. From October to February little or no rain falls, and the atmosphere is, therefore, very dry; the temperature also is lower. This is the resting season for vegetation, the Dendrobiums, at this time, being dried almost to scorching, and shrivelled to half their size. In the Malayan and Philippine regions, the climate is almost equal all the year round. The air is nearly always saturated, and the average temperature in the shade is godeg. by day, seldom falling below 75deg. at night. During the wettest months there is sunshine for several hours almost every day, and in the driest season there are occasional showers. From these facts we obtain some data which 02 196 ORCHIDS. will enable us to regulate the treatment for Dendrobiums, so as to accord in a measure with what they get in a state of nature. Culture.—All the species grow upon trees or rocks in positions exposed to sunshine, so that under cultivation they require very little shading. For the tropical species the temperatures most suitable are as follow: MonTHs. NIGHT. Day. deg. deg. November to February... ... 55 60-65 March to April fo AS 60-65 70-80 (with sun) May to August Peni aca 65-70 75-85 59 September and October ser 60-65 70-80 . During the growing season the atmosphere should be kept saturated by frequently damping the paths, stages, &c.; and in very hot weather the plants may be dewed with a fine syringe in the morning at ten o’clock, and in the afternoon at about five o’clock. As the new pseudo- bulbs ripen, less water should be given; and when they are plump and full, the plants should be removed to a drier, airier house, and only sufficient water be given at the roots to prevent shrivelling. In winter, no water should be given to the deciduous species, but those with foliage upon them should be watered a little. The plants should be re-potted as soon as the new growth begins to push. Pots, pans, baskets, rafts, and blocks are used, the first two for such strong sorts as D. chrysanthum, D. chrysotoxum, D. fimbriatum, D. speciosum, &c.; baskets are preferred for the smaller and more delicate kinds, and rafts and blocks for those which do not like to have their roots confined. Grand specimens DENDROBIUM. 197 have been grown on blocks with a little sphagnum moss about the roots; but to do this the plants must be kept in a constantly-saturated atmosphere and a high growing temperature. Those which thrive in pots or pans should be planted in a compost of good fibrous peat and sphagnum, with a little sand or crock-dust, or some nodules of charcoal, added, to keep the mixture porous. Two-thirds of the pot should be filled with clean drainage, and the mixture should be pressed in firmly about the roots. In every case, when re-potting is done, the plants should be made to stand firmly in the pots by means of stakes, as those which are loose in the soil do not get established nearly so quickly as those which are firm. When the plants are to be grown in baskets, these should be of teak, and of the shape that is usually em- ployed for Orchids; the bottom of the basket should be covered with crocks and charcoal, and, after adding the soil, the plant must be tied into the basket if necessary. This is done by passing matting or string a few times over the soil and under the basket. Plants for blocks must be securely wired on to the face of the block, and a little sphagnum must be fastened about the roots. In every case, the growing end of the rhizome of the plants must be kept above the surface of the soil or moss. New roots should be encouraged to enter the soil by adding tufts of sphagnum wherever they show on the growths above the soil. There are other important points to be observed in the management of different species of Dendrobium, but these are mentioned under the description of each kind. Both yellow and green aphides sometimes attack the young growths of Dendrobiums, and thrips are frequently found on both young and old foliage. Fumigation, or 198 ORCHIDS. dipping in a mixture of tobacco and soft soap, will destroy these pests. Snails are also very fond of the young growths of these plants; they must be kept under by setting traps, as already advised (page 12), or by examining the plants at night, when the snails come out to feed. Pruning has been recommended by several successful growers of Dendrobiums. By this is meant the removal of all the old pseudo-bulbs, leaving only those that have not yet flowered. Some leave all the pseudo-bulbs that are three years old and under. The latter plan is certainly the safer, and it may be adopted for most of the free-growing kinds with advantage. At the same time, it is well to bear in mind that some of the finest Dendrobiums ever seen have been grown without the removal of a single pseudo-bulb from the commencement. Propagation.—Those kinds which have jointed, bamboo- like pseudo-bulbs are readily multiplied by removing the ripe pseudo-bulbs from an old plant, cutting them into lengths of 6in. or so, and fastening them on to pans or baskets of moist sphagnum moss. Under this treatment, the pieces soon push eyes, and these, when rooted, may be removed and planted separately, leaving the stem till it has exhausted itself. Such species as D. bigibbum, D. crassinode, D. fimbriatum, D. nobile, D. Phalznopsis, and D. Wardianum, are easily propagated in this way. D. aggregatum.—A dwarf-growing species, which should be fastened upon a bare block of wood, green elm or thorn being best; it does not exceed 3in. or qin. in _ height. The pseudo-bulbs, each of which bears a solitary leaf, are crowded, angular, 2in. long, and deep green. The flowers ~ are clear yellow, becoming deeper with age, the lip dark yellow in front; they are borne in arching racemes about 6in. long. This species blossoms during March, April, DENDROBIUM. 199 and May. It is a native of Burmah, and first flowered in England in 1834. Botanical Magazine, t. 3643. The best variety is that known as mazus. D. albo-sanguineum.—A _ short, sturdy species, with stems din. in diameter, and less than rift. high. Leaves lance-shaped, 6in. long. The flowers, which grow two or three together, appear in May; they are very large (about 4in. across), and of a soft creamy white; the petals, which are twice as broad as the sepals, have a few blood- red streaks at the base; and the labellum has two large blotches of reddish crimson in the middle. The flowers are sometimes borne on one-year-, sometimes on two-year-, old stems. This plant should be grown upon a block of wood or in a basket, and during the growing season re- quires stove heat and a thoroughly moist atmosphere. It is a native of the open hill forests of Moulmein. Botanical Magazine, t. 5130. D. amenum.—A slender-growing plant. Pseudo-bulbs about rft. long, with short internodes. Leaves narrow, 3in. long, deciduous. Flowers 2in. across, produced singly (sometimes two or three together) on the upper part of the ripened leafless growths; sepals and petals equal, white, tipped with amethyst; lip broad, notched at the margin, hairy in the throat, coloured amethyst, with a white edge and a yellow blotch in front. It blossoms in May, and is remarkable for its delicious violet-like odour. It requires the same treatment as D. nobile. Native of Nepal; introduced in 1874. Botanical Magazine, t. 6199. D. aureum.—A most charming Orchid, and very easy to manage. The pseudo-bulbs are from rft. to r4ft. high, smooth, plump, as thick as the thumb in the upper half- 200 ORCHIDS. yellowish when old; leaves lance-shaped, 4in. long, deciduous. Flowers in twos or threes from the nodes of the two-year-old stems, each one 2in. across; sepals and petals nearly equal, cream-colour; lip large, channelled, reflexed, velvety above, buff-yellow, streaked with dull red; column orange-red. The flowers are developed in January or February, and remain fresh about a fortnight; they Fig. 50. Flower of Dendrobium aureum (% nat. size). change to a deep golden yellow before perishing ; they are also remarkable for their strong primrose fragrance. This plant should be grown in a hot, moist house from April to September, when it should be placed in a cooler house, and be allowed to ripen. During winter it should hang close to the glass in a sunny place, and be kept dry. It thrives best when planted in baskets, using for it a mixture of peat and sphagnum. Native of various parts of India; introduced in 1837. Syn. D. heterocarpum. Fig. 50; Botanical Magazine, t. 4708. DENDROBIUM. 201 Var. Henshalli.—Pseudo-bulbs longer. Lip white, with a yellow blotch and two reddish spots. Botanical Magazine, t. 4970. Var. philippinense.—Pseudo-bulbs almost pendent, from 3ft. to 5ft. long. Flowers paler, and the segments more acute, than in the type. D. Bensoniz.—A handsome species, erect in habit, the pseudo-bulbs from 1ft. to 2ft. high, terete, as thick as the finger, yellowish when mature. Leaves about 2in. long, deciduous. Its lovely flowers, which are about 2}in. across, are produced in May and June, growing in twos or threes on the upper part of the stem; the sepals and petals are milk-white ; the lip is white, with an orange centre, and ornamented near the base with two large, velvety-black blotches. This species is a native of Moulmein, whence it was introduced to our gardens in 1866, by Lieut.-Col. Benson. It is not easily kept in health after about two years’ cultivation. It should be planted in a pot or basket, in peat-fibre and sphagnum, and be grown in a hothouse; when growth is finished, the plants should be placed in an intermediate temperature, and be kept dry. Botanical Magazine, t. 5679. D. bigibbum.—A sturdy species, with fusiform pseudo- bulbs, 1ft. to 2ft. high, and bearing about half-a-dozen lance-shaped leaves qin. long. Flower-spikes from near the apex of the two-year-old pseudo-bulbs, erect, about 1ft. long, bearing from four to twelve or more flowers, each of which is rin. across, full; the sepals oblong; the petals broader than long, magenta-purple; lip funnel- shaped, with a tongue-like front lobe, deep maroon, with a raised, white crest. The spur is two-lobed or double-chinned, whence the specific name. The blossoms appear late in the autumn. Native of tropical Australia; introduced in 202 ORCHIDS. 1824. When growing, this species requires the hottest and moistest atmosphere, with plenty of light. It should be placed in a drier position whilst ripening its growths. Either pot- or basket-culture suits it As the new growths push in the winter, care must be taken not to let them get a check. Botanical Magazine, t. 4898. Fig. 51. Flower of Dendrobium Brymerianum (nat. size). D. Brymerianum.—One of the most remarkable of all Orchids. Pseudo-bulbs erect, as thick as a pencil, slightly swollen in the middle, 1ft. or more long, yellowish. Leaves lance-shaped, 4in. long, persistent. Flowers in racemes from the top of the pseudo-bulbs, one: to three in each raceme; sepals and petals equal, rin. long, spreading; lip sometimes 3in. long by rin. broad, the greater part of it cut up into long, branching, interlacing filaments, forming DENDROBIUM. 203 a deep fringe to the central part, which is heart-shaped and downy on the surface. The whole flower is a beautiful golden-yellow colour. Native of Burmah; introduced in 1874. For its cultivation, the plant requires the same treat- ment as recommended for D. aureum. It blossoms in February or March. Fig. 51; Botanical Magazine, t. 6383. Var. héstriontcum has much shorter pseudo-bulbs, smaller flowers, and little or no fringe. D. chrysanthum.—A handsome, large-growing kind, the pseudo-bulbs often attaining a length of 5ft. or 6ft., semi- erect, somewhat twisted, as thick as the little finger. Leaves lance-shaped, 4in. long, deciduous. Flowers on the young leafy pseudo-bulbs, in axillary racemes, usually four to six flowers on each; these are r4in. across, waxy in texture, full, bright orange-yellow; the lip is rounded and fringed. It blossoms in the autumn. This species is most satisfactory when grown in teak baskets hung near the roof-glass, growth being allowed to hang downwards. It likes abundance of water when growing, new growth commencing as soon as the flowers fade, and continuing all winter, when the temperature for it should not fall below 6odeg. When at rest, the soil at the roots should not be allowed to get dry. It may be termed a warm greenhouse plant. Native of Upper Burmah, &c.; intro- duced in 1828. Syn. D. Paxtont. Botanical Register, t. 1299. D. chrysotoxum.—A richly-coloured and first-rate flower- ing Orchid. Pseudo-bulbs club-shaped or spindle-shaped, furrowed, 6in. to 12in. long, bearing four apical leaves, each about 4in. in length, leathery. Racemes_ produced from near the top of the last-ripened pseudo-bulbs, each raceme 8in. long, arching, and many-flowered; flowers 204 ORCHIDS. 2in. across, spreading; sepals and petals nearly equal, rich golden yellow; lip the same colour, deeper in front, and streaked with red in the throat, margin fringed, upper surface pubescent. The blossoms are developed in March and April. This species requires the same treatment as D. densiflorum. It is a native of Burmah, whence it was introduced in 1847. Botanical Magazine, t. 5053. Var. suavissimum has stouter pseudo-bulbs and broader leaves than the type; the flowers, too, which appear in June, have a large, maroon blotch on the lip, and are sweet- scented. D. crassinode.—A beautiful and structurally interesting species. It has pendulous pseudo-bulbs, from 1ft. to aft. long, formed throughout of swollen internodes in the form of depressed spheres, 1in. in diameter, and less than that apart. Leaves narrow, 4in. long, deciduous. Flowers in twos and threes from the upper nodes of the last-ripened pseudo-bulbs, each one 24in. across; sepals and petals equal, oblong, pointed, white, with a blotch of amethyst at the tip; lip spreading, kidney-shaped, rin. across, slightly fringed, hairy on the upper surface, yellow, zoned with white, amethyst at the apex. Introduced from Moulmein in 1868. It blossoms from January to March, lasting several weeks in beauty. The cultural requirements of this are exactly the same as those of D. Wardianum, to which it is closely allied. Botanical Magazine, t. 5766. Var. Barberianum has flowers with much more purple colour in them than in the type. There is a natural hybrid between D. crassinode and D. Wardianum, having characters intermediate between the two parents. DENDROBIUM. 205 D. crepidatum.—A pretty and free-flowering plant, with pseudo-bulbs 1ft. long, din. in diameter, striped with white. Leaves narrow, 3in. long, deciduous. Flowers from the nodes of the youngest-ripened pseudo-bulbs, usually in pairs or threes, on purple stalks, waxy, 1din. across, white, with tints of lilac; lip heart-shaped, pursed, and blotched with yellow in the throat. Native of Assam; introduced in 1849. It requires the same treatment as D. aureum, and blossoms in early spring. Botanical Magazine, t. 4993. D. crystallinum.—A graceful: and pretty species, very free-flowering, and easy to manage. The _ pseudo-bulbs are tufted, about rft. long, as thick as a goose-quill, striated. Leaves narrow, 4in. long, deciduous. Flowers in pairs or threes from the nodes of the last-ripened pseudo-bulbs, each flower rin. across, delicate in texture, white, tipped with amethyst; lip rounded, yellow, with a white border and a blotch of amethyst in front. Native of Burmah; introduced in 1867.