PL. 61. VANDA PARISHII MARRIOTTIANA.
Epiphytal. Plant dwarf, compact, evergreen, the stem short, with closely-set leaves, and thick aërial roots. Leaves distichous, ligulate-obtuse, with an unequal bilobed apex, stout and fleshy in texture, narrower, less drooping, and more densely set than in the type. Scape axillary, the spike erect, bearing several (about six) flowers. Flowers large, scentless, but remarkable for their beautiful colouring; sepals roundish-obovate, the outer surface pale mauve, with darker mauve blotches, and a well developed white keel, the inner surface bronzy-brown, richly suffused with magenta; petals similar in form and size, wholly mauve-coloured exteriorly, and within of the same brownish magenta tint as the sepals; lip auricled at the base, and produced into a short gibbous spur, the auricles white, with longitudinal mauve stripes, and two yellow blotches beneath the column, the interior portion of the richest magenta or lake-carmine, rhomboid, gibbous below the apex, and having a keel along the median line, and a conical callus at the base. Column bent forward, white marked with purple.
Vanda Parishii Marriottiana, Reichenbach fil., in Gardener’s Chronicle, N.S., xiii., 743; xv., 726.
Of this handsome novelty Professor Reichenbach observes, that it is “a very unexpected glorious surprise.” We are indebted to the courtesy of H. J. Ross, Esq., Castagnolo, à Lastra, à Signa, Italy, for the opportunity of figuring it, he having been kind enough to send us a flower-spike, accompanied by a coloured sketch of the entire plant; we have since exchanged a few plants of it with him, and from these several materials our plate has been prepared.
Vanda Parishii Marriottiana was first flowered by Sir W. H. S. Marriott, Bart., in honour of whom it was named by Professor Reichenbach. It is totally distinct from the type, which was figured in the first volume of this work under Plate 15; and from which it will be seen that while in that the sepals and petals are distinctly spotted, they are in the variety before us of a bronzy brown, richly suffused with magenta, the lip being altogether of a rich magenta, as in the original form. This variety also differs from the type in having scentless flowers; and, moreover, the growth of the plant is altogether distinct, the leaves being more closely set on the short stem, as well as narrower, and less drooping.
A curious fact is mentioned by Professor Reichenbach, in his original description of this choice variety, namely, that, when fading, the blossoms take on an olive-green tint with dark blotches, thus in some degree reverting to the original colours.
Vanda Parishii Marriottiana requires the same treatment as other Vandas, and which has been already described under Plate 15.
Orchids in France.—The Chateau de Gouville is situated about twelve miles from Rouen, in a most picturesque part of Normandy, and is the country seat of the Comte de Germiny, a nobleman who is a most ardent admirer of Orchids, and spares no pains to extend his very fine collection, which is unequalled in France. The plant houses are situated near to the Chateau, and are well built of iron and stone, having circular roofs. On entering the first, which is filled with Caladiums and Gloxinias, one is at once struck with the beauty of these flowers; there is an endless variety of colour in the collection, and the size of the flowers is remarkable, larger than any we have previously met with. There is yet another house entirely filled with Gloxinias, which we had to pass through, when a large house is reached, where Stove Plants with ornamental foliage are planted out in the central portion, forming a handsome parterre, through which a stream of water flows. Above this natural undergrowth, the Vandas and Saccolabiums are suspended in baskets, and as a collection, are the finest we have ever seen. Among them we noted grand plants of V. suavis, of V. tricolor and its finest varieties, and of V. cœrulea, some of them being several feet high, and in perfect health. We also noticed enormous masses of Saccolabiums growing on suspended blocks of wood, as imported. The plants evidently like this treatment, as they are rooting most profusely among the undergrowth, and the effect is indeed most charming. On the side stages are some grand plants of Phalænopsis Schilleriana, and of P. amabilis, as well as numerous Saccolabiums, Aërides, &c. We noticed a nice plant of the rare Renanthera matutina in bloom; this is a little gem, reminding one of a miniature Renanthera coccinea. At one end of this fine house, growing on rustic stands, is a fine collection of Nepenthes, forming together with the Orchids and other plants, as viewed from the entrance, a truly imposing tropical scene.
Leaving this house, we came to a compartment where are some grand plants of Cœlogyne cristata, with large masses of Pescatoreas, Bolleas, Dendrobes, &c., in vigorous health. The Cattleya house contains some wonderful examples of cultivation; we noticed particularly the following:—Cattleya exoniensis in bloom; two fine specimens of C. labiata pallida just past flower; Lælia elegans alba; L. Perrinii, fine specimens in bloom; Cattleya gigas just opening; and several grand plants of C. Trianæ, showing quantities of flower, as well as of C. Mossiæ, and Lælia purpurata.
In the Odontoglossum house are many fine plants of good varieties and of rare species, all doing well, and presenting a picture of health. Here we saw the true Cypripedium Chantinii flowering profusely, and C. Spicerianum with several spikes. A small house adjoining this is entirely devoted to Phalænopsids, the plants being suspended from the roof in baskets over tanks of water, which method of cultivation seems to agree well with them.
Altogether this is one of the finest collections of Orchids we have ever had the good fortune to see, the East Indian kinds being especially well cultivated. Great credit is due to M. Rondeau, the gardener, for the manner in which he manages his plants, and as M. le Comte remarked to us, for a gardener to grow his plants well, he must love them as he loves his children.—H. Williams.
PL. 62. MASDEVALLIA IGNEA.
Epiphytal. Stems slender, erect, tufted. Leaves evergreen, coriaceous, six to eight inches long, the blade deep green, elliptic-oblong, blunt or notched at the apex, keeled behind, and narrowed below into a long slender channelled petiole, which is invested at the base by one or two membranous sheaths. Scapes slender, radical, ten to twelve inches long, invested at the base by sheaths, and having a sheathing bract beneath the blossom like those of the leaves. Flowers remarkable in form, and brilliant in colour, paler on the outer surface; dorsal sepal keeled, attenuate or subfiliform from a triangular base, bent down between the two lateral sepals so as to occupy the sinus, pale orange-red; lateral sepals connate below, elliptic-oblong, acute or apiculate, obliquely incurved, of a vivid cinnabar-red or glowing orange-scarlet, with three deeper red nerves; all united at the base into an incurved gibbous tube; petals white, small, included, ligulate, acute, hastately auricled at the base in front; lip white, small, enclosed, unguiculate, linguiform, subcordate at the base, crenulate in front. Column erect, wingless.
Masdevallia ignea, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1871, 1482; Hooker fil., Botanical Magazine, t. 5962; Moore, Florist and Pomologist, 1873, 169, with coloured plate; André, Illustration Horticole, t. 333; Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1872, 545, fig. 149; Floral Magazine, 2 ser., t. 15.
This is a most distinct species of Masdevallia, and one that should be welcomed wherever richly coloured flowers are required, whether it be for exhibition purposes, or as a distinct companion to the other fine members of this genus. For the supply of cut flowers it will be found invaluable, on account of its distinct glowing colour. There are a great many varieties among the species of this genus—some of which are infinitely superior to the one here figured, and the most select and distinct of which we hope to be able to illustrate at a future time. We find upon reference to those publications wherein the various Masdevallias have been figured, that the several artists have done but scant justice to their remarkable beauty, owing, we suppose, to the frequent want of the pigments necessary to represent truthfully their rich colouring and markings. We refer here more particularly to that section of the genus represented by M. Harryana. Since the publication of some of those plates, however, the chemist has had the good fortune to discover the two lovely colours, magenta and mauve, by the aid of which we are now enabled to pourtray more accurately than before these wonderful productions of nature, the Orchids, in which the two colours referred to largely preponderate.
Masdevallia ignea is a dwarf growing evergreen species, producing its flowers singly on erect growing peduncles during the summer months, and lasting for some weeks in perfection. It was introduced from New Grenada in 1870. Our plate was taken from a well-grown plant flowered in the fine collection of C. Dorman, Esq., The Firs, Lawrie Park, Sydenham, under the care of Mr. Coningsby.
The Masdevallias require a copious supply of water all the year round, but more particularly when they are making young growths; abundance of air and efficient shade, with a temperature varying from 45° to 50°, are also necessary to their free development. The treatment is more fully explained under Plate 24.
These plants are subject to the attacks both of the thrips and the green fly, which should be vigorously pursued and destroyed. Should they become numerous, the plants should be carefully fumigated, say two or three times a week, until the pests are annihilated. When the smoke is applied, care should be taken to have the plants dry, and to remove those which are in bud or in flower. Propagation is effected by division just before the plants begin to grow.
Edinburgh International Horticultural Exhibition, September, 1882.—There were many Orchids at this Show, which, we think, our readers will be pleased to see noticed, especially as it was late in the season for Orchids to be in bloom. There were many fine specimen plants shown in the various classes. A. Paul, Esq., exhibited a fine plant of Cattleya Harrisonii, with thirteen spikes of its delicate-coloured blossoms; also the lovely and rare Lælia Turnerii, with its rich-coloured flowers, eight on each spike; and a fine specimen of Saccolabium, quite distinct in character, with a very large and long spike of flowers; the same plant last year produced four spikes, each nearly two feet in length, and is itself eighteen inches in height, and two feet across; the showy Odontoglossum grande was very finely shown, also Vanda suavis. W. McDonald, Esq., of Perth, had some fine plants; we noticed a well-cultivated Cattleya crispa superba, with fine spikes of flowers; also, Odontoglossum grande, with seven spikes of bloom; this is one of the most showy and best of Orchids at this time of the year. The same grower also exhibited a good specimen of O. Pescatorei, and the rare Cattleya exoniensis, which was in fine colour. From C. Walker, Esq., of Brettagh Holt, came some fine plants of Odontoglossum grande. The most extraordinary specimen was Renanthera coccinea, which was exhibited by Mrs. Tait, Milrig, Galston; it stood five feet in height, with four of its richly-coloured spikes of blossom, one of which bore about one hundred expanded flowers; it was a most gorgeous sight, especially as it bloomed in such a small state, for the plant, as a rule, makes a long growth before it commences flowering. Dr. Paterson, of the Bridge of Allan, exhibited a most charming variety of Cattleya Dowiana; and J. Douglas, Esq., of Dalkeith, showed a fine form of Cattleya gigas. Our limited space will not permit us to say more.—B. S. W.
PL. 63. CŒLOGYNE PANDURATA.
Epiphytal, Pseudobulbs large, somewhat compressed, oblong ovate, bearing about two leaves at the summit. Leaves large, broadly-lanceolate, plaited, eighteen inches long, many-nerved. Scape radical, produced with the young growth, supporting a pendulous raceme somewhat longer than the leaves. Flowers numerous, rather distant, large, four inches across when fully expanded, fragrant, each one issuing from the axil of a brown cucullate deciduous bract as long as the pedicel; sepals and petals linear-oblong, acute, pale green; lip concave at the base, cordate-oblong, appearing to be panduriform from the inflection at the sides, retuse, setaceo-acuminate, the edges crisped, green marked with blackish veins and stains, the disk with three keels and two deep double-warted crests on each side, the crests converging towards the middle of the lip, where they are lost amongst a series of irregular rugged often two-lobed warts. Column green, with the edges thin and rounded.
Cœlogyne pandurata. Lindley, Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1853, 791; Id. Folia Orchidacea, art. Cœlogyne, No. 7; Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 5084; Bateman, Second Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 160; Van Houtte, Flore des Serres, t. 2139; Reichenbach fil., Xenia Orchidacea, t. 121; Id. Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 224.
As a curiously beautiful plant this Orchid is perhaps unequalled. It is very rarely met with in a flowering state in collections, which is the more to be wondered at, as though the flowers are not bright in colour, yet on account of the peculiar association of tints—light green and black—and their large size, it makes a very attractive object. The flowers are produced upon drooping spikes from the young growths during the summer, and continue for some time in perfection.
Cœlogyne pandurata is a native of Borneo, where, according to Mr. Low, it is common on trees, in shady places overhanging water. It thrives best in the temperature of the Cattleya house, and during the period of growth requires a good supply of water. After the growth is complete, less water must be given, until it begins again to show signs of starting into fresh growth, when the supply should be gradually augmented.
The specimen here figured was flowered in the fine collection of Baron J. H. Schrœder, The Dell, Staines, under the care of Mr. Ballantyne, the gardener, who seems to be very successful in the cultivation of this interesting plant.
The root material in which we find it to succeed best, is a compost of peat, with a little moss and charcoal added. It does well either in a pot or in a basket, suspended from the roof, but should be well shaded from the sun, as too much sunlight causes the leaves to become spotted and look sickly, and this is very detrimental to the plants. It will be found to be a very free-growing species, when it obtains the treatment it requires.
The plant is propagated by separating the pseudobulbs just before they start into growth.
Orchids in France.—The Chateau de Ferrières, the country seat of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild, in the department of Seine et Marne, is situated about 33 kilometres from Paris, and about two miles from the station Ozouer la Ferrière, on the Ligne de Mulhouse. Orchid growers, when in Paris, would do well to pay this wonderful place a visit, since it is unequalled both for size and beauty by any other place in France. Here Orchids are well cared for, Mr. Bergman, the gardener, being very successful in their cultivation, admirably seconded as he is by his son, who passed some years in this country, studying gardening in all its branches.
Commencing with the Vanda house we were pleased to find these noble plants so much at home, there being several remarkable specimens of V. suavis, V. tricolor, and V. tricolor insignis, marvels of cultivation. Vanda cœrulea is doing well and flowering profusely. V. Lowei is represented by a plant of enormous dimensions, having four strong growths, and is one of the finest plants we have ever seen. The species of Phalænopsis are also well grown here, in company with the Vandas, and right well do they seem to like their company, since there are some wonderful plants of nearly all the species, thriving well and making strong flowering spikes. In the Cattleya house are some fine healthy plants of all the best species and varieties thriving admirably. Mr. Bergman gives his plants plenty of light, which causes them to look somewhat yellow, but he gets his bulbs ripened off well, and flowers them in greater profusion. Passing from here to the new Odontoglossum house we find a grand collection of these favourite Orchids. These plants are grown very largely here, as cut Orchids are in great request.
In another house are some other fine Vandas, associated with ornamental Stove Plants. Doing well in the same house, near the door, are a quantity of plants of Vanda teres, planted out in a compost of moss and charcoal, which is kept together on the stage of the house by a wirework edging. Here the plants are allowed to grow freely until they touch the glass, when they are cut down and replanted. All the light possible is given them, together with a copious supply of water, and the plants flower luxuriantly every year. Mr. Bergman, Jun., informed us that last year 651 flowers were cut from these plants. We recommend cultivators to give this plant a trial in the way above described, as it is one of the richest gems of the Orchid world. Cœlogyne Massangeana was doing well; one plant, having ten spikes, was suspended from the roof, and was an object never to be forgotten.
H. Williams.
PL. 64. ODONTOGLOSSUM ROEZLII.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs narrowly ovate, two inches long, compressed, with acute margins. Leaves elongately linear-lanceolate, acuminate, nearly or quite a foot in length, keeled behind, and there marked with nine nervose striæ, the colour a clear pale green. Scapes short, slender, terete, three to six-flowered (according to Rchb.), erect, with subulate pale green bracts shorter than the pedicels, which pass gradually into the slender grooved ovary. Flowers three to four inches across, flat, exceedingly chaste and effective; sepals obovate-oblong acute, sub-equal, snow-white; petals similar to the lateral sepals in form, but rather broader, pure white, marked with a distinct transverse purplish-red band at their base; lip large, two and a half inches across, broadly obcordate, or cuneately flabellate, obtusely bilobed, with a mucro in the sinus, sagittate or bearing a spur-like horn directed upwards and backwards on each side at the base of the short claw, and having three short slender keels on the disk in front of the horns, and a pair of short calli interposed; the disk has a largish yellow blotch streaked with red, while the rest of the surface is snow-white. Column short, wingless.
Odontoglossum Roezlii, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1873, 1302, fig. 269; Id. Xenia Orchidacea, t. 182, fig. 1; Hooker fil., Botanical Magazine, t. 6085; Bateman, Monograph of Odontoglossum, t. 30; Floral Magazine, ser. 2, t. 90.
This grand Odontoglot, which has been designated “a first-class beauty,” and which comes near to Odontoglossum vexillarium, was introduced in 1873 by Mr. B. Roezl, the very successful traveller and Orchid hunter, who has so well worked up the greater part of the Western hemisphere in the search after these plants, and to whose zeal and energy Orchid growers are so deeply indebted for the many rich gems he has introduced to cultivation. The species was most properly named by Professor Reichenbach after Mr. Roezl, and we are glad to be able to figure it, in order to remind Orchid growers how much they owe to the unflinching perseverance of one who has now retired from active life among his favourites. The best compost in which to cultivate this plant, is a mixture of peat and moss, with good drainage.
Odontoglossum Roezlii is one of the few Odontoglots that require to be grown in a warm temperature. The Cattleya house will be found to be the best position for it, and if the plants are suspended either in pots or in baskets from the roof of the house, where a copious supply of water can be given to them, they will be found to thrive well. This species is particularly liable to the attacks of the thrips, and great care should be exercised in searching for and destroying them. We have found flowers of sulphur mixed with water, and applied to the young growths with a camel’s-hair pencil, very beneficial in preventing the attacks of this insect, while the application does not at all injure the young and tender parts. The thrips has a great aversion to sulphur—in fact will not go near it.
The drawing from which our plate is prepared was taken from the select collection of D. Tod, Esq., Eastwood Park, Thorliebank, near Glasgow, who is not only forming a nice collection of Orchids, but who flowers this species very freely, and cultivates it better than we have seen it grown in any other collection. We have had these plants under our notice for the past three years, and believe Mr. Tod’s gardener has hit upon the right method of treatment, the plants being very strong and vigorous, with clean healthy foliage. The specimens at Eastwood Park are grown in a warm house, near the glass, with plenty of moisture during the summer season, and even in winter they are kept moist at the roots.
Orchids at Bickley.—We are glad to see the East Indian Orchids well represented in the new collection being got together by F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C., at Bickley. They are grown in a house where they are associated with stove plants. Here are seen some fine examples of Vanda, Saccolabium guttatum in bloom, also a wonderful specimen of Aërides affine, with many spikes just coming into flower. We, moreover, noticed some fine plants of Cypripedium in bloom in the same house. The cool house is well filled with fine examples of Odontoglossum and Masdevallia, which are promising to make fine plants. Many kinds of Masdevallia were in bloom when we saw them, amongst them an especially fine dark variety of M. ignea in full beauty, and some varieties of M. Harryana were very bright in colour. Odontoglossum Alexandræ was well represented by several varieties in bloom. A cool and airy house is set apart for Dendrobiums, and alongside this is a house devoted entirely to Phalænopsis containing a fine lot of healthy plants, all hanging in baskets near the light, but shaded from the sun, which bid fair to eclipse their predecessors in this collection.—B. S. W.
Cattleya superba.—We have received a very fine spike of blossom of this splendid Cattleya from the choice collection of O. Schneider, Esq., Cromwell Grange, Fallowfield, near Manchester. The inflorescence was cut from a remarkably well-grown specimen, and bore six flowers. We have never seen better managed plants of this species than are to be found at this place; they do great credit to Mr. Holmes.—B. S. W.
Cattleya virginalis.—A fine variety of this chaste Orchid comes to us from R. P. Percival, Esq., Birkdale, Southport. The sepals and petals are pure white, and the lip white, with an orange spot at the entrance to the throat. This species is very strongly scented.—B. S. W.
PL. 65. COMPARETTIA MACROPLECTRON.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs small, oblong, truncate, compressed or flattish, with the angles rounded, of a pinkish colour, monophyllous or sometimes a second leaf sheathing the bulb. Leaves oblong ligulate, acute, keeled, bright green, shining. Peduncles slender, drooping, lateral, sheathed at the base by ovate-lanceolate bracts, and bearing a secund raceme of flowers having minute scale-like bracts at the base of their inch-long pedicels. Flowers large, of a delicate rose colour, prettily spotted; dorsal sepal ligulate acute, umbonate at the back near the base; lateral sepals ligulate acute, fornicate, connate into a slender pointed spur two inches in length, all blush-white, thickly spotted with purple; petals cuneate-ovate acute, purplish rose, covered with deep rosy purple dots; lip with a pair of blunt-angled auricles at the base, and a linear keel-shaped claw, the anterior lobe subquadrate, an inch and a half broad, emarginate with an apiculus, of a pleasing delicate tint of soft magenta-rose, deeper near the claw, where it is marked by a few purple spots, the sides crenate or repand, the two included spurs of the lip elongate, and finely papulose, orange coloured in the inferior half. Column free, erect, with a perpendicular ridge in the middle of the stigmatic hollow.
Comparettia macroplectron, Reichenbach fil. et Triana, in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., x., 524; Id. xi. 398.
The Comparettias form a small genus of very dwarf-growing Orchids, some of the species of which are, not only very beautiful, but also free blooming. That which we now illustrate is a most charming plant. The original, from which the drawing was made, was sent to us by F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C., of Oldfield, Bickley, and was a well-grown specimen, which did great credit to Mr. Heims, the gardener. Generally these plants have not been well managed, but latterly they appear to have been better looked after, and we have received, from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., and others, specimens of other desirable kinds, which we hope to illustrate in due course. We are glad to find that our collectors are turning their attention to the importation of the Comparettias, as there are some lovely species among them. Moreover, they require but little space to grow them in, and they are always charming when in blossom.
Comparettia macroplectron is an evergreen and very floriferous plant, with small peculiarly-shaped pseudobulbs, and short bright green glossy leaves. The flower-spikes are produced from the base of the pseudobulbs, and bear five or sometimes more flowers in a drooping raceme. The sepals and petals are rose colour, the former paler than the latter, and both are spotted with a deeper tint of rose-purple; the lip is also of a beautiful delicate rose colour, which becomes deeper and purple-spotted near the base. The flowers are produced in July and August, and continue in perfection for some time.
This plant will thrive either in a basket or pan suspended from the roof, where it can receive a great amount of light, and in order to grow it successfully this plan should be followed. The species, which are all small growing subjects, are found on the branches of trees where they obtain just sufficient shade to screen them from the burning sun, and where they also get heavy dews at night, and sometimes a great amount of rain. It is during this rainy period that they make their growth and produce their flower spikes. Both the foliage and bulbs being small, they require careful attention as regards moisture at the roots.
We find the most suitable material in which to grow them, is a little fibrous peat and sphagnum moss with good drainage, so that the water may pass away without becoming stagnant. Some portion of this material should be changed each year, just as the plant begins to show signs of making its growth.
The Comparettias will not submit to be divided or cut; and we find the Cattleya house the most suitable structure to grow them in. They are subject to the attacks of white scale, and if these are allowed to accumulate, the plants will soon show signs of bad health, but if sufficient care is bestowed to keep them clean they will well repay the trouble which is taken, and afford great pleasure not only to those who are fond of Orchids, but also to those who take an interest in watching these floral treasures as they put out their new growths and beautiful flowers.
Orchids at Brentham Park, Stirling.—A visit to this place, the residence of R. Smith, Esq., is at all times a great treat, since it commands a grand view of the country around, surrounded by the distant mountains. Our chief source of attraction, of course, was the Orchids, of which there is here the largest and richest collection in Scotland. There are many fine plants of Cattleya, such as C. exoniensis, the best variety, which, when in bloom, must present a most gorgeous sight. C. amethystoglossa is also a fine specimen, and is the same beautifully spotted variety which was figured in Warner’s Select Orchidaceous Plants. Cœlogyne Massangeana is a wonderful example of good cultivation, with its pendulous spikes overhanging the pot. So is Zygopetalum Gautieri, with many spikes of its charming mauve-coloured flowers; and Odontoglossum Andersonianum, with fine branching spikes, which must be very beautiful when in bloom. Associated with this was a very fine O. Alexandræ, quite one of the best spotted varieties we have seen, which Mr. Smith kindly sent for our artist to copy.
There are many fine Odontoglots here, which are showing well for bloom. Since our visit last year there has been a new house erected for the Cattleyas, of which there is a good and well-grown collection. Mr. Smith is always looking out for the best varieties that can be procured.—B. S. W.
PL. 66. ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISTATELLUM.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs ovate, one and a half to two inches long, pale green. Leaves one or two from each pseudobulb, ligulate-oblong, acute, narrowed to the base, keeled. Peduncles radical, terminating in a showy raceme of flowers, and furnished below with lanceolate pale brown bracts, smaller triangular bracts being produced at the base of the pedicels. Flowers two and a half inches across, attractive in colour and marking; sepals and petals subhastate, broadish oblong-ovate above, acuminate, yellow, with a few large rich chestnut-brown blotches; lip short, narrow, the blade oblong-panduriform, apiculate, the margin much undulated and minutely denticulate, yellow at the base and chestnut-brown in front, bearing at the base of the disk subulate radiate calli, consisting of about six teeth on each side, and in front of these two rhomboid serrated lamellæ, all these parts yellowish, streaked (and the keels bordered) with chestnut-red. Column trigonous, arcuate, with violet spots in front of its base, and chestnut-red wings.
Odontoglossum cristatellum, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., x., 716; Id. xvii., 143.
Odontoglossum Lehmanni, F. C. Lehmann in litteris—fide Reichenbach.
The Odontoglossum cristatellum is described by Prof. Reichenbach as a near relative of O. cristatum. It is, without doubt, a very rare plant, one that has flowered in but few collections, and is supposed to be a natural hybrid. It is not perhaps so showy as some other Odontoglots, but still it is one that is quite worth cultivating. Our sketch was taken from a well-grown plant in the collection of O. Schneider, Esq., Cromwell Range, Fallowfield, Manchester. This gentleman, who has an excellent collection of Orchids, has houses set apart for the various kinds, and we may say that our visit there gave us very great satisfaction, as we there saw many well-grown plants of species that are usually found difficult to cultivate.
Odontoglossum cristatellum is a compact evergreen plant, growing from ten inches to a foot in height. It is furnished with light green foliage and produces its flower-spikes at different periods of the year, according to the time of the completion of its growth; moreover, it lasts for several weeks in bloom. The plant requires to be grown in the cool Odontoglossum house, with the same treatment as O. Alexandræ, as regards soil, water, and temperature, fire-heat being always avoided if possible in summer. The less fire-heat the plants receive the more successful will be their growth, though, of course, in cold weather, some little fire will be required to keep the house up to the correct temperature, at the same time giving a little air, but avoiding cold draughts.
The Odontoglots are among the most accommodating of Orchids, as they are free-growing, and most of them free-blooming subjects. By having a stock of plants, a succession of flowers may be kept up all the year round in the case of such kinds as Odontoglossum Alexandræ, O. Pescatorei, and others. There are some amateurs who are not satisfied unless they possess some thousands of plants of the two species just named, and they argue correctly, that by obtaining so many they have the opportunity of selecting the good kinds for permanent cultivation, and of doing away with the bad ones, or else of using them for ordinary decorative purposes. The good varieties take up no more room than the indifferent ones, and both are valuable and beautiful in their respective departments.
Orchids at The Kilns, Falkirk, N.B., the seat of John Gair, Esq.—A short time since we paid a visit to this place, and we were well repaid for our journey. We always maintain that there is something to be learnt in every place, and we found it so here. Thus we often hear it remarked that Orchids and stove plants cannot be grown together, but we found in this collection that many stove plants were grown in the centre bed, while Orchids were suspended from the roof, the side tables also being full of Orchids. In this case the house was a large span-roofed one, and contained many kinds of Orchids, coming from countries various and diverse. The plants, consisting of many hundreds, were all grown together, and there was not one in bad condition among them. We propose to mention the different genera which have been cultivated in this house for several successive years, since we have been fortunate enough to be able to bear testimony to the progress they have made. On entering the house one’s attention is at once arrested by some finely grown specimens of Bollea, Huntleya, and Batemannia, all in luxuriant health. Next came Lælia purpurata, L. elegans, L. elegans prasiata, and others, all in the best possible condition, and flowering freely. There was also standing on the same table a well-grown collection of Cypripediums, consisting of all the choicest and best kinds, which were growing splendidly. Mr. Fairbairn appears to use a great deal of water, more than we do, for we were informed by him that he syringed them every day in summer, and kept them moist in winter, though at that season he does not syringe them so much. By the side of these were many fine plants of Dendrobiums, and other good Orchids. At the end, and on the other side of the house, there was a good collection of East Indian Orchids—Aërides, Saccolabiums, Angræcums, Vandas, &c., all doing well. Then came a fine lot of Cattleyas, such as C. Trianæ, C. Mendelii, C. gigas, C. Warnerii, C. Mossiæ, and others, all in excellent health. The centre table was furnished with many fine Orchids mixed with foliage plants, and from the roof were suspended such genera as Phalænopsis and Dendrobium, making fine growths, and enjoying the moisture from the stove plants below.—B. S. W.
PL. 67. THUNIA BENSONIÆ.
Terrestrial. Stems deciduous, terete, one and a half to two feet high, swelling into tuberous knobs at the base, the lower part clothed with suborbicular green reflexed leafy sheaths, which, as they advance upwards, gradually pass into the leaves. Leaves sheathing, membranous, subdistichous, linear-lanceolate acuminate, glaucous beneath, six to eight or ten inches long. Flowers large and very showy, terminal, growing in short nodding racemes of ten to fifteen together, each emerging from a pale green sheathing bract, which encloses it while in bud; sepals and petals linear-lanceolate, partially spreading, two to three inches long, of a light magenta-purple striately distributed, and paler towards the centre; lip about three inches long, three-lobed, the lateral lobes short, obtuse, rolled round the column, toothed; middle lobe broadly oblong, flabellate, closely undulated and lobulate, of a very rich deep magenta-purple, the base produced into a short notched spur, the disk of a rich bronzy orange, bearing several ciliated keels. Column furnished with toothed wings at its apex.
Thunia Bensoniæ, Hooker fil., Botanical Magazine, t. 5694; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 298.
Phaius Bensoniæ, Hemsley, in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., xviii., 565.
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and free-flowering of the Thunias. The colour of its gorgeous flowers is very uncommon in the Orchid family, and is very charming. It is a plant that should find a place in every collection, especially when seen in such a form as that represented in our drawing, taken from a plant to which we alluded when referring to the Orchids in bloom in the collection of W. Leach, Esq., Oakleigh, Fallowfield, Manchester—a collection very ably managed by Mr. Swan. The Orchid houses at Oakleigh are well arranged, so that the different temperatures required by plants coming from different localities are readily obtainable, and the plants being grown near the glass they have plenty of light. This is a great advantage to Orchids generally, as by this means the growths get better ripened, and this enables the plants to flower more freely, and to produce flowers of a richer colour.
Thunia Bensoniæ is a deciduous plant, losing its stems and foliage after it has finished its growth. It attains to a height of from eighteen inches to two feet, or sometimes more when the growths are strong. We have seen blooming plants eighteen inches in height. The flowers proceed from the top of the new stems at the time they are making their growth, and they continue blooming for some time. The sepals and petals are of a pale magenta colour, while the lip is much darker, of a rich purple, with a bronzy orange blotch. Sometimes the spikes produce as many as fifteen of these beautiful blossoms, which was the case with the plant from which our illustration was taken; they do not, however, all open at the same time, but follow in succession until the spike is exhausted.
The Thunias are all deciduous plants, and require different treatment from that given to evergreen Orchids. After their growth is completed, they require a season of rest, which must be given by putting them away in a dry part of the house. It is after they have finished their growth that their foliage begins to decay, and subsequently falls away. When in this dormant state they require just sufficient moisture to keep them from shrivelling. This treatment must be continued until March, when they will begin to show signs of growth; at that time they must be shaken out of the pots, the decayed roots cut off, and the plants re-potted, setting the bulbs one inch below the pot rim, and just into the soil, so that the young growths are not covered. We find rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss suitable material for growing them in, and good drainage is indispensable, as the plants require a considerable amount of water when they are in a vigorous state, as their growth and flowering are both completed in about six months. Water should be sparingly applied until the stems are a few inches high, just sufficient being given to keep them moist until the roots are beginning to fill the pots; then a little manure water will benefit them, making them grow stronger and flower more freely.
They are of easy cultivation, and do not require deep pots, indeed pans from three to four inches deep will suit them, and they may be suspended from the roof, where they can get plenty of light. They will, however, thrive on tables if they receive all the light possible, and are shaded from the sun. We have also grown them on blocks, but grown in this way they require more frequent and copious supplies of water.
Thunias are readily propagated by taking off some of the old bulbs when the young growths are about ten inches in height, but only part of the old bulb should be removed or cut off, dividing it in pieces of about six inches in length, and placing these in sand. The growths proceed from the joints, and these make plants during the season; they must be potted in due course, and often bloom during their second year.
Odontoglossum coronarium miniatum.—We received in August last from the garden of Lord Rendlesham, M.P., Woodbridge, Suffolk, a fine inflorescence of this rare Odontoglot, which is seldom seen in flower. The spike bore twelve of its gay-looking yellow and brown flowers. In growth it resembles O. coronarium, only it is much smaller; the flowers also resemble those of that species, but they are, like the growth, considerably smaller. Many growers believe this to be the same as O. brevifolium, but the two plants are quite distinct, both in flower and in growth, besides which O. brevifolium is much the freer flowerer of the two.—B. S. W.