This interesting and distinct-looking Lælia was introduced from Brazil many years ago by Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York, but from the limited quantity then obtained it has always remained a scarce plant. It appears to have been imported about 1858, as it was figured in 1859 in the Botanical Magazine, as above quoted. It is, indeed, with great pleasure that we are enabled to introduce to our readers a figure of so rare and so distinct a species, for it is seldom seen in collections, having always been a rare plant. The colour of the flowers is of a nankeen-yellow, consequently they strongly contrast with those of the generality of Orchids of this affinity, the usual colours of which are purple, or rose colour in various tints, or white.
Our plate was prepared from a drawing which was made in September last from a plant which flowered in our own collection. It will be seen from the representation, which is a very faithful one, that Lælia xanthina is really a very pretty species, and one that our collectors ought to be looking after, so that Orchid growers may have it supplied to them at a more reasonable price than at present.
The plant grows about a foot in height, and is somewhat like Lælia purpurata in its habit of growth, only it is very much smaller and more compact and free-blooming. The flowers continue about three weeks in perfection. It requires the same kind of treatment as other species of Lælia and Cattleya, and thrives best when cultivated in a pot or basket, with fibrous peat, and good drainage. Like the rest of its class it requires to be kept as fully exposed to the light as possible, in order that the pseudobulbs may be thoroughly ripened; and the growth being thus more completely matured, it will be found to become more vigorous in character, and enabled to throw up its flower-spikes more freely. There is a grand specimen of this species, over two feet in diameter, in the collection of H. Shaw, Esq., Corbar, Buxton.
Lælia autumnalis atrorubens.—It is highly gratifying to find that this splendid variety of Lælia autumnalis, is becoming more plentiful, and that it keeps up its original character. Many growers were of opinion when it was first introduced, that the large size of its flowers and the rich colour of the sepals and petals were due mainly to superior cultivation and a pure atmosphere, but such is not the case. We have flowered some plants of it this season in our own establishment at Holloway, which have been as good, both in regard to the size and colour of the flowers, as those of any of the plants grown in a purer atmosphere, away from the smoke of this great City. We have received from the Right Honorable J. Chamberlain, Esq., M.P., of Birmingham, a splendidly developed spike of a grand form of this beautiful variety, which had been grown under the care of his gardener, Mr. Cooper.—B. S. W.
Odontoglossum vexillarium (Autumn-flowering variety)—A short time back Mr. W. Bull exhibited at South Kensington a recently imported form of Odontoglossum vexillarium, which had all the appearance of being a distinct variety, flowering during the autumn months of the year. It is, however, we think, somewhat premature to regard this autumn-flowering character as thoroughly established, though there is no doubt the variety is a distinct one, and remarkably fine in colour. This being the first time of its flowering, the particular growth shown may have been influenced by the time at which the plants were started. However, in due time, and with good cultivation we shall see whether this peculiarity of flowering towards the end of the year is really a constant character, or whether it may have resulted from the circumstances above referred to.—B. S. W.
PL. 23. MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA CŒRULESCENS.