The fine variety of Cattleya labiata here illustrated, which was introduced many years since, is still quite rare, indeed, as much so as the type itself. It is a most beautiful variety, and the plant, though seldom seen, is a most useful one, since it blooms at a time when there are comparatively few Orchids in flower, although some other of the Cattleyas that have been introduced during the last few years blossom at the same time. The plant from which our drawing was taken bore forty-eight expanded flowers, and was a grand example of good cultivation. It was grown in the superb collection of the Comte de Germiny, at Gouville, France, and was most perfect as regards foliage and flowers. Mr. Rondeau, the gardener, seemed delighted to show us this plant, as he might well be, as it made a grand floral picture. We gave a description of this fine collection after our visit to Gouville, as noted under [Plate 108].

Cattleya labiata pallida is an evergreen plant, with the stems or pseudobulbs about eight inches in height, supporting one thick bright green leaf, about ten inches in length, and is one of the most compact-growing Cattleyas we have. The sepals and petals are of a deep rose colour, the lip of a yellowish white, with a large patch of bright magenta, the fore part margined with pale rose, and the throat bright orange. It blossoms in July, August, and September, and continues in beauty from three to four weeks.

This plant is best grown in a pot, with rough fibrous peat, perfect drainage being secured by filling the pots three-parts full with crocks, and mixing a few lumps of charcoal with the top of the drainage, and also with the peat, as this keeps the latter more open; the roots, moreover, like to cling to it, so that it is very beneficial to the plants. The plants should be well elevated above the top of the pot, and then the roots will run all over the soil among the charcoal and fibre, which they delight to grow in. When potted in this way the material keeps sweet for a much longer time, as the water is directly carried away and cannot become stagnant about the roots. The great secret is to have good drainage and sweet material for the roots to work in. If the soil gets bad remove it, and give the plants a fresh supply without injuring the roots.

Cattleyas do not like to be kept too moist at the roots even in their growing season; and when their growth is completed only just sufficient must be applied to keep their bulbs and foliage plump. We find it beneficial when Cattleyas are in vigorous growth to syringe the plants slightly between the pots, and should they have roots outside syringe these also a little, as it will invigorate them. Care must be taken not to wet the young growths, as water is apt to rot them, or cause than to damp off. It is an excellent method in the hot days of summer to pour water on the tables every morning and afternoon, giving air whenever there is an opportunity. Let them have all the light possible, using the blinds during the time the sun is hot, but never allowing the blinds to be down when the sun is on the decline. A great deal of the success of the plant depends on getting strong and well matured growth, which also causes the flowers to come more freely, to open of a brighter colour, and to last longer in bloom.

We find Cattleya labiata pallida to thrive best at the warmest end of the Cattleya house. It must be kept free from insects, as cleanliness is with all plants a great help towards successful development. The thrips and white scale attack these, and if not removed their foliage soon becomes disfigured, and the growth is often mortally injured.

PL. 122. CYPRIPEDIUM CURTISII.

CYPRIPEDIUM CURTISII.
[[Plate 122].]
Native of the Sunda Isles, Asiatic Archipelago.

Epiphytal. Acaulescent. Leaves distichous, coriaceous, oblong acute, recurved, channelled and equitant at the base, of a dull green, the upper surface boldly chequered with oblong markings of darker green, the under side keeled with the surface paler and unspotted. Scape (peduncle) pubescent, dull wine-purple, with a short compressed ovate bract just below the ovary, which is green striped with brown. Flowers solitary, remarkable for the small dorsal sepal and large pouch; dorsal sepal short, ovate acuminate, curving from the base upwards, greenish with a white edge and about ten greenish-purple nerves; lateral sepals united, very small, ovate, greenish with green veins; petals measuring about four inches from tip to tip, linear-oblong, acute, wavy, recurved at the tips, greenish in the upper, white in the lower half, indistinctly veined with purple, and thickly spotted with small purple dots, the margin copiously fringed throughout with short purple hairs; lip with a large oblong bluntly-rounded pouch (one and a half inch long) of a dull wine-purple with a few prominent darker purple veins, the upper edge of the sac with narrow side angles greenish inside, the basal part with the edges rolled inwards and dotted with purple. Staminode transversely oblong, emarginate behind and having in front an inwardly curved tooth on each side with an apiculus between, pale yellowish green, with darker green reticulations in the centre.

Cypripedium Curtisii, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., xx. 8.