Coryanthes is a most curious and interesting genus of Orchids, and but few species have yet come under our notice. We have long known C. macrantha and C. speciosa, which are two distinct kinds. That which we now figure is much like C. macrantha, with the exception that the crimson colouring is darker. Our drawing was taken from a fine specimen in the superb collection of W. McDonald, Esq., Woodlands, Perth, who is a great admirer of good Orchids.

Coryanthes maculata punctata is an evergreen plant, with short, thick pseudobulbs about two inches in height, bearing light green foliage about a foot in height. The flower spike proceeds from the base of the pseudobulbs, several flowers being produced together on the some scape; they are yellow, spotted with crimson. The plant, which blooms during October and November lasts but a few days in flower; it is, however, well worth growing on account of the extraordinary form of its flowers. Before they open they remind one of a Chinese foot; after opening they form a kind of cup having above it a pair of fleshy horns from which a liquid is distilled which drops into the cup.

These plants come from Demerara. They are found growing on the outside branches of trees, where they get all the light possible. They will thrive on blocks of wood, also in baskets or pots. If grown on blocks they require some good live sphagnum moss about their roots; if in baskets or pots, a little rough fibrous peat and charcoal mixed together will suit them, but they must have ample drainage as they require a good supply of water in their growing season. When at rest they should get just enough water to keep the bulbs in a plump state. We have found the warm end of the Cattleya house to suit them. These Coryanths require a good deal of care to grow them well. We used, some years ago, to grow fine specimens and exhibit them, and they were always a source of great attraction.

They are propagated by dividing the plants, leaving several old bulbs at the back of the leading one. This should be done just after they have started into growth. They must be kept free from insects which are apt to injure the young leaves as they are thin in texture. Sometimes thrips and red spiders will attack them, but they must be quickly exterminated.

Lælia purpurata.—A very fine spike of flower of this most beautiful and chaste Orchid was received by us from J. Buchanan, Esq., of Edinburgh. This plant has its sepals and petals quite flat, and holds them so till the last, whereas many of the purpuratas curl up a little after they have been open a short time. The sepals and petals are white, with a broad finely-coloured dark lip, of which the front portion is rich crimson-magenta, and the basal part paler and distinctly veined, the throat being yellow, beautifully veined with dark crimson. Each flower measured as much as seven inches across, the petals being two inches across. Mr. Grossart, the gardener, says, the flowers show well up above the foliage, which gives it a most striking appearance among the other varieties.—B. S. W.

PL. 99. DENDROBIUM FARMERII AUREUM.

DENDROBIUM FARMERII AUREUM.
[[Plate 99].]
Native of India: Moulmein.

Epiphytal. Stems short, clavate, with a thickened bulbiform base, jointed, deeply furrowed, the internodes almost wholly covered by membranaceous sheaths, bearing leaves at the apex. Leaves two or four, lanceolate, ovate, coriaceous, dark shining green. Racemes many-flowered, drooping, lateral, proceeding from near the top of the stem, just beneath the leaves, the pale green pedicels with a small concave ovate bract at their base. Flowers bright golden yellow, showy; sepals oblong-ovate, bluntish, spreading, of a clear bright golden yellow; petals of the some colour, much broader, roundish-ovate, almost meeting at the edges; lip concave, roundish, subunguiculate, with a small blunt spur behind, pubescent on the upper surface, and denticulate at the edge, of a deep rich orange-yellow, which contrasts agreeably with the lighter and brighter yellow of the outer perianth segments. Column small, pale yellow.

Dendrobium Farmerii aureum, supra.