The genus Calanthe which we now again bring under the notice of our readers, ranks amongst the most useful in cultivation for winter decoration. Several species and varieties have been introduced within the last few years, and have proved to be a great boon to plant growers and others who are fond of flowers, as the whole of this bulbous class produce their blossoms at a time when the beauties of nature are most appreciated. What can be more charming than the original C. vestita, and its red-eyed and yellow-eyed varieties with their drooping flower spikes; or what more pleasing than the C. Veitchii, figured at [Plate 31] of our first volume, a hybrid raised by the Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, and a most useful decorative plant, its long spikes of rich rose-pink flowers producing a most charming effect when intermixed with the white-flowered kinds.
We have now another variety to make known, and one which, as will be seen from the accompanying figure, adds a new charm to the genus, since it will introduce among our winter blooming Calanthes a most distinct and showy form that will be welcomed by all plant growers as being superior in beauty to all those which have preceded it. It has been named in compliment to Mr. B. S. Williams, of Holloway. Our drawing was taken from a plant that had been blooming during the months of December, January and February in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries. It seems to be of free growth, the pseudobulbs being like those of C. vestita Turneri, the spikes of flowers being also of similar character and developed at the same time of year.
Calanthe vestita Williamsii is a deciduous plant, with pseudobulbs from five to eight inches in height, and leaves a foot high and of a light green colour. The flower-spikes, which are produced from the base of the bulb, are two feet or more in length, and bear many flowers; the sepals and petals are white, faintly margined and striped with bright rosy crimson; the lip and column are of a deep rosy crimson, with an intense crimson eye. It continues to flower on for three months, when the bulbs are strong.
This novelty requires the same mode of treatment as that recommended for Calanthe Veitchii at [Plate 31] of our first volume, where full cultural instructions are given.
Orchids at Downside, Leatherhead.—It is always a great treat to see the Orchid collection of W. Lee, Esq. We always find something to note for the advantage of our subscribers, who, like ourselves, are interested to read of things they have not already seen. What we are now about to describe was certainly a grand sight, namely, a house full of Phalænopsis, of which there were many hundred spikes of blossom hanging in profusion over and amongst each other, and thus showing off their various tints of colour to advantage. There was first the white P. amabilis with capital spikes, and then P. grandiflora, an extraordinary large kind with well formed flowers of P. Stuartiana, with its white spotted flowers, there were many varieties, differing in their spotting; and there were also two fine plants of P. Brymeriana, a beautiful and rare kind. The most prominent, however, was P. Schilleriana, with many spikes including some beautifully coloured forms, the mauve-coloured flowers of which, hanging amongst the white forms, produced quite a charming ensemble. The middle and side tables were one mass of colour, while on one side, for the whole length of the house, at the back of the Phalænopsids was placed a row of the chaste and beautiful white-flowered Angræcum citratum, displaying as many as thirty spikes, each from eighteen to thirty inches long; these charming flowers overhanging the Phalænopsis produced a most exquisite effect, well worthy a long journey to see. We may without presumption congratulate Mr. Lee on having produced so grand a picture.
There were besides the foregoing many other Orchids in bloom. Amongst other things we were glad to see the Lycastes accommodated with a very nice house, and making quite an attractive show. These most useful flowers were arranged on a central stage, and included several pure white forms which, intermixed with those of high colours, were remarkably effective.—B. S. W.
PL. 135. LÆLIA AMANDA.