A Monograph of Odontoglossum

At the time (1864) when this Monograph was commenced, the successful application of the system of cool treatment to Orchids accustomed to a moderate temperature in their native haunts gave a fresh impulse to the cultivation of that charming tribe of plants. By its means, what might almost be regarded as a new Orchid-world, teeming with interest and beauty, was suddenly brought within our reach. A fresh field was opened to the enterprise of collectors, the spirits of cultivators revived, and the hopes of botanists mounted high. Foremost among the spoils that we sought to secure, stood the various members of the genus Odontoglossum, which from the days of Humboldt^[1] and Lexarza, was known to abound in species pre-eminent for the loveliness and delicacy of their flowers but which had hitherto mocked the utmost efforts of our most skilful growers. For although (thanks to the labours of Warczewitz and Lobb) the Horticultural Society and Messrs. Veitch had more than once received large consignments of Orchids—among which were many Odontoglossa—from the mountain ranges of New Grenada and Peru, they had invariably succumbed under the stifling atmosphere to which, in common with the denizens of India, Guiana, or Madagascar, they were remorselessly consigned. Here and there, indeed, an accidental success was achieved in a greenhouse, but the hint was turned to no account, and as a rule—notwithstanding the repeated warnings and remonstrances of Mr. Skinner, Warczewitz, and others—for thirty years we persisted in the incredible folly of growing "cool" Orchids in "hot" stoves; so deeply rooted in the minds of horticulturists was the original prejudice! But it yielded at last, and no sooner had a few houses—constructed and managed on the cool-culture system—made it clear that the Orchids of temperate regions were prepared to submit to the skill of the cultivator, than a general raid was made upon the more accessible countries in which they were known to abound—more especially certain districts in Mexico and New Grenada. To the latter country, collectors were simultaneously sent off by the Horticultural Society, who despatched Mr. Weir; by Mr. Linden, of Brussels; and by Messrs. Low, of the Clapton Nursery; and all these rival envoys, much to their own mortification and chagrin, found themselves sailing for the same destination in the same steamer on the same errand!

It was now that the idea occurred to me of devoting a work of adequate dimensions to the illustration of the particular genus, which from the dried specimens in our herbaria, the plates in Pescatorea, the figures of Humboldt, and the descriptions of travellers was evidently destined to hold the first place among all the numerous company of cool Orchids; and thus began the present Monograph. I had expected that after the work of importation had fairly commenced, not only would the species described by Lindley and Reichenbach be easily obtained, but that along with these a multitude of others entirely new to science would likewise be received. In this respect, however, the results have scarcely come up to expectations; a circumstance that is partly to be accounted for by the difficulty attendant on their importation,^[2] but which is owing, I grieve to say, in a far greater degree to the untimely deaths of those zealous collectors, Bowman and Pearse, who, when in the very heart of the cool Orchid regions of Ecuador and Peru, succumbed under the pressure of their arduous labours. In Mexico, from which much novelty was expected, little has been added to the number of Odontoglossa previously known, and the same may be said of Costa Rica, notwithstanding the vigorous exertions of Mr. Endries. But in these countries it is evident that the genus is not so fully developed as in the mountain ranges of New Grenada, Quito, and Peru. From the latter country little indeed has yet been received, although the eastern slopes of its Andean chain are probably richer in species of unknown or unimported Orchids than any other portion of the globe. But we must await further improvements in the navigation of the affluents of the mighty Amazon, before we can hope to receive any large instalment of these much-coveted treasures.

A combination of the various causes referred to above, by limiting the choice of materials, has seriously delayed the publication of this work, which I had hoped would by this time have reckoned at least a dozen parts. But as there seems to be no immediate prospect of these hindrances to more rapid progress being taken out of the way, and as the sands of my life are fast running out, I have thought it best in the interests of my subscribers, to make the present number the last. The six parts now published will, however, form a volume of convenient size, and one which may, as I trust, serve to show how rich New Grenada is in the members of this glorious genus. What wealth of Odontoglossa Peru may possess, I must leave some future botanist to unfold. He will have a pleasant task, and will probably have doubled the roll of the genus as now known, before his work is done.

During the progress of this Monograph a curious incident has occurred, which may deserve a brief notice. When the publication was commenced, the introduction of two particular plants—more perhaps than of any others known to orchidists—was earnestly desired by growers, these two being the Odontoglossum crispum of Lindley, and the Cuitlauzina pendula of Lexarza. The finding, or rather the re-finding of the former—so magnificent were the specimens in the Lindleyan Herbarium—was declared to be worth a king's ransom; while for the latter—described as a native of Oaxaca—more than one collector had scoured that province in vain. Strange to say, they were already in our grasp: the O. crispum being none other than my O. Alexandræ, while—as explained under Plate VIII.—the Cuitlauzina proves to be identical with the long previously introduced Odontoglossum citrosmum of Lindley. Whether all the botanical pressure that can be brought to bear upon our cultivators may suffice to convert O. Alexandræ into O. crispum, or change O. citrosmum into O. pendulum, is an extremely doubtful question, so strong is the hold that the erroneous names have already secured on the public mind. In the parallel case of Wellingtonia, that popular Conifer—though now almost universally admitted to be a Sequoia—remains Wellingtonia still, and seems likely to do so for all time to come.

The range of the genus Odontoglossum, as may be gathered from the descriptions attached to the various Plates, is of a peculiar character, being at once restricted and extensive. It is restricted, for it never leaves the Andes, and it is extensive, for it is found in all parts of that vast mountain-chain, from the confines of Florida to the frontiers of Chili. As yet no species has ever been met with at a lower elevation than 2500 feet above the sea-level, nor, with the exception of O. hastilabium, has any Odontoglossum been known to descend so low;—the most usual altitude being 5-6000 feet, though a higher point is often reached. Like the humming-birds which frequent the same mountains, and vie with them in beauty, nearly all the Odontoglossa are exceedingly local, and in this way two of the most beautiful species, e.g., O. vexillarium and O. Roezlii, eluded discovery for many years, even in a region supposed to be well explored by collectors.

As to the botanical limits of the genus, I must needs confess that they are exceedingly difficult to fix. It is as true now as when Professor Lindley first made the observation to me, that "The more we build up the partition walls between Odontoglossum, Oncidium, &c., the more the species break them down." Certainly no one at first sight would suppose Odontoglossum cariniferum was anything but an Oncidium, nor Oncidium macranthum other than an Odontoglossum. Indeed, I must own to a suspicion that ultimately both these genera, together with Miltonia, Mesospinidium, Aspasia, and possibly one or two others, may come to be regarded merely as sub-genera, But this difficult question is safest left in Professor Reichenbach's far abler hands. At the same time, it is not to be denied that there is such a peculiar look about the Odontoglossa, that even a non-scientific observer has seldom any difficulty in at once referring most of the species to their true position.

One other matter remains to which I must very briefly advert. Mr. Darwin's fascinating work on the "Fertilization" of Orchids has led many persons to suppose that this beautiful tribe lends an exceptional amount of support to the theory with which that ingenious writer's name is so prominently associated, but there could scarcely be a greater mistake. Not only is the theory in question utterly rejected by Professor Reichenbach, the facile princeps of living orchidists, but the greater our knowledge of the order, the less countenance does it seem to yield to the Darwinian view. We have now become perfectly well acquainted with all the genera—we might almost say with all the species—that belong to particular countries, but it is in these that the limits of variation between the different forms are most distinctly defined; in these, too, the great principle of unity in diversity is most conspicuous—the genera holding aloof from each other, and even the species keeping themselves distinct, although the Orchid mark is unmistakeably stamped upon all alike. Mr. Gould has remarked, in his great work on the "Trochilidæ," that the Darwinian theory derives no support from them, and the same may be safely affirmed of Orchids, which—we are now speaking of America—are the humming-birds' constant associates. Neither, while we contemplate the marvellous and inexhaustible variety of form by which the order is distinguished above all its fellows, can any plead that this result is due to its ancient lineage, nor yet to the vast periods through which endless transformations are assumed to have been continually taking place, because Orchids—according to geologic reckoning—are but a thing of yesterday, and have never been found in a fossil state. Yet their constant companions the Ferns, trace back their pedigree to the earliest vegetation of the primeval world! To the believer, however, the problem is not hard to solve. Ferns and other flowerless plants came early in the Divine programme, because the coal, into which they were to be ultimately converted, had need to be long accumulating for the future comfort and civilization of our race; while the genesis of Orchids was postponed until the time drew near when Man, who was to be soothed by the gentle influence of their beauty, or charmed by the marvellous variety of their structure, was about to appear upon the scene. There are multitudes who could bear witness how amply, in their own experience, this gracious purpose has been fulfilled; while the writer—in whose breast a love of Orchids prevailed from his youth up—can only exclaim with the Psalmist, "Thou, Oh Lord, hast made me glad through Thy works, and I will rejoice in giving thanks for the operation of Thy hand."

J. B. 

 Knypersley Hall, April 24th, 1874.

OF

SPECIES FIGURED IN THIS WORK,

WITH SYNONYMS MARKED IN ITALICS.

O. angustatum		Plate	26
O. ramosissimum, Lindl.
O. Bictonense		"	18
Cyrtochilum Bictoniense, Bateman.
O. blandum		"	20
O. cariniferum		"	10
O. cordatum		"	25
O. coronarium		"	27
O. crispum	Plate 14,	"	19
O. Alexandræ, Bateman.
O. Bluntii, Rchb. fil.
O. gloriosum		"	12
O. grande		"	8
O. Hallii		"	21
O. hastilabium		"	7
O. Insleayii		"	4
O. læve		"	16
O. Lindleyanum		"	11
O. luteo-purpureum		"	17
O. hystrix, Bateman.
O. radiatum, Rehb. fil.
O. maculatum		"	20
O. nævium		"	9
O. nebulosum		"	1
O. pendulum		"	6
O. citrosmum, Lindl.
Cuitlauzina pendula, La Llave.
O. Pescatorei		"	5
O. phalænopsis		"	3
O. Reichenheimii		"	15
O. Roezlii		"	30
O. roseum		"	22
O. stellatum		"	13
O. triumphans		"	23
O. Uro-Skinneri		"	2
O. vexillarium		"	29
O. Warnerianum		"	13

Plate I

ODONTOGLOSSUM NEBULOSUM, Lindley.

CLOUDED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

It was at Munich, in the year 1835, that I first became acquainted with this fine Odontoglossum having, through the kindness of Professor Von Martius, been allowed to examine the rich collection of dried specimens that Baron Karwinski had then recently brought home with him from Mexico. Two years afterwards living plants were sent to me from Oaxaca, which happening to arrive in the midst of that remarkably severe winter 1837-38, I naturally expected would have been destroyed on their way; so far, however, from this being the case, they appeared to have sustained little or no injury from the cold, and on being placed in a stove they soon began to push both roots and leaves. All went well so long as the temperature of the house did not exceed 70°, but when the winter had passed away and they had to face the intense heat at which the Orchid-houses of that period were ordinarily maintained, they then quickly lost their vigour and before a twelvemonth had passed were all gone, victims—like a multitude of other invaluable plants—to our then ignorance of the conditions under which alone the Orchids of cool countries could be expected to thrive!

I am not aware that this plant ever flowered in this country until within the last year or two, certainly no figure of it has ever been published in any English botanical periodical; I have, however, found in a French work (the Illustration Horticole), under the name of O. maxillare, what is obviously the same as the plant represented in the Plate. I should myself have probably fallen into the same mistake as Professor Lemaire, had I not enjoyed the opportunity—which he unfortunately had not—of examining the original specimens in Dr. Lindley's herbarium, and from which that able botanist drew up his description (in the Folia Orchidacea) of the two species. O. maxillare, of which Dr. Lindley only examined a single flower—though he made a most careful drawing—is shown by a glance at the latter, to be a totally different thing; it has moreover, I fear, long since disappeared from our collections. In Dr. Lindley's description the flower-scape is said to be terminal, which in nature it never is, although from the way in which Karwinski's wild specimen was glued together, it certainly presents that appearance in the herbarium. The column moreover, and the base of the sepals and petals, are said to be pubescent, though nothing of the kind is visible to the naked eye when the flowers are fresh. With a powerful magnifying glass pubescence may certainly be seen.

Odontoglossum nebulosum flowers at different seasons of the year, always sending up its scape at the same time as the young growth. It is of the easiest culture.^[3] The figure was derived from a beautiful specimen that flowered last November in the collection of J. Day, Esq., of Tottenham, who grows this and many other Odontoglossa in high perfection.

Dissections.—1. Lip, seen in front; 2. Ditto, seen sideways: both magnified.

Plate II

ODONTOGLOSSUM URO-SKINNERI, Lindl.

MR. SKINNER'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION

This is a robust and stately plant, nearly allied to O. Bictoniense to which at one time Dr. Lindley was disposed to refer it, but far larger and handsomer in all its parts. Its broad pseudobulbs which become covered in their second year with a multitude of small reddish dots, its wide sepals and petals, the spotting of its lip, and its general resemblance to Zygopetalum Mackaii will, however, sufficiently distinguish it. Being found at a higher elevation than O. Bictoniense, it requires to be kept more cool, and as it affects dark and wet banks in its native wilds, it is better to place it in a north house where it can be more readily protected from the sun. Treated in this way it grows luxuriantly and flowers abundantly at Knypersley, whence the specimen figured in the Plate was derived. Its flowering season seems to vary, for while with me it is now (May) coming into bloom, about London November is the more usual month.

O. Uro-Skinneri was the latest discovery of my indefatigable friend Mr. Skinner (after whom it was named by Dr. Lindley), and who, though now settled in England, is as much devoted to his favourite tribe as when, while resident in Guatemala, he was wont to delight the Orchidists of Europe by the multitude of new and beautiful plants that he was constantly dispatching across the main.

Dissection.—1. Side view of lip and column: magnified.

Plate III

ODONTOGLOSSUM PHALÆNOPSIS, Rchb. fil.

MOTH-LIKE ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This most charming Odontoglossum was discovered in the year 1850 by M. Schlim at that time engaged in exploring the higher regions of New Granada in the service of M. Linden to whose well-known horticultural establishment at Brussels he had the honour of introducing it. The species was seen in flower for the first time in the year 1856 when it appeared at some Horticultural Exhibitions both on the Continent and in London and, as may readily be conceived, attracted universal admiration. Since that time its lovely blossoms have been rarely produced, owing no doubt to its cultivation having been imperfectly understood. It has however, I believe, bloomed occasionally in the collection of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, and more recently in that of E. M‘Morland, Esq., of Haverstock Hill, with whom it thrives amazingly, and to whose kindness I am indebted for the opportunity of figuring it. In its native country it is found in a mild climate growing on the ground, or upon rocks in moist and shady situations, and by simply imitating these conditions Mr. M‘Morland cultivates it with the most perfect success. His plants are kept in pots, with living moss on the surface, and their base resting in pans of water the evaporation from which cannot fail to be highly beneficial. The temperature of the house in which they are grown is that of an ordinary greenhouse, but the air is always humid, and water is freely given because, in consequence of the open potting, it can pass as freely away. The plants seem to grow and flower almost all the year round, though their proper and principal flowering-season is in May and June.

O. phalænopsis is entirely distinct from any species of the genus yet in cultivation, but it is allied to a still finer plant detected by Warszewicz in Costa Rica, and called in honour of its discoverer O. Warszewiczii by Professor Reichenbach.

Plate IV

ODONTOGLOSSUM INSLEAYI, Lindl.

INSLEAY'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This Odontoglossum was originally introduced from Mexico by the late Mr. Barker, of Birmingham, after whose gardener it was named by Dr. Lindley. It flowered with Mr. Barker somewhere about the year 1840, when a figure was prepared for the 'Orchidaceæ of Mexico and Guatemala,' but I had not then the opportunity of examining the plant, nor indeed did I ever actually see it in flower until the autumn of last year (1863) when I happened to meet with the specimen from which the illustration is derived, growing and blooming vigorously in the collection of Dr. Cauty, of Liverpool. The species had, in fact, virtually disappeared from collections during an interregnum of twenty years, and its reappearance is entirely due to the adoption of the rational system of cool treatment now happily prevailing, and under which it may be cultivated with the greatest ease.

In habit O. Insleayi is quite indistinguishable from O. grande; and although its flowers are far inferior in beauty to those of that glorious species, they bear a certain sort of resemblance to them in their colouring and general arrangement. The structure is however entirely different, for while O. grande has no bristle-like appendages to its column, and therefore belongs to the section of the genus which has been called Xanthoglossum by Dr. Lindley, the processes in question are clearly present (see Dissections) in the case of O. Insleayi, thereby bringing it under the preceding section, to which the title of Euodontoglossum has been given by the same authority. The time and mode of flowering are also different in the two plants, for while in O. grande the flower-scapes appear almost simultaneously with the leaves, and are usually in perfection in July, those of O. Insleayi are not produced until long after the pseudobulbs have been matured, nor do they expand their blossoms until late in the autumn.

As is the case with most of its congeners, there are many varieties of O. Insleayi, some of which are much less attractive in their colouring than the one represented in the Plate, while others have much larger flowers, as in the example given in the vignette which is copied from an old woodcut in the Journal of the Horticultural Society. Unfortunately this latter variety has, I greatly fear, been lost to the country, but collectors should endeavour to reintroduce it.

I have already referred to Dr. Cauty's success in the treatment of the subject of the present Plate, but his skill and care are equally conspicuous in the management of a miscellaneous collection of Orchids, which he contrives to grow under circumstances such as would have deterred most men from attempting to grow any plants at all. The house in which he lives is in the very centre of Liverpool, and has in its rear a small back court, such as is usually devoted to dustbins and coal-holes, but where Dr. Cauty has found space for three little Orchid-houses of different temperatures in which the Orchids of different climes are perfectly at home. I can really see no reason why in all large towns—in London more especially—Dr. Cauty's example should not be extensively followed, and the luxury of an Orchid-house be thus brought within the reach of many who now consider it quite beyond their grasp.

Dissections.—1. Lip, seen sideways; 2. Ditto, seen in front: both magnified.

Plate V

ODONTOGLOSSUM PESCATOREI, Lindley.

M. PESCATORE'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This lovely plant was discovered in the year 1847 by MM. Funck and Schlim when on a botanical mission to New Granada, in the service of M. Linden. According to its discoverers, it is not unfrequently met with in the provinces of Pamplona and Ocaña, at an elevation above the sea-level of about 5000 feet, inhabiting the oak forests which—where the climate is mild—clothe the eastern slopes of the glorious Cordillera.

O. Pescatorei flowered with M. Linden for the first time in 1851, and attracted, as well it might, universal admiration. Nothing indeed, even in the beautiful family to which it belongs, can surpass the delicacy of its blossoms, with their charming mixture of rose and white, relieved by a few deep-crimson stains scattered irregularly over the lip. Its habit too is good, and its stately panicle of flowers well-proportioned to the size of the bulbs and leaves. It blooms abundantly in the spring months, and its blossoms continue at least six weeks in perfection. We need not wonder that a plant with such a rare combination of good qualities should have been selected by M. Linden to do honour to his patron the late M. Pescatore, after whom he named it, and in whose sumptuous work ('Pescatorea') it forms the first plate.

Although the species, owing to the difficulty of importing it alive, is still exceedingly rare in this country, it has already flowered in many of the principal collections, especially in those of Mr. Rucker, Mr. Basset, Mr. Day, and Mr. Dawson, of Meadow Bank near Edinburgh. With the last-named gentleman a panicle, with sixty flowers upon it, is now (April, 1864) in full beauty. Mr. Fitch's drawing was taken from an exquisite variety, of which Mr. Day is the fortunate possessor, and which he kindly placed at my disposal for the purpose of being figured in this Work. In the Plate the flower-spike is represented as panicled because such—as in the case of all the other varieties—is no doubt its normal state; as yet however racemes only have been produced.

The treatment recommended for other Odontoglossa (see under Plate I.) will suit O. Pescatorei, which is as easily managed as any of the genus.

Dissections.—1. Lip, seen sideways; 2. Lip, front view: magnified.

Plate VI

ODONTOGLOSSUM PENDULUM.

PENDENT-FLOWERED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

Early in the present century, two Spaniards—La Llave and Lexarza by name—settled at the Mexican town of Valladolid, in the fertile province of Mechoacan. They were both attached to botany, but the younger of the two, Lexarza, was so attracted by the beauty of the numerous Orchids of the district that to these he devoted himself with an ardour that would have done honour even to the Lindleys and Reichenbachs of our own day. As the result of his labours a little work—'Orchidianum Opusculum' he modestly styled it—presently made its appearance, wherein about fifty species, all at that time new to science, were described with remarkable accuracy and skill. Among the number there was a plant,—Cuitlauzina pendula he called it,—said to be of surpassing loveliness and to form an undoubtedly new genus the distinctive characters of which were minutely given. As time went on and the rage for Orchids developed itself in Europe, a keen desire was naturally felt by cultivators to add so fine a plant to their lists; but although many collectors visited Valladolid and laid hands upon nearly all the other desirable Orchids described by Lexarza, still nothing was heard of the Cuitlauzina, and on the cover of the latest number of Dr. Lindley's 'Folia Orchidacea' its name may be found in the list of genera "unknown to the author." About the same time I myself addressed a letter to the 'Gardeners' Chronicle' urging some adventurous traveller to take ship for New Spain, mainly with the object of instituting another search for the tantalizing plant that had hitherto eluded our grasp. Yet all this while Cuitlauzina pendula was amongst us, and indeed had been an established favourite for upwards of twenty years! But if so, it may well be asked, how came it to pass that it was never recognized? For a full reply to this very natural inquiry I must refer the reader to a most ingenious article in 'Bonplandia' (Jahrg. iii. No. 15, 16), by the younger Reichenbach, to whom all the credit is due of having solved a great botanical puzzle, and proved to demonstration that the Cuitlauzina pendula of Lexarza is none other than the Odontoglossum citrosmum of Lindley.^[4]

Under these circumstances, however undesirable the meddling with established names, I scarcely see how, in common justice to Lexarza, we can do otherwise than adopt his specific name of pendula, more especially as it happens that the plant to which he originally gave it remains to this day the only one out of nearly a hundred Odontoglossa that has flower-stems which are strictly pendulous.

Our gardens contain many varieties of O. pendulum, of which, though all are beautiful, some are far superior to others. That represented in the Plate, and which forms a part of Mr. Rucker's collection, is among the best. Mr. Rucker keeps it in his coolest house, where it is perfectly at home, and produces a profusion of its lovely drooping racemes in May and June. It should always be grown in a pot.

Dissections.—1. Front view of lip and column; 2. Side view of ditto: magnified.

Plate VII

ODONTOGLOSSUM HASTILABIUM, Lindley.

HALBERT-LIPPED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

As this stately Odontoglossum is met with at a much lower elevation than any of its congeners, it is constitutionally less impatient of heat, and has therefore been able to accommodate itself to artificial conditions under which others of its race in former years have pined and died. But although in some parts of New Granada it descends as low as 2500 feet, its more frequent range is 2000 feet higher up the mountains, and it is in such situations that it attains its greatest luxuriance and beauty. Some imported specimens that I was fortunate enough to see last year (1864) at the Clapton Nursery, whither they had been sent by Mr. Blunt, had flower-stems half an inch thick and fully 6 feet high. These were gathered at an elevation of at least 4000 feet above the sea-level and, as they arrived in excellent condition and have been extensively distributed, I have little doubt we shall ere long see cultivated specimens that may vie with the wild ones in stature and magnificence. Its flowering season is the spring or early summer.

The figure was taken in May last from a plant in Mr. Rucker's collection where it is grown at the coolest end of the Cattleya-house.

Dissection.—1. Front view of lip and column; 2. Side view of ditto: magnified.

Plate VIII

ODONTOGLOSSUM GRANDE, Lindley.

GREAT ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

Mr. Skinner was the fortunate discoverer of this noble Odontoglossum which to this day remains unsurpassed, even among all the fine additions that have of late years been made to the genus. Mr. Skinner found it in a "barranca" (or dark ravine) in the environs of the city of Guatemala, and so closely had it lain concealed that even his quick eye failed to detect it until long after he had, as he thought, exhausted the district of all its finest Orchids. It was afterwards met with in other localities, but invariably in a climate of which the ordinary range of temperature lay between 60° and 70°, and in situations where it was secure of abundant moisture and constant shade. In these peculiarities of its natural habitat the conditions of its successful cultivation are clearly pointed out; yet, strange to say, they were unheeded for twenty years, during which the plants in our Orchid-houses were always in a feeble and sickly state, rarely producing more than two or three flowers on a scape, while the imported specimens showed that at least double that number was the proper quota. Now, however, the case is different, for with a mild temperature and moderate shade they are found to be managed with the most perfect ease and to grow with a vigour that could never have been exceeded in their native wilds. In proof of this we need only turn to the vignette, which is copied from a beautiful photograph kindly sent to me by Joshua Saunders, Esq., and which represents a specimen of O. grande as it appeared when flowering in his collection at Clifton. As a further evidence of the ease with which the plant may be grown I may mention that under the care of Major Trevor Clarke it has been induced to bloom in the open air during the summer months. This, however, must only be looked upon as an interesting experiment and is not recommended for imitation. O. grande usually flowers in July or August, when the season's growth is nearly completed; after this it should be allowed to rest. Mr. Fitch's drawing was taken from a handsome variety that flowered last year (1864) in a north house at Knypersley, and which had been given me by Mr. Skinner.^[5]

Dissections.—1. Front view of column and labellum; 2. Side view of ditto: slightly magnified.

Plate IX

ODONTOGLOSSUM NÆVIUM, Lindley.

SPECKLED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This brilliant Odontoglossum was first discovered by the late Sir Robert Schomburgk, and having been shipped with his other collections from Demerara, has long been supposed to be a native of the latter colony. I am, however, satisfied that, beyond the circumstance alluded to, there is not the slightest reason for regarding it as a Demerara plant, for no other collector has ever found it there, nor would its constitution endure so hot a climate. As Sir Robert, in his memorable expedition into the interior of Guiana (1835-37), reached an elevation of 7000 feet, on the fourth parallel of latitude, and among the southern affluents of the Orinoco, I have little doubt that it was in this region that he discovered O. nævium, along with Maxillaria eburnea, Diothonea imbricata, and other treasures that have never yet found their way to us in a living state.^[6]

O. nævium and its varieties appear to be extensively distributed, having been met with in many localities, both in Venezuela and New Granada, always, however, at a very considerable elevation, and hence the necessity of cool treatment. If this be conceded, the plant is of the easiest culture and will flower abundantly in May or June. The figure was taken from a splendid specimen in Mr. Rucker's collection.

I do not think it necessary to adhere any longer to Dr. Lindley's distinction (as noted in the 'Folia Orchidacea') of a "major" variety, for this is now found to pass insensibly into the ordinary type. The former has sometimes been confounded with the O. gloriosum of Reichenbach, but this is a perfectly independent form, and as such will shortly be figured in this work.

Dissections.—1. Front view of lip and column; 2. Side view of ditto: magnified.

Plate X

ODONTOGLOSSUM CARINIFERUM, Reichb. fil.

KEEL-PETALED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

For the opportunity of figuring this pretty Odontoglossum I am indebted to the kindness of the Bishop of Winchester, in whose collection at Farnham Castle it flowered profusely in November last. A fortnight afterwards I also received specimens from Mr. Rucker, but the flowers of his variety were scarcely so bright in their colouring as those of the Bishop's plant.

O. cariniferum, although now figured for the first time, appears to have been introduced several years ago to German collections, and from some of these it has, no doubt, found its way to England. It is a native of Central America, where it probably affects a high elevation, as it succeeds perfectly under cool treatment, both at Farnham Castle and at West Hill. Its flowers continue in perfection for many weeks.

Dissections.—1. Front view of lip and column; 2. Side view of ditto: magnified.

Plate XI

ODONTOGLOSSUM LINDLEYANUM.

DR. LINDLEY'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

The name of this plant, associated as it is with the memory of the distinguished botanist who has lately passed from among us, is to me suggestive of the most melancholy reflections. Mourn indeed I must, the loss of one who had been my steady friend for five-and-thirty years, and by whose labours among the members of my favourite tribe, I have been enabled to follow a pursuit that has never ceased to be a joy and solace amid all the cares and vicissitudes of life!^[7]

O. Lindleyanum was so named by Professor Reichenbach, in honour of the great Orchidist whose mantle seems now to have fallen upon himself. It is closely allied to the O. epidendroides of Humboldt and Kunth, from which indeed Dr. Lindley failed to distinguish it, but if the characters of the two species, as represented in the 'Xenia,' prove to be constant, no doubt the German Professor was right in separating them.

Several travellers, including Schlim, Wagener, Warszewicz, and Weir, appear to have met with the plant in various localities in New Granada, but always at a great elevation, hence it must of course be classed among the coolest section of Orchids. It has flowered in the gardens of the Horticultural Society, to which it was sent by their zealous collector Mr. Weir, and also in the collection of Mr. Rucker, where Mr. Fitch made his drawing in the spring of last year (1865).

Dissections.—1. Lip and column, seen sideways; 2. Ditto seen in front: magnified.

Plate XII

ODONTOGLOSSUM GLORIOSUM.

FINE ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This remarkable Odontoglossum was long since discovered in New Granada by Schlim and Wagener, in whose herbaria its stately many-flowered panicles formed so striking a feature that Professor Reichenbach did not hesitate to give the plant the name of gloriosum; an epithet which—now that we have the plant amongst us in a living state—may perhaps be thought to be somewhat beyond its merits. It must indeed be admitted that the fresh blossoms, which are of a faint yellowish-green, scarcely realize the expectations which the rich colour and profusion of flowers in the dried specimens had very naturally raised. Nor are all the varieties of equal merit, some being much smaller and paler than others.

The species has lately been imported in large quantities, both by Messrs. H. Low and Co., of Clapton, and by the Horticultural Society, who received it in 1864 from Mr. Weir, by whom it was gathered in the neighbourhood of Bogotá. It flowers freely, and at all seasons of the year; nor does it appear to care so much as many of its congeners for a few degrees more or less of heat or cold. I believe it has already bloomed in almost every collection of note; though the spikes, as was of course to be expected, are as yet far from equal to the wild specimens.^[8] The figure was taken from a plant in Mr. Day's garden, where I saw, in November last, nearly a dozen distinct varieties in blow, some of them rivalling the example given in the Plate, while others were as insignificant as that which is shown in the vignette. The blossoms continue fresh for at least a fortnight, and emit a pleasant honey-like scent.

Dissections.—1. Lip (magnified), seen sideways; 2. Ditto, seen in front.

Plate XIII

ODONTOGLOSSUM WARNERIANUM,

MR. WARNER'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This pretty species was first described by Professor Reichenbach, from materials derived from the collection of Mr. Warner, of Broomfield, in compliment to whom he named it. It also flowered with the late Mr. Cauty, of Liverpool, who kindly sent me the specimens from which the figure was prepared, but these were smaller and less rich in their colouring than those of Mr. Warner.

We have no precise information as to the locality where O. Warnerianum grows wild, but there can be no doubt that it comes from some part of Mexico, whence we have other species, e.g. O. Rossii, O. Ehrenbergii, and O. nebulosum, to all of which it is nearly allied. It flowers in the later autumn and winter months, but like most of the other members of its section (Leucoglossum), is of a delicate habit, and requires to be very carefully handled. It seems to prefer a moderate heat and perhaps a slightly drier atmosphere than that in which the New Granada and Peruvian Odontoglossa evidently delight; the compost or materials in which the roots grow, should on no account be allowed to become sodden.

Dissections.—1. Lip and column (magnified), seen in front; 2. Ditto, seen sideways.

ODONTOGLOSSUM STELLATUM.

STELLATE ODONTOGLOSSUM.

Odontoglossum stellatum, Lindl. in Bot. Reg. 1841, Misc. 25; Fol. Orch. n. 18.

Odontoglossum erosum, Reichenbach fil. Bonpl. ii. 99; A. Rich. Gal. in Ann. Sc. Nat. Jan. 1845.

Habitat in Guatemala, Skinner; Mexico, Hartweg; Veraguas, Warszewicz.

DESCRIPTION.

There is an air of quaintness about this little Odontoglossum which, insignificant though it be, is spread over a range of territory far more extensive than is occupied by any other member of the genus; for it has been found in Mexico by Hartweg, in Guatemala (on the Volcan del Fuego) by Skinner, and in Veraguas by Warszewicz!

At Knypersley, where the figure was taken, the species flowers freely in the winter and spring, and is managed (in a cool house) without the slightest difficulty.

Dissections.—1. Column and lip (magnified), seen sideways; 2. Ditto, ditto, in front.

Plate XIV

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ.

PRINCESS OF WALES' ODONTOGLOSSUM (BLUNT'S VARIETY).

Odontoglossum Alexandræ, Bateman in Gardeners' Chronicle, 1864; et in Proceedings R. Hort. Soc. p. 186 (1864).

Odontoglossum Bluntii, Reichenbach fil.

Habitat in Nov. Granada, prope Pacho, 7-8000 p., Weir, Blunt.

DESCRIPTION.

This most charming Odontoglossum was discovered in 1863 by Mr. Weir, at an elevation of from 7000 to 8000 feet, in the gloomy forests that clothe the slopes of the lofty mountain-ranges at the rear of the City of Santa Fé de Bogotá. As the wild specimens of the flowers that he sent home to the Horticultural Society indicated not only a new species, but one of surpassing beauty, I did not hesitate at once to dedicate it to the illustrious Princess whose name it will henceforth bear. Since the first description of the plant appeared in the 'Gardeners' Chronicle' many living plants have been received both by the Royal Horticultural Society and by Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., of Clapton, several of which have bloomed and, even in their first feeble attempts to flower, have more than justified the very high expectations formed of the plant which, as it gathers strength, cannot fail to become an established favourite with all Orchid-lovers.

It proves to be a most variable species, and I am not surprised that my accomplished friend Professor Reichenbach should have considered the first examples sent to him from Clapton to differ so materially from those of O. Alexandræ, as described by myself, as to justify his regarding them as a distinct form, to which, in honour of Messrs. Low's very zealous collector, he gave the designation of Bluntii. Since then, however, so many intermediate varieties have made their appearance that it is clearly impossible to regard the two supposed species as really distinct.

Specimens of the plant have been sent to me by Messrs. Low, Mr. W. W. Buller, Mr. Rucker, Mr. Day, and Mr. Paterson; it has also flowered at Knypersley, but as yet no two specimens have been alike for, while some were beautifully spotted on the lip and petals with brown or crimson, others, with the exception of the golden crest on the labellum, were of the purest white. To the last-named class belonged the specimens grown by Mr. Buller and Mr. Paterson, the latter of which were so eminently lovely that they will form the subject of a separate Plate. Mr. Blunt's name may very properly be associated with the spotted variety now figured, and which was taken from a plant that he sent to his employers at Clapton.

O. Alexandræ is nearly allied to O. crispum and O. Pescatorei; but, independently of the structure of its flowers, differs from both in its invariably producing simple racemes instead of branched panicles. It flowers freely in the winter and spring months, and may apparently be cultivated with the greatest ease. Of course, coming as it does from a great elevation, it must not be kept too warm.

Dissections.—1. Lip and column (magnified), seen in front. 2. Ditto, ditto, seen sideways.

Plate XV

ODONTOGLOSSUM REICHENHEIMII.

M. REICHENHEIM'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This pretty species is well figured in 'Pescatorea,' where it is stated to be a native of Mexico, whence it was introduced by M. Linden, of Brussels. It was from his establishment that I derived the plant that is represented on the other side, and which flowered at Knypersley in May last (1865). It appears to be very easily managed, requiring the same temperature and treatment as O. læve, to which it is nearly allied, and which forms the subject of the following Plate. It is also very closely related to O. Karwinskii; and I do not feel certain that the two may not eventually have to be united. At present, however, so few plants of either kind exist in the collections of this country, that the materials necessary for an extensive comparison are not forthcoming.

The specific name was given by Professor Reichenbach in honour of M. Reichenheim, of Berlin, whose collection of Orchids and other plants has long been celebrated.

Dissections.—1. Side view (magnified) of lip and column; 2. Front view of ditto.

Plate XVI

ODONTOGLOSSUM LÆVE.

SMOOTH-LIPPED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

Odontoglossum læve, Lindl. in Bot. Reg. (1844), t. 39; L. Fol. Orch. n. 52.

Habitat in Guatemala, Skinner.

DESCRIPTION.

This is not one of the most attractive species, but its stately appearance, the profuseness with which its flowers are produced and their pleasant aroma, will secure it a place in most collections. It is common in Guatemala, where Mr. Skinner originally discovered it, and it probably extends as far as Mexico, where the nearly allied species (O. Reichenheimii), figured in the preceding Plate, is found. As it is only met with at a great elevation, it must be treated as a very "cool" Orchid, under which régime it will flower abundantly in the spring months. The chief danger to be guarded against is that of its exhausting itself—like many species of Phalænopsis—by over-much flowering, and to prevent which it is of course only necessary to break off some of the scapes.

Dissections.—1. Lip, seen in front; 2. Lip and column, seen sideways: magnified.

Plate XVII

ODONTOGLOSSUM LUTEO-PURPUREUM.

YELLOW AND BROWN ODONTOGLOSSUM.

Odontoglossum luteo-purpureum, Lindl. Orch. Linden. n. 85; Fol. Orch. n. 7.

Odontoglossum radiatum, Rchb. Gard. Chron. (1864, New Plants, n. 307.)

Odontoglossom hystrix, Bateman in Gard. Chron. 1864, New Plants, n. 282.

Habitat in N. Granada, prope Quindiu, alt. 8000 p., Linden; prope Santa Fé de Bogotá, Weir, Blunt.

DESCRIPTION.

The vicissitudes which the name of this species has had to undergo within the last three years are full of instruction both to botanists and the public. It was first described by Lindley from wild specimens gathered by Linden in the neighbourhood of Quindiu. Mr. Weir was the next to meet with it, and he succeeded in sending to the Horticultural Society several living plants that had been obtained about 100 miles to the south of Bogotá. He also sent wild specimens in admirable condition which, not agreeing with Lindley's description, and being profusely furnished both at the base of the lip and in the apex of the column with long bristle-like appendages, led to my calling it O. hystrix (i. e. the Porcupine Odontoglossum). Messrs. Low also received the plant, through their collector Mr. Blunt, from the same locality as that where Weir met with it, and one of their plants produced flowers which—neither agreeing with Lindley's O. luteo-purpureum nor with my O. hystrix—received from Professor Reichenbach the name of O. radiatum. Subsequently many specimens flowered, no two of which were alike, though they all maintained a sort of distant family resemblance to O. luteo-purpureum of which—as the Professor himself was the first to point out—there can now be no doubt that they are all varieties.

The figure is taken from a plant that flowered in Mr. Day's collection in the autumn of 1865, the flowers of which were twice the size of those of a plant that flowered with me,—but still larger varieties have since appeared in the collections of Lord Egerton of Tatton and Mr. Wentworth Buller.

The species, being found at an elevation of 8000 feet or more, requires very "cool" treatment, and should be referred to what—for reasons stated under Plate XX.—I propose to call the "Peruvian house." In this it is very easily grown, and flowers freely.

The markings in the dried specimens being much deeper than in the fresh flowers, led Dr. Lindley to give it a name (O. luteo-purpureum) which is scarcely applicable to any variety that has yet appeared,—no purple tints having been observed.

Dissections.—1. Front view of lip and column; 2. Side view of ditto: magnified.

Plate XVIII

ODONTOGLOSSUM BICTONIENSE.

THE BICTON ODONTOGLOSSUM.

(VARIETY WITH LEAFY FLOWER-STEMS.)

Cyrtochilum Bictoniense, Bateman, Orch. Mex. et Gua. t. 6.

Zygopetalum Africanum, Bot. Mag. t. 3812.

Habitat in Guatemala, Skinner; circa 6-7000 ped. alt.

DESCRIPTION.

The Plate represents a remarkable state of this now well-known plant, which I have observed only in the collection of Mr. Aspinall Turner, of Pendlebury House, near Manchester. In its normal or ordinary condition O. Bictoniense produces—in the winter months—simple, upright flower-stems, but in Mr. Turner's plant the stems are branched, and, what is still more extraordinary, are leafy at their extremities! Nor was this peculiarity confined to the growth of a single season, for it has already reappeared at least three years in succession! It produces a very singular effect, though it can hardly be said to add to the beauty of the plant.

O. Bictoniense, so called after Lady Rolle, of Bicton, in Devonshire, was the earliest species of this popular genus that ever reached England alive. It also formed a portion of the first box of Orchids that I ever received from Guatemala, whence they were sent to me in 1835 by my invaluable friend George Ure Skinner, now (1867) alas!—most suddenly and unexpectedly—numbered with the dead!

This is not the place for a memoir of that generous and enthusiastic spirit;—let it suffice to state that Mr. Skinner was on his way to Guatemala for a final visit, when he was attacked by yellow-fever early in February last on the Isthmus of Panama, and carried off after three days' illness! He was collecting plants on the Saturday before his death, and on the Wednesday he was a corpse! He was in his 63rd year, and had he but been permitted to return to England, would have crossed the Atlantic exactly forty times! He was the discoverer of O. grande and O. Uro-Skinneri, already figured in this work, and of at least fifty other Orchids, including the well-known Lycaste Skinneri perhaps the most useful and popular of its tribe.

Dissections.—1. Lip and column, seen sideways; 2. Ditto ditto, seen in front: magnified.

Plate XIX

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ.

PRINCESS OF WALES' ODONTOGLOSSUM

(WHITE, OR WEIR'S VARIETY).

Of this charming Odontoglossum, which I had the honour to dedicate to H.R.H. the Princess of Wales, there appear to be innumerable varieties. Of these some—like the one figured at Plate XIV.—have crimson spots, others again are spotted with brown, while a third section—like the one represented in the Plate—have flowers of the purest white, relieved only by the rich golden crest of the lip. An excellent example of the latter variety was sent to me nearly two years ago by Mr. Paterson, of Ashville, Partrickhill, near Glasgow, and from this Mr. Fitch's drawing was obtained. Since then, other specimens of the same kind have been communicated to me, especially by Mr. Wentworth Buller, Mr. Jones, of Whalley Range, near Manchester, Mr. Bull, and Mr. Dawson of Meadow Bank. The last was an admirable specimen bearing as it did on a curved stalk about a dozen perfect flowers, all of which faced the same way, so as to form a sort of natural tiara exactly suited to a lady's head and which—especially when worn on dark hair—could not fail to produce a most beautiful effect.

This variety has also flowered at the Royal Gardens, Kew, a fact that is not a little creditable to Mr. Smith's (the Curator's) energy and skill, he being compelled to grow his Orchids in houses that are very ill adapted to such a purpose. Surely the Government of this wealthy country might afford to devote a few hundred pounds to the construction of houses in which these most popular and marvellous plants might be worthily grown!

As the first specimens of the white variety of O. Alexandræ were collected by Mr. Weir, it is only fitting that his name should be associated with it, just as the name of his rival Mr. Blunt has been connected with the variety distinguished by its crimson spots. Plants of both frequently acquire a reddish tint both in their bulbs and leaves, a tint which, wherever it occurs, is a sure criterion by which O. Alexandræ may be distinguished from other Odontoglossa that closely resemble it in habit.

O. Alexandræ proves to be a slow grower, and to require the coolest compartment of the Peruvian house. If this condition be attended to, it gives no trouble whatever, and produces its exceedingly durable flowers very freely indeed.

Dr. Triana met with it on the trunks of very large trees with dense foliage, ten leagues from Bogotá, and also at Pacho.

Dissections.—1. Lip and column, seen in front; 2. Ditto, seen sideways: magnified.

Plate XX

ODONTOGLOSSUM MACULATUM.

SPOTTED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This plant is common in many parts of Mexico, especially on the Irapæan mountains in the neighbourhood of Valladolid, where it was originally discovered and described by Lexarza, that earliest of Orchid-devotees! It was also one of the earliest species of the extensive genus to which it belongs that ever produced flowers in England. The credit of introducing it belongs to the late Mr. Barker, of Birmingham, with whom it bloomed about the year 1839, but it soon disappeared, like nearly the whole of the invaluable collection of Mexican Orchids that I remember having seen in the most splendid condition, shortly after their arrival, in his stoves. Fifteen years afterwards it was reintroduced by M. Linden, from whose establishment the figure in 'Pescatorea' was obtained, but it seems to have again been lost. Last spring (1866) I had the pleasure of seeing the species in the best possible health in Mr. Dawson's rich and admirably-managed collection at Meadow Bank near Glasgow, and from his plant, which flowered in April, Mr. Fitch's drawing was prepared. I also received specimens about the same time from Mr. Turner. Still more recently, Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. have imported it in large quantities and excellent condition, and many good varieties have already appeared, though none that I have yet seen are so fine or so richly coloured as that of Mr. Dawson. One that is now flowering at Knypersley is a dull yellowish-green.

In its native country it flowers in March, which is about the time of its flowering with us. As to treatment it will naturally be found more at home in the Mexican house, where a cool and comparatively dry atmosphere should be maintained, than in the Peruvian house, which should be suited to the species that are accustomed to a damper and—not unfrequently—still cooler climate. I have no doubt that this distinction will be found of much practical utility, for although "cool treatment" as opposed to "warm" marks a very important division still, just as among "warm" plants it is necessary to separate the East Indian Aerides from the Brazilian Cattleyas, so among "cool" plants it will be advisable to separate the Mexican Lælias from the Peruvian Odontoglossa. Nay, I apprehend that what I call the "Peruvian house" will itself have to be subdivided into two portions, one of which, i. e. the warm portion, will contain such plants as the Trichopilias, the Anguloas, and such Odontoglossa as are met with below 6500 feet, while the other or cooler portion will be suited to an innumerable multitude of glorious Orchids that are met with at a still higher elevation. Already cultivators have discovered that O. Phalænopsis and O. nævium cannot be made to thrive in the same house, for though both are "cool" plants the former—coming as it does from a lower level—requires a decidedly warmer climate than the latter, and so it will be in many other cases which are not yet so distinctly understood.

Dissections.—1. Lip and column, seen sideways; 2. Front view of ditto: magnified.

Plate 21

ODONTOGLOSSUM HALLII.

COLONEL HALL'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This fine Odontoglossum was one of the earliest known though one of the latest to reach us alive. It is now (1873) plentiful enough, and forms a most attractive object in our spring Orchid-shows. There are many varieties differing greatly in the size and marking of their flowers, but all maintaining the unguiculate sepals and petals which chiefly distinguish it from O. luteo-purpureum (Pl. 17), to which it is indeed very nearly allied. O. Hallii is abundant in New Grenada and Peru, but is seldom met with at a lower elevation than 8000 feet, hence it is quite at home in the coolest part of the "cool Orchid-house," in which it grows and flowers very freely indeed.

In the woodcut, a solitary flower of a larger variety of the species is represented, natural size.

Plate 22

ODONTOGLOSSUM ROSEUM.

ROSY ODONTOGLOSSUM.

Odontoglossum roseum, Lindl. in Bentham Plant. Hartweg, p. 251. Reichenbach fil. in Garden. Chron. April 20, 1867.

Habitat in Peru, Backhouse, Nuebrada de los Juntas, Hartweg.

DESCRIPTION.

A charming little species long known by the specimens in the Lindleyan Herbarium. It was introduced—though in very limited quantities—by the Messrs. Backhouse several years ago, since which time it has always continued scarce. In Lindley's Herbarium the racemes are about the length of those represented in the figure, but in a specimen exhibited in 1872 by Mr. Linden the pseudobulbs, leaves, and racemes were nearly twice as large and as long as those in the Plate. The precise treatment that it affects has not yet been distinctly ascertained, but there can be no doubt that, being a denizen of high places on the mountain ranges in Peru, it prefers the coldest house.

Plate 23

ODONTOGLOSSUM TRIUMPHANS.

SPLENDID ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This is a very fine species indeed, although it scarcely realizes the expectations excited by the figure in Pescatorea, whether as regards the size of the individual blossoms or their colour. In the fresh flowers the prevailing tone is a bright yellow, which serves as a foil to the rich brown or chestnut marking with which the sepals and petals are profusely covered, and which, though to a lesser degree, cover also the lip. But in Pescatorea the lip is represented as white, and as bearing at its upper extremity a rich blotch of bright purple which affords a beautiful contrast to the yellow and brown tints of the other parts of the flower. Probably the figure referred to may have been prepared from dried specimens and hence the mistake as to the colouring.

There are many varieties of this species, some of the best of which were exhibited by Mr. Marshall of Enfield at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society as early as April, 1869.

O. triumphans does not appear to be so plentiful in its native habitats as O. Hallii, O. luteo-purpureum, and many other N. Grenada kinds that now swarm in our collections. The range of elevation within which it grows is nearly identical with that of O. Hallii, hence the same treatment is suitable to both. It is easily grown and flowers freely.

Plate 24

ODONTOGLOSSUM KRAMERI.

KRAMER'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This though not a striking is a very distinct plant. It is a native of Costa-Rica, where it seems to be plentiful enough though it long eluded detection. It was first exhibited in 1868 by Mr. Veitch at one of the shows at S. Kensington, but appeared almost simultaneously in the collection of Mr. Day, by whose direction a careful drawing was prepared. Like other Costa-Rica plants, though not requiring a high temperature, it is scarcely content with the small amount of heat that is now allotted to the great majority of cool Orchids. Its proper place would be in the Mexican House. It is a free bloomer.

Plate 25

ODONTOGLOSSUM CORDATUM.

HEART-LIPPED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

Though scarcely to be classed among the more attractive species, O. cordatum is occasionally seen at our Shows with branching scapes 2 feet high and flowers much more richly coloured than those in the Plate. It is found both in Mexico and Guatemala (whence plants were sent to me by my lamented friend Skinner), but always at high elevations.

It flowers in the early summer without any special treatment, except that it is perhaps more impatient of water than some of its congeners.

Plate XXVI

ODONTOGLOSSUM ANGUSTATUM.

NARROW-PETALLED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

Odontoglossum angustatum, Lindl. in Bot. Reg. sub t. 1992, Folia Orchid., 48; Rchb. fil.; Walper's Annales, vi. p. 841.

Habitat in Peru, (alt. 8000 ft.,) Hall, Hartweg, Linden.

DESCRIPTION.

This is a very distinct species, as remarkable among Odontoglossa with its white and purple flowers, as is Oncidium incurvum, with blossoms of similar hues, among the innumerable members of that still more extensive genus. Although originally discovered by Colonel Hall more than a quarter of a century ago, no genuine plants—there have been impostors in plenty—seem to have reached Europe alive before the year 1871, when it was introduced by M. Linden; by whom also, in the following spring, flowering specimens were exhibited at South Kensington and universally admired. According to Lindley, the species is nearly allied to his O. ramosissimum, from which, indeed, he at one time failed to distinguish it. M. Linden's plant, which is faithfully rendered in Mr. Fitch's drawing, does not exactly answer to the descriptions in the Folia Orchidacea either of O. angustatum or O. ramosissimum, but is apparently a connecting link between the two, whence I infer the probability that both the above supposed species will eventually be found to be one and the same.

The plant is still exceedingly scarce, and as it is indistinguishable in habit from many other Odontoglossa derived from the same rich country (Peru), I would warn cultivators against purchasing any specimens that have not actually proved themselves to be true. It belongs to the cooler sections of its race, and must be treated accordingly.

Plate XXVII

ODONTOGLOSSUM CORONARIUM.

ROYAL ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This species has been long known, but it was slow in making its appearance, and slow likewise in flowering after it had reached us. During the last four years both Messrs. Veitch and M. Linden have succeeded in importing it alive, but it has only produced flowers in two or three instances; the finest specimens I have seen being those exhibited by Lord Londesborough during the present spring (1874). Even in its native country it seems to be a shy flowerer. As it is never met with lower than 7000 feet on the mountains of Pamplona, it of course requires a cooler treatment than many of its congeners which affect a lower level. The shining surface of the sepals and petals is very remarkable, and has the appearance of being due to a coat of the best varnish. Another species, O. brevifolium, found in lofty mountains in Peru, is closely allied to this, if indeed, which I greatly doubt, it be anything more than a very high-level variety of it.

Plate XXVIII

ODONTOGLOSSUM BLANDUM.

PLEASANT ODONTOGLOSSUM.

Odontoglossum blandum, Rchb. fil. in Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 1342 (1872).

Habitat in Ocaña, Blunt, Roezl.

DESCRIPTION.

This pretty little Odontoglossum comes from Ocaña, where it was first discovered by Mr. Low's collector many years ago. At that time none of the plants reached England alive, but some dried specimens that found their way to Professor Reichenbach, enabled the great German Orchidist to name and describe the species; which turns out to be nearly allied to O. nævium. It has been met with by M. Roezl and other collectors, but is still a rare plant, as its constitution is apt to succumb under a long journey by sea and land. The specimens from which Mr. Fitch prepared his drawing, flowered in the spring of 1871, in the collection of the Royal Horticultural Society;—the plants having been purchased at one of Stevens' sales, among a "miscellaneous lot" of doubtful things. The species is a free-flowerer, and sends out an agreeable honey-like odour, but in point of beauty is scarcely a rival for O. nævium. It seems to require rather more heat than the latter species, which is one of the coolest of cool Orchids.

Plate XXIX

ODONTOGLOSSUM VEXILLARIUM.

BROAD-LIPPED ODONTOGLOSSUM.

DESCRIPTION.

This is the handsomest of known Odontoglossa. In the year 1867 Mr. Low showed me a solitary flower, which had been sent to him by his collector (Bowman, I believe), but a discreet silence was observed as to the locality where the prodigy had been found, nor, alas, did living plants ever make their way to the Clapton Nursery. Subsequently the species was met with by Wallis—when collecting for Mr. Linden—and later still by Roezl; but although in each case a large number of specimens were packed up and despatched to Europe, they either died on the passage, or shortly after their arrival. Indeed, cultivators were almost beginning to despair, when, early in the spring of last year (1873), the arrival was announced of a small cargo of the beauteous novelty in most excellent condition at the establishment of Messrs. Veitch; to whom it had been forwarded by Mr. Henry Chesterton. Once safe in the Chelsea collection, it did not put the patience of Orchid-growers to any severe strain, for within little more than three months of its arrival vigorous flower-spikes were produced, and the plant itself exhibited—both in Regent's Park and at South Kensington—to the envy and admiration of all beholders. It seems to be very easy to manage, and produces its flower-scapes with the utmost profusion. Like all its congeners, it must be relegated to the cool Orchid-house, though probably it will be found to prefer the warmest end.

Professor Reichenbach has written several articles in the Gardeners' Chronicle about this plant, in one of which he deplores, and most justly, the wanton waste and havoc committed by collectors; who, instead of contenting themselves with a moderate number of specimens, gather them by hundreds, or even by thousands, thus imperilling the very existence of species which, like the present, are believed to possess only a very restricted habitat. Nor does this recklessness often benefit their employers, for in most cases, the larger the consignment, the smaller the chance of its prospering on its way.

The woodcut is copied from a photograph of a small specimen of O. vexillarium, taken in New Grenada, in the act of flowering.

Plate XXX

ODONTOGLOSSUM ROEZLII.

ROEZL'S ODONTOGLOSSUM.

Odontoglossum Roezlii, Rchb. fil. Xenia Orchidacea, ii.; idem in Gard. Chron. p. 1302, (cum Xylo) 1873.

Habitat in N. Grenada, Roezl; Backhouse in Gard. Chron. p. 1334, (1873).

DESCRIPTION.

This is a most charming Odontoglossum, allied to the preceding and to O. phalænopsis, but perfectly distinct from either. Its bright green narrow leaves—streaked like those of Saccolabium Blumei, at once distinguish the plant, even when out of flower, from its fascinating rival O. vexillarium; which always bears a glaucous hue, and which has larger and broader foliage, and produces double the number of flowers on a scape. The first rumours that reached us of the plant led to a suspicion that it might, after all, be only a variety of O. vexillarium, but these unworthy fears were at once dispelled by the flowering of the plant itself at Mr. Bull's nursery in the early part of last September, when Mr. Fitch prepared his drawing, and Professor Reichenbach obtained materials for the description which appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle of September 27, 1873. The Professor has also given, in his Xenia, a characteristic representation of the wild plant constructed from the specimens supplied to him by its fortunate discoverer, Mr. Roezl; in whose honour the species is very properly named. It is a native of New Grenada, and, like O. vexillarium, appears to be exceedingly rare; we must not, therefore, murmur if the precise locality—of which the knowledge is a fortune in itself—should be for awhile withheld. But there would have been no harm in telling us the approximate elevation of the native habitat, as the same is always important as a clue to culture; especially in the case of plants with a limited range. In this instance I apprehend that both O. Roezlii and O. vexillarium are not found at a very high level and that therefore—though happily entitled to rank among "cool" Orchids—they must be placed in the warmer division of the "cool" Orchid-house.

The woodcut represents, for purposes of comparison, two nearly allied Odontoglossa, viz., O. pulchellum and O. Egertonianum; they both come from the same country (Guatemala) and closely resemble each other in habit—only that the pseudobulbs of the latter have much the sharper edges—but the flowers are very different. The spikes of O. Egertonianum (2) are a sort of Orchid-imitation of the racemes of the "Lily of the Valley," though unfortunately they have no perfume, while those of O. pulchellum (1) emit a delicious, almond-like odour, not very unlike that of Gardenia radicans; they are, moreover, very chaste and beautiful, and are freely produced during the winter months. Under these circumstances the species has long since become, what it well deserved to be, an established popular favourite. Yet on its introduction some five-and-thirty years ago—I had then just received the plant from my lamented friend Mr. G. U. Skinner—its first feeble attempts to flower left such an impression of its insignificance upon my mind, that I churlishly refused it a place among the magnates of its family in "The Orchidaceæ of Mexico and Guatemala" on which I was then engaged! But greater discrimination in the treatment of our plants—in other words the recognition of the system of "Cool-Orchid-growing"—has led to a more just appreciation of its merits.