When the third part of the Genera and Species of Orchi- 
deous Plants was published in 1833, I was only acquainted 
with Myanthus cernuus, and cristatus, the latter of which I 
considered a Catasetum, and the former as the only genuine 
species of the genus; to a certain degree mistaking the 
real generic character of Myanthus, in consequence of the 
imperfect materials of which only I was then in possession. 
Now however that four species are known in a living state, 
it has become necessary to alter the original character” of 
the genus so as to include Catasetum cristatum. This I 
think is more advisable than to combine Myanthus with 
Catasetum, as my learned friend Sir William Hooker has 
recommended (Bot. Mag. fol. 3514). If the latter measure 
were to be adopted it would be equally necessary to suppress 
the genera Monachanthus, Mormodes, Cyenoches, &c. the effect 
of which would be to form a heterogeneous collection of 
species, the principal combining character of which would 
reside in the peculiar succulent stems. As the genera now 
stand they have each a clear distinction, and each already 
possesses as many species as are usually assembled under 
newly discovered types of structure; Myanthus has already 
4, Cycnoches 2, Monachanthus 2, Catasetum 5; and Mormodes 
is the only one that comprehends only a solitary species. 
Like the rest of its allies a tender stove plant. 
