from that genus; the principal mark of distinction yet re- 
marked consists in the gland of the pollen-masses, which in 
Cymbidium is triangular, and in the present genus is 
crescent-shaped, with one pollen-mass on each extremity of 
the crescent, 1 observe however that the base of the column 
is rolled up so as to form a fistular cavity, or cuniculus, near 
the base of the labellum; but I am uncertain whether to 
regard this as a generic character or not. 
It was hoped, when this plant was imported, that it 
would prove the famous Letter-plant of Amboyna, Java, and 
the neighbouring coast, so called because its flowers are 
marked with deep brown stains arranged upon a pale ground 
so as to resemble grotesque characters. In this however we 
have been disappointed, as, notwithstanding the noble ap- 
pearance of this, it is very inferior to the Letter-plant. Of 
that I have before me a single flower from Dr. Wallich’s 
Herbarium, gathered at Pulo Dinding, in Cochin China, by 
Mr. Finlayson, which must have been four inches from the 
tip of one sepal to that of the opposite petal, or a foot in cir- 
cumference ! 
As the species is in this natural order among the easiest 
to cultivate, it is well worth possession, even in a small col- 
lection, notwithstanding that the flowers want richness of 
colour : it is probable however that they will improve in this 
respect. 
