12 
top of which stand two oblong emarginate dark-green rather 
wavy leaves. * Between these is a flower-stalk having two 
pink flowers gaily spotted with crimson in the inside. It will 
probably flower more profusely when in better health, and will 
then be a plant of considerable interest. 
19. HABROTHAMNUS purpureus. 
H. purpureus ; ramis petiolisque tomentosis, foliis ovato-lanceolatis acumi- 
natis subtus pubescentibus supra glabriusculis, cymis terminalibus co- 
rymbosis, calyce glabro, corollee laciniis acutissimis. 
We last year (No. 73) mentioned the existence in Europe, 
in a living state, of the magnificent Habrothamnus fascicu- 
latus, one of the finest of all the gorgeous forms of Mexican 
vegetation. It is with great satisfaction that we are enabled 
now to announce another species, also in the possession of Mr. 
Van Houtte, Nurseryman, Ghent, to whom we are indebted 
for a fresh specimen. ‘Though not so handsome as the other, 
it promises to be a very desirable species, and will no doubt 
soon form a decoration of our English exhibition rooms. 
The flowers are more purple than scarlet, about 2 of an inch 
long, and in terminal clusters. Mr. Van Houtte gives us the 
following information concerning its habits. « This plant is 
from a district cooler than that which produces H. fascicu- 
latus, and at the utmost does not require more protection than 
is afforded by a common greenhouse (orangerie). In the 
stove it runs away into a multitude of slender shoots, from 
which indeed it is easily propagated, and becomes a rambling 
shrub, with an appearance by no means agreeable. Both the 
species of this genus should be kept as cool as possible, re- 
quire to be skilfully pruned, and so arranged as to grow 
strong and short-jointed. Otherwise the flowers are badly 
coloured, as always, indeed, happens when the plants are 
grown in much heat.” i 
20. SPIRANTHES diaphana, 
S. diaphana; foliis hysteranthiis (7), vaginis inflatis acuminatis glabris dia- 
phanis, floribus capitatis extüs tomentosis, labello apice plano oblongo 
integerrimo. 
For a fresh specimen and drawing of this new species of 
terrestrial Orchidacex I am obliged to Mr. Van Houtte of 
