Plate V. 



ONCIDIUM CHRYSOTIIYRSUS. 



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A showy epiphyte, with oblong compnwd. two-leaved pucodobulbe, which at length become ribbed; oblong<4CWe 

 leaves; anil ii thyroe-likc panicle of flowers supported by a stalk two fWt high or upward*, the branches of 

 the panicle ascendent The flower* arc numerous, with bill few purplish crimson bars on the small greenish 

 sepal* and petal*, and near the base of the brtwid conspicuous golden-yellow lip. The sepals and petals ore 

 oblong lignlatc, the lateral sepals united nearly to the centre, then becoming bifid. The lip has two dolabn- 

 form or rounded basilar auricles, a very narrow and short isthmus, and a large raniform anterior portion, which 

 it bifid: the principal callus at the two i* depressed, and thrce-lobed al the apex, while in front are three 

 willi, which si iv Update and nndpitous, and on each ride are a fen acute leeth- The column-wings an) oblong, 

 acute or Idunr. 



OffCn»1»J cum sort! vusrs, Ittirhntharh jil. M$* 





The Oncidimn family forms a wry large group of Orchids, some of the species of which are extremely 

 Showy and frec-llowcring, and, wc may add, amongst the most useful of epiphytes. The species we now 

 figure, which is a genuine representative of tliis charming genu*, ranks as one of the most beautiful of the 

 whole family. One of it> good qualities is, that it is a compact grower; for it must he admitted that 

 many of the Oneida are of Straggling habit, and at the same time not so free-blooming as the one before us. 

 This plant comes from kVedro, the most southern district of Brazil, and may he found a short distance from 

 Port Alcgrc on Lake Patos. It is to be hojied that some Collector may find it, and send a good supply. 



Oticulmn chrgwthgrmsi although now a very rare plant, should find u place in evciy collection as 

 soon as u plentiful supply can be introduced- It is much to be regretted that the specie* of Onddittm arc 

 al present so little generally cultivated, for they undoubtedly include some of the most showy or Oirhids; 

 their bright-yellow flowers f onu Jm excellent and striking contrast with the colours presented by other 

 genera, while their gracefully drooping spikes render them, in many instances, most useful for grouping. 

 Some of them have flower-Stems ;i> much as ten feet in length; mid such ;is these, when introduced 

 amount the foliage of ferns, or of other Orchids not in bloom, produce a charming effect Their blossoms, 

 moreover, last a long lime in perfection, both on the plant and when cut and placed in water. A few yean* 

 since fine s|>cciracns were frequently seen at our exhibitions, but now they are seldom shown, cultivators 

 appearing to think more of the smaller kinds of rare Orchids, of which, however, few are really lit subjects 

 for our large exhibitions. These large massive Onddiums ought to be encouraged in order to make up a 

 grand display, for their flowers are generally showy and effective; moreover, when they arc grown into 

 such large masses, they form a good background to other plants, and yellow, which predominates amongst 

 them, is a colour always welcome in a collection of these Sowers, which it serves to enliven. 



W have already mentioned that the species now before us is of compact growth. The mass of bulbs 

 and leaves grows nearly a foot in height, the leaves being of a light-green colour: and the flower-spike is 

 branching, and three feet in length, proceeding from the side of the pseudobulb. As to the colour of the 

 flower, the sepals and petals me of a light-green, barred with red, and the lip is of a char bright yellow. 

 The plant continues in bloom for several weeks. 



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SECOXD SERIES* 



