Plate VI. 



1,/ELIA CaiSFILABIA. 



An elegant niwl distinct-looking epiphyte, with short pyrifoim pscudobulbs, surmounted by a single ugulatc 

 oblong acute loaf, and a -pike of from four to lax modcrate-rixed flowers, on n peduncle is.mu» from « miiiiII 

 RpMhnlate bract opposite the leaf. The sepals arc oblong, ligulatc, acuminate, tlio latent) falcate, and M 

 well aa the cuneate-oblong petal*, of an nracthvst-purplo colour. The lip is small, cuncato nl the base, ihe 

 lateral lobes rolled together in a senriovote form, the middle l»i«* oblong acute, cronuhucly tabulate, onduhueil, 

 and bent sharply bocknnrda ; ii i- while in the centre, bear- three creuulntc carinie on the median line, and 

 has ihe lateral vein* carinulate. 



I. vi. ia crikpimria, '. Richard Herb,, according In Jteirheiibarlt. 

 L.uja Lawrkxcbana, of F.tiglifh g/irdi tut 



lillTIlA CUSPILAIUA, Htirlu.tktrli Ji/. % Xtiiin <)rch'uht<va, ii. 61. 



This pretty plant has been reported as an inhabitant of Mexico, but there seems to be some doubl as 

 t-» its native country, mid it is chiefly known as a cultivated species. It is one of the prettiest and moat 

 distinct species of its family. The accompanying Plate was taken from a specimen in our possession, 

 which has flowered successively for the last twenty yean, and was formerly in the collection of the late 

 Mrs. Lawrence. It ii very distinct, both as regards the colour or the hulls and of tin.- foliage; though 

 the general habit resembles that of /,. dnna&arina, to which it is allied. This is the only plant wo know of, 

 with the exception of the younger ones which have been taken from it. Fortunately it i> one of the most 

 easy to propagate among tho Uolios, which are for the most part impatient of being divided; and being 

 also a free-flowering species, it ought to be generally cultivated, for it requires but little room, Bnd 

 furnishes flower- of one of the most pleasing colours to bo found amongst the whole race of Orchids. 



Zatia criapilabia is of a compact habit of growth, and lias evergreen foliage of a light-green colour. 

 Ii produces one leaf from the top of each bulb, and grow.- about a foot in heigh;. The flower-spikes also 

 proceed from the top of the bulb, issuing from a sheath ; they grow to about n fool in length, and bear 

 several flowers of a rich amethyst or purple-lilac colour. The plant continues in bloom for several weeks, 

 It moreover makes n good exhibition plant, being a capital one to travel, only requiring a small stick to 

 be placed to support each flower-spike. 



We Cud the most suitable temperature for this species to be that of the Cattlcya-house, and the 

 treatment should bet he same as that given to other Ltclins. Mrs. Lawrence grew it on a block of trood for 

 several years, but afterwards removed it into a pot, which was found mneh more suitable for it. Since wo 

 have had it we have always grown it in a put, and have found it to succeed well. It requires good fibrous 

 peat and perfect drainage, the pot being half filled with the latter, this covered by a layer of sphagnum- 

 moss or rough peat, with the fine parts shaken from it. and above filled up with the Gbrotifl peal, mixed with 

 a little Bphagnnm-moss and a few small crocks, in order to keep the peat open. When the -oil is thus 

 prepared, place the plant on the top. taking care to peg it down firmly, which will induce it to root the 

 mora freely, and thus to grow more vigorously. The most Suitable time to pot the plan! is just as it com- 

 mences growing. If the change is made at that time, it gets sooner established than if potted while nl 

 rest, for in the latter ca*c the bulbs often shrivel, and when tin- happens they seldom recover, though by 

 placing them on a block, with plenty of water, they may sometimes plump up ngilin. 



The plants while growing rcpiirc plenty of water, a„d roust never he allowed to become dry. After 

 the growth is completed, they should have just enough water to keep tin.,,, in a plump condition. They 

 s|-;os|i s|;t;il>. 



