towards the centre with yellow, and is so large as nearly to conceal the sepals and petals, which, like 
itself, are white. = 
The roots of O. leucochilum are produced in great abundance, and are of a very fine wiry texture. 
As an example of a directly opposite character, we may instance O. Cavendishianum (Tab. II., of this 
Work) of which the roots are few, but the thickest in the genus. The pseudo-bulbs of O. leucochilum 
press closely upon one another, so that the roots get cramped and entangled amongst them in hopeless 
confusion, and to such an extent as almost to bury the poor tubers alive. When, on the arrival of 
a collection of Orchidacee from abroad, a case of this description is observed, strong measures must 
be immediately resorted to ; for although the love of fine specimens may plead against the dismemberment 
of so large a mass of bulbs so “ full of lusty life,” still it is next to impossible to cultivate the species 
with any success till it has been freed from this incubus of rubbish and roots. The latter have usually 
lost their vitality on their arrival; and if not, they soon become rotten when subjected to a moist heat ; 
they are, therefore, apt to occasion the decay of the pseudo-bulbs, and at the same time are incapable of 
contributing in any way to their support. They are therefore to be removed carefully and speedily, which 
is not to be effected without breaking up the masses into pieces, each containing 3 or 4 pseudo-bulbs ; 
and if among these any decayed ones be observed, they must at once be cut away. Besides the danger — 
to be apprehended from decomposition, these collections of roots afford a secure retreat to a species of 
“ Cockroach,” of which we shall hereafter speak, and than which, Orchidacee have no greater foe. 
O. leucochilum appears to be not uncommon in Guatemala, where it was found by Mr. Skrnyer, 
and sent to us in 1835; and in the autumn of the following year was produced the specimen from which 
‘our figure is taken. 
The Vignette is a representation of Istapa, from a spirited sketch by Mr. Skinner, made while 
out at sea in 1834. ; 
“«______ Andes, giant of the Western Star! 
With meteor standard to the winds unfurl’d, 
Looks from his throne of clouds o’er half the world.” 
CAMPBELL. 
