Linney on this point coincides with our own. The only discrepancies of any moment are, that 
M. Kunvu’s plant is described as having serrated petals, and leaves only three inches long. Now, as to 
the latter character, it is too variable in this genus to be of any weight; and as to the former, we 
apprehend there must be some mistake, for no such a thing as a “serrated petal” has, we believe, ever 
been seen amongst Orchidacew. The nearest affinity of this species is, undoubtedly, with C. tridentatum ; 
but from that it is easily distinguished, by the fringed margin of its lip (the apex of which terminates in 
a single tooth), and by its sepals and petals, which stand away from, and clear of, the lip, instead of half 
concealing it. 
C. maculatum was originally discovered by Humpotpzr, near the town of Turbaco, in New Grenada 
(and at that time was the only Catasetum known); but Mr. Skinner, who met with it on the eastern 
coast of Nicaragua, has the merit of having introduced it into this country ; and our figure is taken from a 
plant which we received from him in the summer of 1836, and which flowered in the following winter. 
Having had occasion, in these remarks, to mention the name of the Baroy voy Humpotpr, we 
cannot deny ourselves the satisfaction of taking this opportunity of alluding, in terms of the most respectful 
gratitude, to the courtesy and kindness with which we were received by that illustrious traveller, when we 
visited Berlin in 1836. How deep was the admiration with which we gazed on his expressive countenance ! 
and how great was our wonder when we found nothing to lead us to conclude that the perils and hardships 
of his long and laborious life had in any way impaired his physical energies, or damped the scientific ardour 
of his mind! His recollection of the scenes and incidents of his travels in South America (anno 1799), 
seemed as fresh as if he had returned but yesterday from those sultry shores! of the truth of which 
observation, the following anecdote will furnish a good illustration. Having had occasion to put a question 
to him respecting the Orchidacew of a portion of Columbia, he at once proceeded to name the different 
genera and species which it contained, and to point out their respective localities, with such case and 
precision, that one would almost have supposed Botany to have been his only study, and the Orchidacez 
his favourite tribe: this will appear not a little remarkable, when we remember that there is scarcely a 
science with which he is not even more familiar than with Botany. 
Nothing can be easier to cultivate than the different species of Catasetum ; they flower profusely alike 
under damp or dry, under hot or cold treatment; perhaps, however, they attain their highest vigour if 
subjected during the summer to a powerful moist heat, with a plentiful supply of water; but in the winter 
they should be kept tolerably dry. 
The Vignette is a full-length portrait of Blatta gigantea, taken from a specimen in the extensive 
cabinet of natural history belonging to Miss Charlotte Wilbraham, of Rode Hall. He (the Blatta, 
Anglic? Cockroach) arrived in this country in a box of Orchidacez, upon which, judging from the condition 
of the plants, he must have made many a hearty meal; indeed, the Catasetum now described was almost 
the only plant which survived the effects of his voracious appetite. 
“ MONSTRUM HORRENDUM.’'— Virgil. 
