New Spain. It was first described by M. M. La Luave and Lexarza, in their interesting work on the 
Orchidacez of the Province of Mechoacan, and their account of its beauty appeared to be fully borne out 
by some specimens of the plant which were more recently gathered in Oaxaca by the Baron Karwinskt. 
The species had not, however, found its way into English collections until the year 1836, when Mr. Bares 
transmitted some fine plants of it to Mr. Tayieurr, of Parkfield, near Liverpool, in whose choice 
collection they flowered shortly after their importation, and again in the autumn of the following year, 
when our drawing of the subject was prepared. Although the specimen figured had not reached the highest 
degree of vigour which may be expected from it after it has been longer in cultivation, it was still a most 
strikingly beautiful object, and satisfied us that it is not likely to prove less attractive on this side of the 
Atlantic, than it is already known to be on its own. 
The genus “ Lelia,” to which our plant belongs, may be regarded as one of the most ornamental of its 
tribe, since pleasing colour, graceful habit, long duration, and delicious perfume,—in short, all the essentials 
of floral beauty, seem to be combined in its various species. Of these, five or six are already known, of 
which the one now represented, however charming it may be, is, perhaps, the least interesting : for it is far 
surpassed by ZL. grandiflora (the Flor de Corpus of Mechoacan) in the magnitude of its flowers, and by 
LE. anceps and some unpublished species, in the brilliancy of its colours. Being found at a considerable 
elevation, they all thrive best in a moderate temperature, and require to be high-potted, as by that means 
the roots are more likely to be retained in a healthy state, and are better able to withstand the extremes of 
heat and moisture which, even in the most carefully conducted establishments, will sometimes occur, and 
which we have found excessively injurious to Lelias, Cattleyas, and species of some other allied genera. In 
winter they should be very sparingly watered, and kept in almost a dormant state. LZ. autumnale flowers 
both in this country and its own, at the season which its name implies. 
Those who have ever received a case of Orchidacex from the Tropics, know full well that the opening of it is 
attended with the most intense and feverish excitement: and those who have not been so fortunate, will be glad 
to gather some notion of such stirring scenes from the accompanying Vignette,—which, it is needless to say, is from 
the inimitable pencil of Crurksuanx.—If we read aright the address on that box, the cargo belongs to one of the most 
staunch and scientific collectors of his day, and we, therefore, only the more deeply deplore the calamity with which, it 
is but too clear, his importation has been visited. The conduct of his people is, however, beyond all praise ; and we 
earnestly pray that their gallant exertions may be crowned with triumphant success. It is indeed a cruel thing to 
expect Epiphytes, and receive only Cockroaches!! to see the very case which ought to have been richly stored with 
lusty Orchidacee, prove, upon opening, to contain nothing more than— 
‘Lucifugis congesta cubilia blattis //” 
Viren. 
Sara edo ee Cees curramus preecipites, et 
“ Dum jacet in ripa, caleemus Cesaris hostem.” 
JUVENAL. 
