When this plant first arrived, it was universally supposed to be identical with Oncidium Insleayi 
(Tab. XXII.), a mistake which might naturally arise out of the exact similarity between the pseudo-bulbs 
and leaves of the two species ; and truly it must be regarded as a remarkable fact, that a habit so peculiar 
should be possessed in common by two plants producing such totally different flowers. In characterizing 
the habit as “ peculiar,” we wish to be understood to allude to the glaucous aspect of the pseudo-bulbs and 
leaves, and to the minute black dots which cover the under surface of the latter, for there is nothing in the 
mere form of either that is not of constant occurrence among tropical Orchidacee.* 
Not content with ransacking the interior of Guatemala for plants, Mr. Skinner has lately been 
scouring the coast in quest of shells, and an ample harvest would seem to have awaited him : among other 
rarities he succeeded in obtaining numerous specimens of the beautiful shell that appears below, and which 
was met with in tolerable plenty on the shores of the Pacific. It belongs to the curious genus Venus, and 
although not new to conchologists, is but seldom to be seen in their collections, in its perfect state. When 
in its zenith the colours exhibit a pretty combination of lilac and white. 
“NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT.” 
* After what has been stated of the close similitude between the two plants, certain of our friends who have received from us bulbs of Oncidium 
Insleayi, must not be surprised to see them producing flowers of Odontoglossum grande. 
