to both C. speciosa and C. maculata as to prove that these two supposed species must henceforward be 
regarded merely as varieties of each other. ‘They have accordingly been quoted as synonyms in the text. 
In Mr. Rucxer’s collection no genus appears to succeed more perfectly than Coryanthes, although 
in others its cultivation is attended with much difficulty and vexation; but by noting its peculiarities, such 
frequent disappointments may, perhaps, be avoided. The supplies of heat and moisture require to be most 
carefully regulated, for if either be permitted to continue in excess, the plants will quickly perish ;—on the 
other hand, a cold or dry atmosphere is always prejudicial. Suspension in the air, which is usually adopted 
with so much advantage in cases where the flower-scapes are pendulous, is here unsuitable, and if on a 
block of wood is certainly fatal. Another danger to weakly plants is their proneness to make a succession 
of attempts to flower, which, although abortive, are still persisted in until death ensues from sheer 
exhaustion. ‘lo meet cases of this description, it is advisable to remove the flower-stems as they appear, 
until the plants have gathered strength enough to support them without risk of injury. 
C. macrantha is, perhaps, the most robust, as it is certainly the most wonderful, species of the genus ; 
it may, indeed, be questioned whether the whole tribe of Orchidacew can offer anything more unaccountable 
or extraordinary than its huge elaborate flowers, which are so unlike aught that is ordinarily met with in 
the vegetable world as to be not unfrequently regarded rather as examples of the modeller’s skill than of 
the plastic powers of Nature.* 
In the Vignette an Indian claims our notice, attired in one of the most striking and characteristic of 
the native costumes of Guatemala. 
“Nam qui dabat olim 
Imperium, fasces, legiones, omnia, nunc se 
Continet, atque duas tantum res anxius optat, 
Panem, et Circenses. 
JUVENAL. 
* When flowers of this species were first shewn to the natives of Trinidad—albeit accustomed to the wonders of a tropical Flora—they would 
not be persuaded that no imposition was intended ; even a sight of the plant itself flourishing in the Botanic Garden, scarcely removed their suspicions. 
