Plate 313. 

 ODONTOGLOSSUM iVI.EXANDEiE. 



l>y tar the largest number of what arc now termed cool- 

 house Orcliids are obtained from tlie tropical countries of New 

 (iranada, Peru. Caiatemala, and Mexico, but although in the 

 low and flat parts of these countries the temperature is so high, 

 yet in the more elevated regions, where vast numbers of Orchids 

 are to be found, a much more cool and genial climate pre- 

 vails; but owing to the unseasonable treatment to which these 

 were exposed in former years, few, comparatively speaking, 

 were to be found doing well in Orchid-houses. Even now, 

 owing to their having, when imported, to pass through one of 

 the hottest climates in tlie world, hundreds of them reach this 

 country in a dead or dying state; we have seen literally hun- 

 dreds of imported Odontoglossums at Messrs. Low's, nothing 

 but a mass of water, — the tissue having been completely de- 

 stroyed in their passage from the higher regions to the sea- 

 coast. 



Amongst the more recent introductions from these regions, 

 Odonfoglossum Alexandrce has attracted most notice ; several 

 ])lants of it have been exhibited by Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, and 

 others; and from one of the plants shown by Mr. Bull the 

 accompanying beautiful drawing has been made by Mr. An- 

 drews. The marking varies occasionally, and this is more pro- 

 minently spotted than some that have b(>en exhibited. 



We have little to add as to the culture of these plants. 

 0. AlexandrcB thrives under the same treatment as its con- 

 geners, requiring an abundant supply of water when growing 

 freely ; the soil should never be dry. In summer they should be 

 carefully shaded from sunshine, and a moist temperature main- 



