10 



top of which stand two oblong emarginate dark-green rather 

 wavy leaves. Between these is a flower-stalk having two 

 pink flowers gaily spotted with crimson in the inside. It will 

 probably flower more profusely when in better health, and will 

 then be a plant of considerable interest. 



19. HABROTHAMNUS purpureus. 



H. purpureus ; ramis petiolisque toraentosis, foliis ovato-lanceolatis acumi- 

 natis subtus pubescentibus supra glabriusculis, cymis terminalibus co- 

 rymbosis, calyce glabro, coroUse laciniis acutissimis. 



We last year (No. 73) mentioned the existence in Europe, 

 in a living state, of the magnificent Habrothamnus fascicu- 

 latus, one of the finest of all the gorgeous forms of Mexican 

 vegetation. It is with great satisfaction that we are enabled 

 now to announce another species, also in the possession of Mr. 

 Van Houtte, Nurseryman, Ghent, to whom we are indebted 

 for a fresh specimen. Though not so handsome as the other, 

 it promises to be a very desirable species, and will no doubt 

 soon form a decoration of our English exhibition rooms. 

 The flowers are more purple than scarlet, about J of an inch 

 long, and in terminal clusters. Mr. Van Houtte gives us the 

 following information concerning its habits. *' This plant is 

 from a district cooler than that which produces H. fascicu- 

 latus, and at the utmost does not require more protection than 

 is afforded by a common greenhouse (^orangerie). In the 

 stove it runs away into a multitude of slender shoots, from 

 which indeed it is easily propagated, and becomes a rambling 

 shrub, with an appearance by no means agreeable. Both the 

 species of this genus should be kept as cool as possible, re- 

 quire to be skilfully pruned, and so arranged as to grow 

 strong and short-jointed. Otherwise the flowers are badly 

 coloured, as always, indeed, happens when the plants are 

 grown in much heat." 



20. SPIRANTHES diaphana. 



S. diaphana ; foliis hysteranthiis (?), vaginis inflatis acuminatis glabris dia- 

 phanis, floribus capitatis extiis tomentosis, labello apice piano oblongo 

 integerrimo. 



For a fresh specimen and drawing of this new species of 

 terrestrial Orchidacese I am obliged to Mr. Van Houtte of 



