from that genus ; the principal mark of distinction yet re- 

 marked consists in the gland of the pollen-masses, which in 

 Cymbidium is triangular, and in the present genus is 

 crescent-shaped, with one pollen-mass on each extremity of 

 the crescent. I observe however that the base of the column 

 is rolled up so as to form a fistular cavity, or cuniculus, near 

 the base of the labellum ; but I am uncertain whether to 

 regard this as a generic character or not. 



It was hoped, when this plant was imported, that it 

 would prove the famous Letter-plant of Amboyna, Java, and 

 the neighbouring coast, so called because its flowers are 

 marked with deep brown stains arranged upon a pale ground 

 so as to resemble grotesque characters. In this however we 

 have been disappointed, as, notwithstanding the noble ap- 

 pearance of this, it is very inferior to the Letter-plant. Of 

 that I have before me a single flower from Dr. Wallich's 

 Herbarium, gathered at Pulo Dinding, in Cochin China, by 

 Mr. Finlayson, which must have been four inches from the 

 tip of one sepal to that of the opposite petal, or a foot in cir- 

 cumference ! 



As the species is in this natural order among the easiest 

 to cultivate, it is well worth possession, even in a small col- 

 lection, notwithstanding that the flowers want richness of 

 colour : it is probable however that they will improve in this 

 respect. 



