Plate 530. 

 L^LIA ANCEPS, var. DAWSONIt 



In the present plate we give another illustration of the varia- 

 tions which take place in the species of wild plants, as this 

 variety of Lcelia Anceps differs considerably from the one so 

 long esteemed by orchid growers. Orchids seem especially 

 liable to this variation, for we have seen in Lycaste Skinneri as 

 many differences as in a collection of florist's flowers. 



The family of Lcplia is found in the New World, and Mexico 

 is especially rich in the species. They require — many of 

 them at least — a high temperature, although some modification 

 has taken place in this respect, even with these tropical 

 Orchids. They are grown generally in turfy peat, chopped old 

 moss and charcoal, raised above the surface of a pot filled with 

 drainage, or a block of wood firmly laid across. 



The drawing of this very beautiful orchid was taken at 

 Chelsea, by the kind permission of Messrs. Veitch and Son. It 

 was found in October, 1865, by Messrs. Low's indefatigable 

 collector, Mr. John Tucker, at Juquila, in Mexico ; a place far 

 from the natural habitat of the normal form, and there only in 

 limited quantities. It differs from Lcelia Anceps in the colour 

 of the flowers, which is pale white ; the usual yellow ridge 

 common to the species being present ; the lower or expanded 

 portion undulating and recurved, and the whole labellum 

 showing a distinct margin of white. 



