THE MOST USEFUL ORCHIDS 43 



named varieties showing some difference in colour and 

 form. 



C. Warscewiczii, also known as C. gigas, is a magnificent 

 species, its splendid flowers sometimes measuring nine inches across, 

 and they are usually borne several together, four or five, occasionally 

 seven, in a splendid spike. It is a superb Cattleya and one that flowers 

 from June to November. It is a strong grower and an altogether 

 desirable Orchid. The sepals and petals are soft rosy-mauve and 

 the broad lip is crimson-purple, with yellow throat and markings. 

 C. W. Sanderiana represents a very robust and free flower- 

 ing form of this species, and its flowers are of richer colour than 

 the general type. This has been largely imported and it deserves 

 a place in any collection of indoor plants. As the species passes 

 out of flower it will need attention in the matter of potting, and 

 each plant must be dealt with on its own merits, because some 

 flower four or five months later than others. 



Best Hybrids 



Most of the hybrid Cattleyas are remarkable for their beauty 

 and freedom of flowering. Many of them are still rather ex- 

 pensive, especially the finest varieties of the hybrids, but they are 

 yearly becoming cheaper and more plentiful. Some of the rarer 

 hybrids are not included here, not because of any lack of beauty, 

 but because in many cases these are represented by but a few 

 plants and are unobtainable at present. The following have 

 proved to be splendid Orchids and, mostly, they are free growers : — 

 C. Fabia [C. Dowiatia x C. labiata\ Autumn flowering ; C. 

 Fernandi [C. Acklattdia x C. fVarsceiviczii), also known as C. 

 Fernand Denis ; C. flavescens, a pretty, yellowish hybrid 

 between C. luteola and C. Tr'tana ; C. Frederickije [C. DoiJoiana x 

 C. Mossio'), also known as C. Empress Frederick ; C. Hardyana 



