MaspEVALLIA POLYSTICTA. 
A dark variety, fig. 6 of the accompanying Plate, was sent to me in February by Sir 
Trevor Lawrence, who informs me that it was found growing in the same mass with the 
ordinary variety. The spots are rich crimson- mace. suffused and very numerous, 
nearly covering some of the sepals, and the orange streak seen in the lateral sepals of 
the ordinary variety, is replaced in this specimen by crimson-purple lines. I have also 
received this dark variety from Mr. F. W. Moore, Glasnevin, Dublin. 
Consul Lehmann sends more detailed information than any hitherto published 
about the habitat of this species : 
Masdevallia polysticta is found in Southern Ecuador and Northern Peru. It grows on trees— 
generally on Weinmannias—or occasionally on rocks, in park-like woods on the Cordillera de Amboea, 
and in the vicinity of Gonzanama, Cariamanga and Hutiana in the Province of Loja ; and also around 
Huancabamba in the Province of Piura, at an elevation of 2,000 to 2,500 métres (6,500 to $125 feet). In 
general it occurs in great abundance, often covering the trunks and branches of trees, the plants attaining 
a large size. In the Province of Loja it flowers from November until May. 
In these regions there is a long rainy season, lasting from October to July, and during these months 
the atmosphere is nearly always saturated with moisture. The annual mean temperature ranges between 
14° and 16° Centigrade (about 57° to 61° Fahrenheit). 
