WARM ORCHIDS. 123 
beauties; in fact, saving C. pzleatum, commonly 
called C. Bungerothi, and C. barbatum, I think 
of none, at this moment, which are worthy 
of attraction on that ground. C. fimbriatum, 
indeed, would be lovely if it could be per- 
suaded to show itself. I have seen one plant 
which condescended to open its spotted blooms, 
but only one. No orchids, however, give more 
material for study; on this account Catasetum 
was a favourite with Mr. Darwin. It is approved 
also by unlearned persons who find relief from the 
monotony of admiration as they stroll round in 
observing its acrobatic performances. The 
“column” bears two horns; if these be touched, 
the pollen-masses fly as if discharged from a cata- 
pult. C. pileatum, however, is very handsome, 
four inches across, ivory white, with a round well 
in the centre of its broad lip, which makes a 
theme for endless speculation. The daring eccen- 
tricities of colour in this class of plant have no 
stronger example than C. callosum,a novelty from 
Caraccas, with inky brown sepals and petals, 
brightest orange column, labellum of verdigris- 
green tipped with orange to match. 
Schomburgkias are not often seen. Having a 
boundless choice of fine things which grow and 
flower without reluctance, the practical gardener 
