CRAP TER XX. 
CATTLEYA. 
THIS magnificent genus was founded by Dr. Lindley, in 
1824, upon Cattleya labiata, and was named by him in 
honour of Mr. William Cattley, of Barnet, who was a 
celebrated horticulturist, and who had the finest collection 
of Orchids then known. 
“The Cattleyas have a horticultural importance that is 
scarcely equalled by any other branch of the great 
Orchidean family. This pre-eminence is due to the 
surprising beauty of the flowers of nearly all the species 
and varieties, which are not only of large size, but are 
also adorned with a wonderful variety of the most delicate 
and pleasing tints. Especially striking is the labellum, or 
lip, which is remarkable for the extreme richness of colour 
often developed in its anterior lobe, and for the beauty 
of the pencillings and markings in the throat’’ (Veitch). 
The characters by which Cattieya is distinguished are: 
Sepals free to the base, and nearly equal in size; petals 
broader than the sepals; lip large, folded at the base into 
a tube inclosing the column, the other portion spreading, 
and very variable in colour and form in different species ; 
column long, thick, with a toothed top, covering a two- 
celled, globose anther-case; pollen-masses in two pairs. 
