HYBRID CATTLEYAS AND LAELIAS 97 



We have also a natural hybrid, Catt. Louryana, which 

 the learned dubiously assign to intermedia alba x bicolor ; 

 all white saving the lip, which is mauve-pink with darker 

 lines. 



Among; other albino rarities here is the charmino: L. 

 praestans alba, pure as snow but for a plum-coloured edging 

 round the upper portion of the lip. 



L. Perrinii alba — stainless throughout. This exquisite 

 variety also appeared for the first time in our collection. 



L. Perrinii nivea — not less beautiful assuredly, though 

 it has the imperfection, as an albino, of a pale pink labellum 

 and a yellow throat. 



Beyond these rise twenty-five stately plants of Angraecum 

 sesquipedale, which we are learning to call Aeranthus sesqui- 

 pedalis. There are those who do not value the marvel, 

 though none but the blind surely can fail to admire it. In 

 truth, like other giants, it does not readily lend itself to any 

 useful purpose. I think I could design a wreath of Angrae- 

 cum sesquipedale which would put jewelled coronets to 

 shame ; but for a bouquet or for the dress or for table 

 decoration, it is equally unsuited. Wherefore the ladies 

 give a glance of wonder at its ten-inch * tail ' and pass by, 

 calling it, as I have heard with my own ears, a vegetable star- 

 fish. At Woodlands happily there are other flowers enough 

 for a ' regiment of women,' as John Knox rudely put it, and 

 they do not grudge the room which these noble plants 

 occupy. 



