MASDEVALLIA. 387 



was introdujced by Mr. Linden, who considered it to be a 

 variety of M. iijnea, but we cannot agree with him in this, as 

 both the foliage and flowers are more nearly akin to the old 

 M. coccinea. In fact we consider it may possibly be a 

 gigantic free-flowering form of that species, or if not, to be 

 very closely allied to it. The leaves are of leathery texture, 

 lanceolate obovate, with sheathing truncate scales at the base. 

 The flowers are solitary on tall peduncles, and are about two 

 and a half inches long by two to two and a quarter inches 

 broad, very flat, and of fine substance, the decurved filiform 

 dorsal lobe of the perianth, as well as the throat and lower 

 portion of the ovate acute (not tailed) lateral sepals, are yellow, 

 gradually passing to a bright crimson-scarlet more or less 

 mottled with yellow, the broader segments having three dis- 

 tinct crimson veins or stripes extending from the base to the 

 apex. It flowers in April and May. — New Grenada. 



Fig.— III. Bort., 3 ser., t. 357. 

 Syn. — M. ignea Boddaertii, 



M. Candida. — See Masdevallia tovarensis. 



M. Chelsoni, RM. f. — This is, we believe, the first hybrid 

 Masdevallia that has been raised in this country ; it is said 

 to be a cross between M. Veitchli and M. amabilis. The 

 flowers resemble those of M. Veitchii in form, but are con- 

 siderably smaller and duller in colour ; the segments of the 

 perianth are orange, the lower ones being covered by a 

 number of small excrescences of a bright mauve colour ; ' 

 take the form of two broad stripes, and give the surface a 

 somewhat hairy appearance. We saw a fine plant of this in 

 the possession of W. Lee, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead, who 

 has a grand collection of these gems. It blossoms in 

 September and October. — Garden hybrid. 



M. Chimgera, Ikhh. /.—It is only lately that we have seen 

 the beauties of this truly wonderful Orchid, for the plant that 

 was first distributed for it has proved to be quite a distinct 

 thing, now known as M. nycterina. It is of tufted growth, as 

 are most of the species, the leaves being six to nine inches 

 high, cuneate oblong acute, narrowed to and sheathiog at the 

 base. The scapes bear each a solitary much expanded flower, 

 of which the three sepals are but slightly connate at the base, 

 triangular, with the ends drawn out into long slender tails, 

 pale ochraceous yellow, with numerous purple-violet spots, 



K 2 



