COLLECTING ORCHIDS. 41 



We find in Colombia eight different kinds of Cattleyas, namely: 

 Caffleija gigas; C. gigas Sanderiana; C . chrysotoxa; C. Chocoensis; 

 C. Trianae; C. Bogotensis; C. Mendelii; and C. Schroderae. 



Cattleya gigas has a very large territory scattered over several 

 mountain ranges of Antioquia; in some localities the types are 

 superb, to say the least, while in others they are poor. In a few 

 isolated places the beautiful C chrysotoxa occurs, but in such small 

 numbers that collecting it would not pay any longer. This Catt- 

 leya grows on the lower slopes of the mountains in warmer places 

 than C. gigas; also somewhat in shaded positions. C. gigas is 

 found in perfection on grand solitary trees; here they always place 

 themselves in such positions on the trunks or heavier limbs that 

 they may obtain the full benefit of the breezes; also the sunlight; 

 yet some branch will afford them sufficient shade from the sun some- 

 time during the day, as to make their abode a perfect one. 



I have seen this Cattleya climb up the mountains until actually 

 stopped by the cold; the plants in such localities are as a rule stunted. 

 Struggling as they do for an existence, the front part of the plant 

 somehow will push out new leads repeatedly, while the bulbs behind 

 lose their leaves and die off. Then again they are found descend- 

 ing the warmer slopes and in a few places join hand so to speak with 

 C. chrysotoxa, and in such localities natural hybrids occasionally 

 occur. 



This particular region I found to be exceedingly interesting in 

 orchids. The Andes or the part of the same called the Cordillera 

 Central are here simply a maze of spurs and ridges in every direction 

 forming great canyons, valleys, hollows, and precipices of every 

 imaginable shape, and where every kind of climatic conditions 

 prevails, from the torrid to the cold 'paravios. The trails run along 

 the mountain sides, in some places at appalling heights, in places 

 so dangerous that the only safe means of locomotion is to dismount 

 and walk. But to return to the orchids again ; what a storehouse 

 this is for the orchid lover. In the lower hollows may be seen large 

 patches of Peristeria data in perfection, with bulbs of enormous size, 

 and flower stalks six to ten feet high; then again a few Miltonia 

 Roezlii; somewhat higher up is C. chrysotoxa modestly tucked 

 away on a branch of a tree ; and Oncidium Krameriamim nods here 

 and there in more exposed places. 



