130 
graphs are used for showing microscopic forms and also the details 
of structure of selected types among the larger kinds. A few of the 
smaller sorts are shown under microscopes. The exhibit of tropi- 
cal species and of corallines in the synoptical cases is perhaps 
especially noteworthy. An account of the corallines was pub- 
lished in the Journar for July, 1905. In addition to the general 
systematic exhibit, the seaweeds and their relatives in the local 
flora are represented by specimens in swinging frames, though, at 
the time of writing, this feature is only partially installed, includ- 
ing thus far the algae of the ‘“ red’’ and “ brown” groups and 
the stoneworts. 
MarsHaLt A. Howe. 
AN UNUSUAL SPECIMEN OF THE “FLOR DE 
SAN SEBASTIAN.” 
The plant from which the accompanying illustration was made 
was secured by Mr. W. R. Maxon, who made explorations for 
the New York Botanical Garden in Costa Rica in the early part 
of 1906. Cattleya Skinneri, of which this plant is an unusually 
fine specimen, is said to occur from southern Mexico to’ Costa 
Rica, and has even been reported from the island of Trinidad. 
It was originally found in Guatemala, where it was discovered 
many years ago by Mr. Skinner, in whose honor it is named, 
re was said by that gentleman to be found almost exclusively 
in the warmer parts of the country. It is known there as “Flor 
de San Sebastian,” and is eagerly sought for by the people as an 
ornament for the shrines of their favorite saints. It is not ob- 
tained, however, without great difficulty, for it is said to grow in 
the tops of the highest trees in the forests, a habit which makes 
it very hard to find and harder to collect, unless the tree on 
which it grows happens to be uprooted by a storm. 
This use of the plant for religious decoration might well be 
appreciated by one who had seen in full flower, in the public 
conservatories, this large plant brought back by Mr. Maxon. 
Imagine a plant with a spread of about three feet bearing in great 
profusion large masses of flowers of a deep rose-purple. At the 
