base of the bulb, and is erect, some twelve inches in height, bearing numerous 
very fragrant nodding flowers, which are nearly four inches in diameter. Sepals 
and petals rich sienna-brown, spotted with dark purplish brown; lip yellow, 
profusely spotted with the same colour as the other portions of the flower. They 
are deliciously sweet, and continue in beauty about a fortnight. This species is of 
free growth, and thrives well in an intermediate or Cattleya-house, but it grows 
equally well with us in the Odontoglossum-house, where it flowers abundantly. 
The bulbs of this plant should be well matured: this is of special importance if 
good results are expected. Let the plant have its growing season at the proper 
time, and encourage it as much as possible to throw up new growths, which 
should appear about the time of flowering. During active growth it requires a 
moderate supply of water to its roots, but when the growth is completed, withhold 
water and allow the plant to have a thorough rest, always being careful to avoid 
distressing it, When the flower spikes and young growths begin to show, gradually 
supply water regularly in order to assist the blooms, and enable it to make good 
growths for another season. 
This plant requires shading from the hot sun, but this must be done with 
a very thin material, as it likes good exposure to the light. We find rough 
fibrous peat and living sphagnum moss a fine compost for it, adding some nodules 
of charcoal, and draining well. The roots enjoy a great deal of freedom, therefore . 
elevate the plant well above the rim of the pot to encourage them to ramble. 
CAaTTLEYA GIGAs.—We have received from W. J . Thomson, Esq., Ghyllbank, St. 
Helen’s, a fine spike of this gorgeous Cattleya, containing six flowers, the individual 
blooms measuring eight inches across; it is indeed a wonderful spike. The. sepals 
and petals are of a rich rose colour, whilst the lip is of an intense magenta- 
crimson margined with pale rose, and the throat orange veined with dull purple. 
It is a great pity that this is not a freer-flowering species. We find a sunny 
situation, with plenty of heat and moisture, the most successful position in which to 
cultivate it—B. 8, W. 
