The splendid variety we here bring before our readers was taken from a very 
fine specimen in the collection of R. Warner, Esq., Broomfield, Chelmsford, who is | 
now one of the oldest growers of established Orchids in this country, and from 
this collection many fine specimens, as well as new species and varieties, have 
emanated. 
Masdevallia Harryana decora is a handsome variety; in habit of growth it 
resembles the typical form, and is equally free-flowering. The blossoms are of a 
light rosy purple, faintly striped with purple of a deeper hue, and the extreme 
tips of the sepals are crimson. The flowers are produced in April and May, and 
continue in all their pristine beauty for many weeks. 
This variety requires the same treatment as the species, that is to say, it 
should be grown in a pot with ample drainage, and the potting material should 
consist of fibrous peat, and living sphagnum moss. It requires a liberal supply of 
water during active growth, after which much less quantity will suffice, though care 
should he taken to prevent its ever becoming dry, but to keep the soil moderately 
damp at all seasons. We find it advisable during the winter months to keep 
Masdevallias somewhat warmer than the Odontoglossums; they are plants that enjoy 
plenty of light, but require to be shaded from the sun. ‘These plants are easily 
increased by dividing the creeping stem with a sharp knife, but avoid cutting the 
roots; these must be separated by the hand, and the operation is most successful 
when performed on vigorous plants, just before starting into growth. 
These plants are subjected to the attacks of insects, which are very injurious to them 
if not speedily destroyed, more especially during the time they are making their 
young growth and are producing their flower spikes. Aphides and thrips increase 
very rapidly if not kept under. We find fumigating with tobacco paper is not 
good for the plants, but we have found the use of tobacco steam, as applied in a 
new apparatus, which we have introduced into this country, called the ‘“ Thanatophore,” 
most beneficial in destroying these pests, moreover it does not injure the young 
growths or flowers. These insects, if allowed to remain on the plants, cripple the 
flower-buds and young growths so much that they are prevented from opening and 
attaining their proper size, besides which they are a great disfigurement to a 
éollection of plants. 
