one which will form a good contrast with those forms with light sepals and_ petals, 
the darker varieties being still rare. There is a splendid variety, named LJ. 
purpurata Williamsi, but it is still exceedingly rare; a figure of this form is 
given in Vol. i. of this work, plate 9—10, the plant from which it was taken 
being now in the rich collection of Baron Schréder, The Dell, Egham. The subject 
of the accompanying plate was kindly sent us from the grand collection of his 
Grace the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, in whose establish- 
ment the cultivation of Orchids is carried on in an extensive manner, under the 
superintendence of Mr. Whillans, who has charge of the collection. 
Lelia purpurata Blenheimense is a magnificent and distinct variety, but in 
growth it does not differ from the typical plant. The sepals are blush-rose, streaked 
with deep rose-purple;. petals very flat, also deep rose-purple, streaked with purple 
of a deeper hue; lip deep rose, veined with intense dark purple, the throat yellow, 
streaked with purple. It blooms in June, and its flowers continue in perfection 
from three to four weeks. 3 
This free-growing variety requires the same treatment as the species, that is to 
say, it should be placed at the warmest part in the Cattleya-house, and on the 
middle stage, as it attains considerable dimensions and needs ample space to develop 
its bulbs and foliage. An important item in the cultivation of Lelia purpurata is 
abundance of light, in order to enable the plant to produce robust and well-matured 
bulbs, without which it will not flower freely. When the flowering season 18 
over, the season of growth of this species commences, and if the plants are not 
carefully attended to failure will creep in. This is the best time to re-pot should it 
be required, but do not over-pot, as this is dangerous unless the plants are care- 
fully watered, tending to cause a greater quantity of wet soil to lie about them, 
The plants should be well elevated above the pot in order to allow the roots 
to spread. The great secret of success in the management of this species 1s to 
induce the plant to produce strong roots outside as well as inside the pot. A 
slight syringing over their roots in the summer months in the afternoon, just as 
the house is closed, will be found highly beneficial. Slight shade is necessary during 
the hottest part of the day, but this should not be allowed to cover them at any 
time when the sun is not shining; indeed, the plants should be subjected to the 
influence of the sun’s rays at all times when not powerful enough to injure the 
leaves. Thorough drainage is essential to these plants, and the best potting material 
is good fibrous peat from which all the fine particles have been well shaken; to 
this add some living sphagnum moss. 
