showy specimens, which will well repay the pains bestowed upon them, and as they 
do not occupy much space, and can be procured at a cheap rate, they come within 
easy reach of all amateurs. 
Lelia majalis does not appear to vary much in the colour of its flowers, and 
even the worst form which we have seen has always appeared to us a plant well 
deserving cultivation. The plant which supplied the present portrait was forwarded 
us by the kindness of Reginald Young, Esqg., Linnet Lane, Liverpool, in whose fine 
collection it bloomed in the month of May last season, and we may here record 
the fact of its being the finest variety that has hitherto come to our notice. 
Lelia majalis appears to have an extensive range over Southern Mexico, whilst 
in some of its native habitats the temperature is said at times to fall below freezing 
point. It is called by the natives “The Flor de Mayo,” or May Flower, and is 
dwarf in habit with roundish pseudobulbs, which bear leaves some four inches or more 
high, and of a light green hue. Peduncle about the same length as the leaf, usually 
bearing a single flower, which measures from six to eight inches or more across. 
Sepals lanceolate, acute, rather narrow, of a uniform delicate lilac-rose ; petals twice 
the breadth of the sepals, oblong-ovate, but of the same colour; lip large and 
three-lobed, the side lobes small, white inside with magenta-purple stripes, middle 
lobe large, rounded, emarginate, purplish lilac at the sides and white in the centre, 
marked with blotches, forming broken lines of magenta-purple. The blossoms are 
produced in May and June, and they remain in full beauty for nearly four weeks 
if the plant is kept in a warm house and the blooms preserved free from damp. 
This Lelia requires somewhat different treatment to the larger-growing members 
of the genus. Although the mode of culture necessary is very simple, it still requires 
careful treatment, a suitable place being one of the great essentials to success. It 
is a small-growing plant, found naturally on the branches of oak trees, and in 
situations where there is usually a strong current of air; under cultivation, however, 
we prefer small baskets for this plant, for the reason that less attention is necessary 
than when they are grown on blocks of wood. Good drainage is indispensable, and 
the material used should consist of rough fibrous peat and living sphagnum moss, 
with some medium-sized nodules of charcoal added. The baskets used should be as 
small as possible, and the plant raised well up on a cone-like mound, in order that 
the roots may ramble over the surface, but care must be taken not to overload the 
roots with soil, as if this falls into a state of decay, the roots soon become affected, 
and the health of the plant will rapidly decrease ; should, however, the material get 
into a bad state, carefully disturbed it, and wash the roots before replacing the plant 
in the basket, but the plant should not be disturbed whilst the roots continue in 
good condition, as it is impatient of removal. During the growing season it enjoys 
an abundant supply of water, and hence the necessity of good drainage, whilst at 
the time of rest it should be carefully tended, so that its bulbs and leaves may be 
kept in a plump condition. This plant should be suspended near the roof-glass, as 
it enjoys abundance of light and but little shade, and unless these conditions are 
well studded the growth does not ripen, and no flowers will be produced. The 
Mexican house is the most suitable structure for its successful cultivation. 
