flowers, varying from eleven to thirteen in number, each measuring several inches 
across. The sepals and petals are deep rosy purple, and the lip intense magenta- 
purple, with four prominent yellow crests. The flowers are produced during the 
months of February and March, and it continues in full beauty for a considerable 
time, thus proving itself very useful for winter decoration—a season when such 
beautiful flowers are highly appreciated, and when they are always in special request. 
This variety requires to be treated in a similar manner to Lelia superbiens. It 
is a strong-growing plant, and will thrive either in a basket or in a pot, suspended 
if possible about two feet from the roof-glass, where it may obtain full exposure 
to the sun’s rays. _ We have also grown the species on a large block or raft of 
wood, but when treated in this manner more attention is required to the supply 
of moisture during the season of growth, and we much prefer the pot or basket 
system. Fibrous peat—from which all the fine particles have been shaken (a 
process which is easily performed when the peat is dry)—is the material this plant 
delights in having about its roots. To this may be added, with advantage, some 
nodules of charcoal, which help to keep the material sweet and in free and open 
condition. This is a point of the greatest importance, as these plants do not like 
anything stagnant about their roots. The pot or basket must be well drained, 
and should be filled three parts up with some charcoal or broken potsherds, whilst 
the soil should be elevated in a cone-like manner above the rim of the pot. 
Upon this the plant should be placed, thereby enabling the roots to work either inside 
or outside, the latter being more congenial to the requirements of the plants. It 
requires an abundant supply of moisture to its roots during the time of active 
growth, but when dormant the quantity must be considerably reduced; indeed, just 
sufficient to maintain the pseudobulbs and leaves from shrivelling is all that is 
necessary, but should they be overdried, it frequently requires a considerable length 
of time to restore them to a healthy condition. When the flower spikes begin to 
appear a little more moisture becomes essential, and the quantity should be increased 
as the spikes advance. 
The Cattleya house suits this plant well, and although Mr. Skinner records the 
fact that hoar-frost was on the ground when he found the species first, it has 
always thrived best with us under cultivation in a warmer temperature. Mr, Skinner 
also observes that where the plant is most numerous the finest examples existed 
in situations sheltered from the north wind. It also enjoys all the sun and light 
it is possible for us to give it, but as it must be remembered that all our plants 
are under glass, and with a considerably reduced circulation of air to the sae 
atmosphere, it will be necessary to shade lightly from the hottest sun in the height 
of summer. Treated in the above manner there is little to fear, and the plants 
will bring forth their showy blossoms in due season. 
oe al 
