group, or section SaccoLaBlaT# of Reichenbach, and some of these species measure: 
more across the flower, from the tip of the dorsal sepal to the tip of the lateral 
ones, than does the plant now under consideration, This species is an evergreen 
plant, usually attaining to a foot or eighteen inches in height, bearing large leathery 
leaves of a deep green hue, the flowers being also very large and singularly beautiful ; 
the sepals, which in Masdevallias serve to make the display, together with the 
short tube, being bright reddish brown or tawny yellow on the inner side, ribbed, 
spotted and dotted with numerous blackish purple, wart-like excrescences, but on the 
exterior the colour is duller, the long, sepaline tails being yellow. It grows naturally 
at some 6,000 or 7,000 feet elevation, and at this altitude, where Masdevallias exist 
in great quantities, the atmosphere is much rarified and the temperature very cool. 
The usual state under which the Masdevallias of New Grenada grow we are told is 
frequent and heavy rains for nearly the whole year, and dense fogs, with the 
temperature in the morning about at freezing point. To imitate such conditions under: 
artificial treatment is almost a matter of impossibility, but we have found that these 
plants thrive best under the very coolest treatment; in the very hottest 
part of the year the thermometer should not exceed 70°, and even a few degrees 
lower would be better. To effect this, proper care should be given to shading from 
the sun, by keeping the atmosphere well charged with moisture, and by giving a 
proper amount of air. This treatment in a lean-to house with a northern aspect 
will result in giving plants with clean, healthy leaves, and in due season an 
abundance of flowers. | Masdevallias will succeed well with many species of 
Odontoglossums, such as O. triumphans, O, Hallii, O. crispum, &c., but when a 
large collection is aimed at, we would always recommend a separate structure for 
their maintenance. This plant, being a large and vigorous grower, thrives best in 
a pot, which should be nearly filled with drainage, and for soil use a little peat 
fibre and chopped sphagnum moss, pressing it down firmly, but not using a great 
quantity of mould about its roots. 
Masdevallias grown under the above conditions will not require so much attention 
to keep them free from thrips as when subjected to more heat, but care must be 
continually given to prevent the accumulation of insects upon them; the. worst 
that can be allowed to gain a footing are the red and black thrips, as they leave: 
large black marks upon the under side of the leaves which cannot be eradicated. 
