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Our plate was prepared from a vlant which bloomed in the fine collection of 
Mons. D. Massange, of Marche, in Belgium, under the care of Mr, Wilcke, who is 
one of the most successful continental growers of Orchids. We had the pleasure 
of seeing specimens from M. Massange’s grand collection, exhibited at the oreat 
show held at Brussels in July, 1880. 
Zygopetalum Gautiert is a dwarf growing kind, attaining a height of about twelve 
inches, and is provided with distinct plaited green foliage. The flowers are large, 
and borne several together on the spikes; the sepals and petals are green, blotched 
with purplish brown, while the lip is of purplish blue, edged with a lighter tint of 
the same colour. 
There are several varieties of this species, varying from very pale violet to a rich 
purplish blue, the variety here figured being one of the darkest-coloured forms we 
have yet met with. The flowers are particularly showy, and last a long time in 
perfection. 
It is of easy cultivation, and not only free-growing but also free-blooming. It 
does well in the Cattleya house, planted in peat and moss, with good drainage, and 
it may be grown either in a pot or a basket, or on a block of wood, or on the 
stem of a tree fern, on which latter it is frequently imported from its native country. 
In its wild state, it appears naturally to creep up these fern stems, and it must look 
very beautiful growing in this way, since its drooping spikes cannot fail to have a good 
effect when thus seen hanging among the green foliage. It requires a good supply 
of water during the growing season, but, when at rest, less will suffice. The plant 
needs plenty of light, but it must be shaded from the fierce sun-rays during the 
summer months. 
Laiia anceps Dawsonit.—One of the best specimens we have had the pleasure 
of seeing of L. anceps Dawsont is in the collection of R. 8. Dodgson, Esq, 
Blackburn ; it had four spikes of buds when we saw it in November last; since then 
we have received a spike of three flowers, and a very fine variety it is. Mr. Osman 
informs us that the plant has ten expanded blossoms. It is one of the best. plants 
and as good a variety as we have met with; the sepals and petals are large, ro 
white, and of great substance; the lip is bright rosy purple edged with white, the 
throat orange, veined with purple. No doubt there are different vanietits 8 
cultivation which were imported along. with this some years ago. Mr. pret 
plant is grown suspended from the roof, and from its appearance this seems to 
the best method -of growing it to perfection. It likes plenty of light all er jae 
round, and should be just kept shaded from the burning sun. 
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