C. labiata, though that is easily distinguished from C. Warnerii by those who really 
know the two plants. 
We have been cultivating Orchids for nearly forty years, and have never 
known the original C. labiata to be imported during that period. It is this that 
makes it so scarce, and causes it to fetch the high prices that it does. Another 
reason is, that it blossoms when few Cattleyas are in flower, i.e, in October and 
November, and so every grower desires to possess it. We remember many years 
ago seeing plants of this species two feet in diameter in the collection of BR. Hanbury, 
Esq., The Poles, near Ware. Mr. Hanbury had a wonderful specimen in his first 
collection, which went to Germany. Many other such plants were to be seen in 
those days; and it would appear that these plants have been divided, and distributed 
among growers. It is greatly to be regretted that our collectors do not again discover 
its habitat. 
The specimen we now illustrate is from a well-grown plant in the fine collection 
of H. Gaskell, Esq., Woolton Wood, Woolton, Liverpool, where it bloomed with five 
very fine flowers on a spike. A most wonderful and lovely spike it was, and we 
regret not being able to depict it full size, in order to show off its beauty. 
There is another variety of C. labiata that blooms in August, and is very 
distinct from the old variety referred to above both in the colour of its flowers 
and its foliage; it is called C. labiata pallida, There are two very fine plants of 
this variety in the collection of the Comte de Germany, Chateau de Gouville, near 
Rouen, in France ; each plant has over a hundred bulbs—a grand sight when in 
bloom. 
Cattleya labiata is an evergreen plant, and is also one of the most free-flowering 
Cattleyas we have in cultivation, since every good growth brings its blossoms, a strong 
one, producing a spike of five flowers from a double sheath. The individual flowers are 
of large size, the sepals and petals pale soft rosy-pink, the lip rich magenta, margined 
with light rosy-pink, and the sides of the throat orange-yellow; they last in their 
freshness and beauty for some three or four weeks. This species requires the same 
treatment as C. Mossie, that is, to be planted in good fibrous peat, and to have 
perfect drainage; it will grow either in a pot or in a basket, and requires a 
moderate supply of water during the growing season, which is in the spring and 
Summer months. In winter, when the plants are at rest, they merely require 
sufficient moisture to keep the bulbs and leaves in a plump state; but it is vey 
detrimental to Cattleyas to keep them too dry, as this often causes them to shrivel 
and turn yellow, and when this occurs it takes a long time to recover their 
healthy condition. We do not agree with over-watering or over-potting Cattleyas— 
both practices are extremely dangerous, especially the use of too much material about 
the roots, which becomes :soddened by the necessary moisture, and causes the roots 
to decay. If the plants should fall into this misfortune, they should be completely 
shaken out of the material used, their roots well washed, and then be potted in crocks 
until they make fresh roots. They must be kept in a shady place during the 
continuance of this régime, and until they appear to have regained their vigour, 
after which they may be allowed all the light obtainable. 
