Lelia jflammea is a distinct evergreen Orchid, which in its style of growth 
takes after Z. cinnabarina, one of its parents. The stems grow from ten to twelve 
inches in height, and produce four to seven flowers on a scape, which grows up 
above the solitary leaf: each flower is as much as four inches across, and has the 
sepals and petals of a brilliant cinnabar orange colour, the lip, which is  three-lobed 
with the side lobes yellow, folding over the column,’ and spread out at the tip, 
has the centre lobe rounded, denticulated, crispy, and of a rich crimson hue, 
the discal part being smooth and marked with crimson veins. The plant blooms in 
March and April, and continues in flower for several weeks. 
Mr. Woolford, Mr. Lee’s gardener, grows this plant in the Cattleya house, where 
it succeeds under his treatment. We have seen it blooming there on two different 
occasions, and it appears to be a free-flowering subject. It is grown in a pot, in 
rough fibrous peat, with good drainage, and receives during the growing season a 
moderate supply of water just sufficient to keep the material slightly moist. In 
fact, it requires the same treatment as L. cinnabarina, and should have plenty of 
light—indeed, it should be kept as fully as possible exposed to light, just sheltering 
it from the burning rays of the sun. This plant generally commences to grow after 
the flowering season is over, and it requires a good growing season, such as will admit 
of its ripening its bulbs. This thorough ripening of the new growth is one of the 
most important points of treatment towards securing the successful blooming of Orchids 
generally, as, indeed, of most other plants. These Lelias require attention during 
their season of rest, which is in the winter. The stems must not be allowed to 
shrivel for, if so, it will be difficult to bring about their recovery; therefore 
sufficient supplies of water should always be given to keep them plump. Another 
important matter is to search well for insects. Sometimes the white scale may 
attack the plants, but if closely watched for and removed on its first appearance, it 
will not become established to the permanent injury of the specimens. In this, as 
in other cases, and other matters, “prevention is better than cure.” 
Orcuip Fottacr.—We thoroughly believe in having good healthy foliage. We 
have seen Orchids grown in this country in houses which were not provided with 
any contrivance for shading. No doubt, under these conditions, the plants grow 
strong and robust, and they may also flower well, but their foliage 1s generally 
yellow and sickly-looking. F oliage of this kind cannot be beneficial to the plants. 
When, however, they are grown with a little shade, good healthy coloured foliage 
is obtained, and the plants bloom just as well as those subjected to the scorching 
regime. Of course there are Orchids that can endure the sun, and are much better 
for it—for example, many Dendrobes, some Cattleyas and Lelias, and a few others 
which can be found out by experience, or by trying a few of those kinds which 
are easy to procure. When they are found to do well, follow out the particular 
treatment adopted, and which is found best suited to the respective species. . 
do, however, put in a claim on behalf of fresh-looking foliage of a healthy gree? 
colour—B. S. W. 
