The figure we now publish was taken from a_ well-grown plant in the 
collection of F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C., Oldfield, Bickley, who grows and flowers 
the species of Phalenopsis to a great degree of perfection, and has moreover been 
very successful in their cultivation for many years. 
Phalenopsis casta is a compact evergreen plant supposed to be a natural mule, 
of which P. Schilleriana is one parent, the flowers being those of P. amabilis 
(Aphrodite). The leaves are slightly spotted in their young state, but the spots 
disappear as they attain maturity. The flowers are white like those of P. amabilis, 
the bases of the upper sepals and petals being slightly tinged with purple, and 
those of the lateral sepals spotted: the column resembles that of P. amabilis. It 
blooms during the autumn and winter months, and continues for a long time in 
flower 
There are many failures in the attempts made to cultivate the species of 
Phalenopsis; but we know of no Orchids that afford such great pleasure when 
well-grown, as one sees them at Oldfield, where they are under the care of 
Mr. Heims, Mr. Philbrick’s gardener, who has for many years, and in two quite 
different localities, given them the same treatment with equal success. It is dis- 
heartening to see these plants dwindling away as they do in some collections, after 
they have been flourishing for some time—growing, indeed, equally as well as 
Mr. Philbrick’s, but from some cause or other, often not ascertained, failing even 
after success has been achieved. We have written copiously on the cultivation of 
the Phalenopsis in the Orchid-Growers’ Manual (6th edition, page 528), where full 
particulars are given, which would occupy more space here than we have at 
our command, 
Deyprostum DatHoustzaAnum Rosstanum.—H. J. Ross, Esq., of Castagnola, Lastra 
a Signa (Italy), has sent us a most wonderful inflorescence of Dendrobium Dal- 
housieanum var. Rossianum. The raceme measures eighteen inches in length, and 
bears fifteen large blossoms, each five inches in diameter. The sepals and petals are of 
a richer colour than in the old or typical form of the species, and are broader 1 
all their parts, while the lip has large blotches of purple-crimson on the upper part, 
and the lower portion is of a rich lemon colour. The inflorescence must present @ 
grand appearance when on the plant, since the. spikes hang so gracefully from the 
top of the stems, which, moreover, themselves always have a pleasing effect - 
account of the crimson markings which occur throughout their whole length, am 
their dark green foliage. This variety was named by Prof. Reichenbach in honour 
of Mr. Ross, who may well be proud of having such a fine Orchid dedicated t0- 
him.—B. S. W. 
