Tautz, Esq., Studley House, Shepherd’s Bush, for the opportunity of figuring this 
rarity, in whose fine collection it bloomed last year. 
Lelia purpurata Russelhana grows about two feet or more high, and has 
fusiform furrowed pseudobulbs, and leathery, oblong emarginate, light green leaves, 
The flowers are produced from the sheaths three or four together, and are of large 
proportions, as will be seen by our drawing. ‘The sepals are somewhat narrow, 
white, suffused with lilac; petals broader than the sepals and deeper in colour, 
and beautifully streaked with a dark central hue. The lip is large and of a rosy 
lilac, softening at the edges to a pale lilac, distinctly veined with rosy-purple ; 
throat pale yellow, also veined with rosy-purple, the colours affording an agreeable 
contrast, whilst as a variety it is very distinct. The plant our illustration was 
taken from flowered in November, but the usual time for its blooms to appear is 
June and July. It lasts about three weeks in beauty, and is a native of Brazil. 
Lelia purpurata Russelliana requires the same treatment as the typical form. 
For soil in which to plant it we have found no better material than good fibrous 
peat and sphagnum moss, with thorough drainage, filling the pots three parts full 
of potsherds, and some rough fibrous peat from which all the fine part has been 
shaken away. Place this material on the top of the potsherds to keep the drainage 
Open, so that the water may pass off quickly, which is of the greatest importance 
in Orchid culture, Stagnant water is bad for the roots of any plants; but if 
allowed to reach the roots of Orchids, death will speedily ensue; therefore the 
potting material must always be kept open by using a few potsherds and charcoal 
intermixed with it, which will induce the roots to grow more freely and _ spread 
over the top of the peat. We like to see this, as it is a proof they are flourishing, 
and enjoy the moisture and air that surrounds them, and it resembles more closely 
their natural manner of growth; moreover, in this manner they reap all the benefit 
of the warmth and air in the house. We find these Lelias require a little more 
heat than their near relatives, the Cattleya Mossies ; they should, therefore, be 
placed at the warmest end of the Cattleya-house, and have all the light possible, very 
little shade being required during the summer—indeed, just enough to keep them 
from being injured by the strongest of the sun’s rays is all that is mnecessaty- 
Lalias must have light; therefore, place them near the glass so that their growths 
may be strong and vigorous. Much of the Lelia’s growth is made during the 
autumn and winter months, when they require carefully watering during their 
Vigorous growth, just giving enough to keep their roots a little moist, and whem 
growth is completed, sufficient to keep the bulbs in a plump state will be 
ample. We are much pleased that this su 
Cowley, Mr. Tautz’s gardener, he being 
and spares no pains in their cultivation, 
perb variety is under the care of Mr . 
. 2 ta 
u great admirer cf this gorgeous family, 
Bale szP Bree at < tel 
ERE ae eS, sae he SRAM p, 9 aoe ork 1g on oe eet ae Aan hd ee ae 
