travelled in Venezuela and Caraccas about the years 1856-7, sent great quantities 
of the typical form to England; on his return from those countries laden with 
Orchids, he expressed his surprise to us that none of the white variety had 
flowered from amongst his consignments; he said the white variety grew intermixed 
with the ordinary form, and that numerous examples had been gathered and_for- 
warded by him, although not separated from the rest—be that as it may—no 
albino has yet appeared, and the white butterfly-plant still remains a desiderata in 
our gardens. The spikes of Oncidium Papilio should not be removed from the 
plant until they die, as the same spike will continue flowering for several years, 
and even when the point of the stem is exhausted it frequently produces. lateral 
branches, which continue the display; therefore, if cut flowers are required, they 
should be taken singly. iy’ 
Our drawing was taken from a plant in the collection of C. Ingram, Esq., 
Elstead House, New Godalming, which contains many examples of rare Orchidaceous 
plants. The leaves of Oncidium Papilio majus are persistent, leathery in texture, 
deep purplish brown in colour, conspicuously marbled, and blotched with bright 
green. The flower spike, which is flexuous and jointed, springs from the base of 
the bulb, rising from two to three feet in height; the large handsome flower being 
produced from a small sheath at the top. The dorsal sepal and the petals are 
erect, resembling the antennz and proboscis of the butterfly, dull purple or purplish 
green faintly barred with yellow; the lateral sepals, which correspond with the 
wings of the insect, are broad, rich dark brown or chestnut-red, transversely barred 
with yellow; lip large and flat, bright yellow in the centre, and broadly edged 
with reddish brown. It blooms at different times of the year, and, independent of 
the succession produced by the raceme, the individual flowers last a long time im 
perfection. Oncidiwm Papilio may be grown in a variety of ways: some prefer 
them in pots, shallow pans, or in baskets, and if treated*in either way success may 
be attained; the most natural and effective system, however, is to fasten them 
upon blocks of wood, and suspend them near the glass, as they delight in full 
exposure to the light, and require very little shading from the sun, when grown 
in the latter manner more moisture and greater attention is requisite ; on the other 
hand, if grown in pots or pans they will require thorough drainage, amongst which 
some few lumps of charcoal should be mixed, to which the roots will cling, and from which. 
they appear to derive much benefit, but little material of any kind is necessary 
about their roots; fibrous peat, from which all the fine soil has been shaken, 
mixed with sphagnum moss, being most congenial to them, but this must neve be 
allowed to become sour or stagnant. A little dressing of fresh soil every yeat 
be advantageous, and with care it may be added without in any way injuring the 
roots. We find the intermediate or Cattleya-house the most suitable to the well- 
being of this Oncidium, although it appears to thrive tolerably well im the greater 
heat of the East Indian-house. Mr. Bond, the gardener at Elstead House, “= 
this plant in the manner we have recommended above, and under this regime @ 
grows well and flowers profusely, whilst the variety is one of the very a - 
which has come to our notice, 
