Cattleya labiata Foleyana is, like all the others of this type, an evergreen 
Orchid, the pseudobulbs or stems averaging from six to ten inches in height; it 
produces a rhizome which is about as thick as the little finger. During the young 
state these pseudobulbs are invested by a greyish membraneous sheath, which drops 
off as they become older, leaving them bare; they then gradually become 
furrowed. The coriaceous dark green leaves are borne on the tops of these bulbs 
singly, and often last on the plants for several years; from between these arises a 
compressed double sheath, which in the darker forms is usually tinted with purple, 
but in this variety it is whitish green. The flowers are borne sometimes in pairs, 
and as many as five have appeared on one spike, which make a very beautiful 
spectacle. The sepals and petals are of the purest white, the latter very broad 
and of fine form, being beautifully undulated; the lip is also of the purest white, 
excepting the deep orange-yellow stain in the throat, and a small rosy blotch in 
front of this latter; the margin is nicely crisped and fringed, the whole flower 
measuring quite eight and a-half inches in diameter. We have no doubt that this 
is the finest white variety of C. labiata that has yet flowered, and has been 
greatly admired by all who have seen it. This variety will succeed best with 
either basket or pot culture, in a nice compost consisting of good brown peat fibre 
and sphagnum moss, which should have good drainage. During the growing season, 
which is the spring and summer months, a liberal supply of water will be necessary, 
but after the growths are mature, sufficient just to keep the plants in a plump and 
healthy condition will be all that is required. This plant is specially valuable on 
account of the season in which it opens its lovely flowers, which is during October 
and November, when Orchid blooms are exceedingly scarce, more especially white 
ones. During the past few years, however, this disadvantage has been greatly 
improved upon, both in regard to the number of Orchid flowers we now have to 
brighten our houses during the dull months, and also by the increase of white 
varieties. We now possess many beautiful plants, such as hybrid Calanthes, several 
white forms of Laelia anceps, Cypripediums, Dendrobiums, etc., but none are 80 
chaste and delicate, nor have such grand flowers as the subject of oug present 
illustration. Orchid flowers when used for cut purposes and floral decorations have 
a decided advantage over almost all others, for, independent of their bright colours, 
they last for a considerable period in perfection, and blend well with any other 
kinds in season. 
