pep aR ee cll i a 17 
as Bat 
we learn that “ the species was collected and sent home in quantity by 
M. Rossen, who states that he found it growing upon isolated trees in the 
rice-fields of Siam, these trees being charred stumps which had survived the fires 
used in clearing the ground for cultivation, and many of the plants sent home 
by him bore out his statement, as they were growing upon partially burnt wood. ” 
Its flowering season is the months of July and August, and the racemes 
remain in perfection from three to four weeks if kept shaded and free from damp. 
The peculiar hue of its flowers is sufficient to ensure it a place in every collection 
where Saccolabiums are grown, for blue Orchids are but rarely met with, and the 
best varieties of this plant have this colour beautifully developed. As in many 
other cases this species shows a considerable diversity of colouring, some indi- 
viduals having the lip and tips of the segments of a pale azure blue, while others 
are of a much deeper tint. It was awarded a First-class Certificate in July 1888, 
by the Royal Horticultural Society, when exhibited by M* B. S. Witutams of 
Upper Holloway. 
It should be grown in a basket of sphagnum moss, with plenty of drainage, 
and suspended near the roof in the warm house, so as to receive plenty of light 
and air, though it must be shaded from strong sun. Saccolabiums require 
plenty of heat and moisture, and from its habitat it is clear that the present 
species forms no exception to the rule. On no occasion should they be allowed 
to become dry. 
Like many of its allies it is rather a slow grower; but it is very floriferous, 
and as established specimens are said ultimately to become branched, it is sure 
to repay a little extra attention. Moreover the pleasing hue of its flowers, and the 
fact of their appearing at a time when Orchids are becoming scarce, are both 
points in its favour. 
Rhynchostylis is a genus closely allied to Saccolabium, but differing in having 
a short foot to the column and in the spur being laterally compressed. There 
appears to be only one other species known, namely R. retusa, of which the 
plants known in gardens as Saccolabium Blumei and S. guttatum are varieties. 
R. A. Rotre. 
