In the years 1879-80 M. Léon Humstort, a French naturalist and traveller, 
sent home some plants, one of which passed into the collection of Sir Trevor 
Lawrence, Bart., M. P., of Burford Lodge, Dorking, where it flowered for the 
first time in Europe early in 1881. It was exhibited at a Meeting of the Royal 
Horticultural Society on March 8th., when it was greatly admired, and was 
awarded a First-class Certificate. Until this period its beauty does not appear to 
have been recognised, for Reicnenpacn tells us that the first plants sent home 
were little appreciated, though afterwards it was eagerly sought after. In 1887 
a further importation was received by Messrs F. Sanper and C°, of St Albans, 
through M. Humptor, and at the present time it is well represented in various 
collections. 
At first some difficulty was experienced in its cultivation, as the plants had 
an unfortunate habit of dwindling away, but the following is given in the Gar- 
deners’ Chronicle as the method in which it has been successfully treated in the 
collection of A. Sittem, Esq., at Sydenham. “ The plants are placed in a shady 
corner of the Phalaenopsis house, in a temperature of 65°-70° F., where they have 
plenty of air, but no cold current. They are kept moist all the year round, and, 
what is considered as important, they are generally sponged over once a week, 
as that has been found to be the only means of keeping off the thrips which seem 
so fond of this plant. The manner in which the plants are potted is peculiar, 
and it may supply a clue to others, by means of which they may get better success 
in future. The pots (which must be amply large) are filled two thirds with crocks 
and charcoal, a layer of peat is placed on this, then the plant is held in position 
and filled round with living sphagnum moss. When so fixed, the plant is in 
precisely the same condition as it would be if growing on the surface of a bay, 
and it is probable that that is its natural position; so potted, it may receive copious 
waterings with rain water and never get sodden. The chief points to be observed 
after the plants are potted, are to keep them shady and always moist, and to 
sponge them frequently, and keep them in a warm but not close place.” 
The annexed plate is prepared from materials kindly sent by Sir Trevor 
Lawrence, Bart., M. P., of Bur ford Lodge, Dorking. 
Ru As Rots: 
