46 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [FEBRUARY, 1922. 
variety Carminetta that was exbibited by Messrs. J. & A. McBean at the 
Chelsea Show, 1921, and to which the Orchid Committee recommended the 
high award of a Gold Medal. The spike carried four flowers, which are 
reproduced exactly life size, the blotching being of reddish-purple colour. 
+ 494 
ODONTOGLOSSUM DIAMOND VAR. PERFECTION. 
ies handsome hybrid between O. King Arthur and O. eximium Holfordii 
was first recorded as O. Diamond in April, 1920, when an Award of 
Merit was given toa fine form exhibited by the raisers, Messrs. Lea 
McBean, at the Royal Horticultural Society. On 5th April, rg2t, a First- 
class Certificate was unanimously awarded to the variety Perfection, which 
was then in flower for the first time with a spike of four blooms, two of 
which are reproduced exactly life-size in the adjoining illustration. The 
rose-tinted sepals and petals are heavily blotched with bright crimson- 
purple, having a reddish over-tint; the lip whiter, with markings of similar 
colour, and a yellow spiny crest. Being of thick texture, the elegant flowers 
lasted a long time in perfection, all the segments maintaining a flat and 
well-displayed nature. 
In the early days of the enthusiasm for blotched Odontoglossums, new 
varieties were only obtained through fresh importations of plants from 
South America. Much variation is shown in the flowers, those having the 
blotches arranged in symmetrical style always obtain the highest 
appreciation. Especially is this the case with regard to the petals, which, 
in the expert’s opinion, are at their best when the central area is O 
by a large horse-shoe shaped blotch of crimson-purple. 
the petals have an outer ting of colour which consider 
high value set upon these blotched varieties. 
When the flowers of O. Diamond var. Perfection first opened, it was at 
once apparent that another very handsome Odontoglossum had been pro- 
duced by Messrs, J. & A. McBean. The illustration portrays the extensive 
gments, the well-defined zone of colour 
ccupied 
On rare occasions 
ably increases the 
Odontoglossum hybrids appeared no one 
h the present high state of perfection in so 
constitute a wonderful achievement. 
“ever thought they would reac 
‘short a space of time. They 
Se 8 PED nT eee a ne Ee 
SS a eS SE A 
