86 ORCHIDS 



Gattleya 



and very variable in colour and form in different species ; 

 column long, thick, with a toothed top, covering a two- 

 celled, globose anther-case ; pollen-masses in two pairs. 



The only difference between this genus and Lcslia is 

 that in the latter there are four pairs of pollen - masses 

 — termed pollinia — instead of two. In all other characters 

 the two genera are identical. The rhizome is strong and 

 woody, creeping, and bearing at intervals the stems, or 

 pseudo-bulbs. The leaves are apical, and sometimes in 

 pairs, usually solitary ; they are leathery in texture, and 

 remain on the plant several years. Generally, each branch 

 of the rhizome produces only one new pseudo - bulb 

 annually. The flowers are developed on short, stout spikes, 

 from the top of the pseudo-bulb, and are at first inclosed 

 in a sheath. When in good health, each pseudo-bulb will 

 produce a spike of flowers, which last a considerable time 

 before fading. Many Cattleyas are plentiful enough to 

 be obtained at little cost, and they are not difficult to 

 cultivate when once understood. In a word, they are 

 gorgeously beautiful, and are essentially Orchids for 

 amateurs and for cut - flower purposes. The various 

 members of this genus are natives of Colombia, Brazil, 

 and Central America, and are entirely confined to the 

 Western Hemisphere. They vary considerably in size ; 

 for whilst some have pseudo-bulbs only 2in. or 3in. long, 

 others reach as many feet in height, forming, in a 

 state of nature, huge masses, sometimes several yards in 

 diameter. In addition to true species and varieties, we 

 have now many Cattleyas which have been produced in 

 this country by hybridising, and these, for both size of 

 flower and beauty of markings, vie with the choicest of 

 the introduced species and varieties. 



With reference to the conditions under which Cattleyas 

 are found growing in a state of nature, M. Van Volxem 

 says: "Cattleyas grow generally from 5ft. to 15ft. above 

 the ground, commencing on the forks of thick trees, whence 

 they extend to the branches, preferring those that are 

 more horizontal than vertical. Between and around the 

 bulbs rich vegetable mould accumulates, in which they 

 luxuriate. Sometimes, however, 1 found them growing on 

 the small lateral asperities of bare rocks, in the full blaze 

 of the sun ; but in this position they were of a very 



