THE ORCHID REVIEW. 295 



four-flowered inflorescence. Mr. Hamilton now states that Laelia crispa 

 was the seed parent, but the plant is quite like C. granulosa in habit, 

 with the pseudobulbs 12 inches high. The modified shape of the flower, 

 however, and especially the crisped petals, show the Laelia influence very 

 strongly. The beautiful Cattleya X Chamberlainiana is represented by 

 a five-flowered inflorescence, the flowers having the general shape of C. 

 Leopoldi, and the colour being quite unique. The petals are of an almost 

 indescribable shade of coppery brown, and the sepals rather paler, with a 

 few darker spots on each, while the lip is of a nearly uniform fiery 

 crimson. The influence of C. Dowiana is chiefly seen in the modified shape, 

 but the yellow veining of that species is clearly seen on the infolded side 

 lobes of the lip, radiating from the disc. C. X Germania (C. granulosa 

 Schofieldiana X C. X Hardyana) is another very beautiful thing, having 

 the front lobe of the lip beautifully marbled with bright rosy crimson and 

 white, and the rest of the flower of a fairly uniform shade of bright rose. 

 The flowers are very large, and the petals if inches broad. C. X Clytie 

 var. Hilda is a pretty little hybrid combining the characters of O 

 Bowringiana and C. velutina, the latter being most prominent in shape 

 and the former in colour. One flower is remarkable for having no less 

 than nine sepals and petals— or rather it looks like one flower, because 

 it has a single lip, but closer examination shows the pedicel and column to 

 be double, though the fusion is complete to the apex, and as the rest of the 

 segments are perfect it looks like a double flower. The remaining hybrid 

 is evidently a form of Laelio-cattleya X callistoglossa, though it was 

 purchased as a seedling of different parentage. It has the characteristic 

 shape, and the two eye-like blotches on the richly-coloured lip are well 

 developed. They form a very charming group, and are without exception 

 very finely cultivated. 



L^LIA BOOTHIANA. 



This distinct and handsome Laelia has the character of being a shy 

 bloomer, and the following note on the subject by " H. R. R." appears 

 in the Journal of Horticulture for September nth (p. 237) :— One of the 

 most singular Orchids I know as regards culture is Laelia lobata, or 

 Boothiana, as it is sometimes called. Pot it regularly ; treat it well in all 

 respects of heat and moisture, and other cultural details, and as a result 

 it will grow everlastingly, but as for a flower you will never see one. 

 Starve it, by letting it grow over the sides of the pot or basket ; bake it 

 in the summer sun, and be not too particular about its winter treatment, 

 and most likely you will be rewarded by its lovely flowers in plenty. And 

 they are very beautiful in their rich rose and purple tints, refined and 

 delicate, yet making a brave show. 



