126 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
and Co., of Clapton, received dried materials from their collector of the 
same species, which has been named D. speciosissimum (Rolfe), and soon 
afterwards they announced that a consignment was on the way home. The 
date 1867, however, mentioned in the announcement, requires to be carried 
back for a period of sixteen years, for it was in 1851 that the original 
discovery was made, and in the following year several of the plants collected 
at the same time were figured in Hooker’s Icones Plantarum. Messrs. Low's 
announcement was followed a week later by another from Messrs. 
F. Sander and Co., St. Albans, stating that Ericsson, one of their collectors, 
had also met with the species, and was sending plants home. We have 
seen dried flowers from each source, proving their identity, and now we 
may soon expect to see it in cultivation. Whether it will prove a good 
traveller or not remains to be seen, but it is certainly a magnificent species, 
as the dried flowers, which are of course flattened out, measure over four and 
a half inches across their broadest diameter. Though closely allied to 
D. formosum, the lip is cut in deeper at the sides, the petals broadly 
elliptical instead of rounded, and the spur shorter and less acute. In all 
probability it will succeed under similar treatment. It is very curious that 
so fine a species should have remained so long practically unknown. 
ete io eet f? WE NSS SS eal Ol ote 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 
By H. A. BURBERRY, Highbury, Moor Green, Birmingham. 
ALLOw a rise of two or three degrees from the figures mentioned last month 
in all departments. Ventilate freely when the circumstances are favourable, 
especially in the cool houses, both night and day. Beware of piercing east 
winds when the roller blinds are let down, for a check is often caused at 
this period if air is admitted in too large quantities, and the atmosphere 
becomes dry. During cold windy weather, when the sun shines brightly, it 
is best to use the shading freely, rather than to open the ventilators widely. 
A regular supply of moisture must now be kept up by thoroughly 
damping the paths, stages, and other surfaces at least three times daily. 
Let a supply of hard tree leaves saved from last year be brought in and 
placed under the stages, which greatly assists in maintaining an even and 
moist atmosphere. In the cool Orchid house very little heat from the hot- 
water pipes will now be wanted, unless the nights be cold, as is sometimes 
the case, when a little should be given in order that ventilation can be 
maintained, for cool Orchids do not like a stagnant atmosphere. It is bad 
practice at this date to keep the ventilators quite closed if it can possibly be 
avoided. The delicate flowers frequently become badly spotted if such is 
the case. 
The lovely weather during the past few weeks has had a most stimulating 
