202 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
LZLIA GRANDIFLORA AND VARIETY ALBA. 
AN interesting note on “ Lelia majalis and variety alba,” by Mr. A. 
Dimmock, appears in American Gardening for June Ist (vol. xxii., p. 398). 
The white variety is very rare, if indeed it exists, in Europe, and we may add 
by way of preface that as Lelia grandiflora is one of the two species on 
which the genus was founded by Lindley (the other being L. autumnalis), 
and hence antedates L. majalis, we adopt the name of L. grandiflora alba 
for this variety. 
“ The typical form of this Orchid has been imported by thousands from 
Mexico to this country and Europe; cultivators have taxed their skill to 
promote the longevity of the plant under artificial conditions, but we rarely 
find it growing in a vigorous and thrifty state, and we yet have much to 
learn regarding its culture. Some years ago Mr. Chas. Carpenter, of New 
Brunswick, N.J., grew and flowered it for several years, growing it under 
very cool conditions, suspended near the ventilators during growth, and in 
the same house grew and flowered the beautiful Disa grandiflora, a plant 
well known by Orchidists, and also a lover of cool treatment, and now rarely 
seen in America. The natural conditions necessary for the welfare of this 
Lelia are particularly wanting after three or four years under glass in its 
northern home. By that time its natural sap gradually disappears, and 
success in its cultivation can only be attained by endeavouring to aan 
those ‘ natural conditions’ as nearly as possible. 
“‘ A number of plants have been lost through resting after flowering, but 
as the blossoms appear with the young growth, and flower before they are 
fully developed, water should be given for three weeks or more after the 
plant has flowered, to enable the bulb to get fully matured. Afterwards give 
a good airy position and keep on the dry side, watering only to prevent the 
bulbs from shrivelling. As soon as young growths appear give frequent 
watering on bright days, with cnly slight protection from the sun’s rays. 
Producing such a large flower from a small bulb, the resting period should 
be carefully studied. 
“ Quite a few ‘alberos’ of this species have been distributed through 
this country. One of the largest specimens, with over 40 bulbs and 10 leads 
_ Was some time ago in the D. S. Brown collection at St. Louis. It is also 
_ Fepresented in the collections of E. G. Uihleen, of Chicago; J. H. Berry, 
Detroit; Oakes Ames, of North Easton; Mrs. G. B. Wilson, of Philadelphia, 
and several others. It is now in bloom with Hicks Arnold, in his collection 
at Eighty-fourth Street, New York City. The blossoms are of the purest 
_ White—in fact, it is the whitest form of any Lelia we have yet seen. It is 
growing freely in a basket, and carries three spikes bearing blossoms of 
«great size and ‘substance. 
