46 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [ FEBRUARY, IQ12. 
ORCHIDS OF PANAMA. 
‘UNDER the title ‘‘ Rambles in Panama and Jamaica” an old correspondent, 
Dr. J. F. Shafer, of Stockton, California, U.S.A., has published some 
interesting notes of a visit to Panama and Jamaica (Journ. Bot. Soc. W. 
Pennsylvania, 1. pp. 19-22), from which, through the author’s kindness, 
we are able to give some extracts. The trip was made for the purpose of 
becoming better acquainted with the Orchids of these countries, and of 
securing living specimens for his collection. Sailing from New York on 
February 4th, 1911, and touching at Cuba and Jamaica, the author reached 
Colon, Panama, on February rath, after a delightful voyage of over 2000 
miles. He then proceeded by train to the City of Panama, and after some 
days spent in examining the big Canal works, he made an excursion into 
‘the jungle, where in a valley near the Camacho Dam he found his first 
Orchid, a species of Notylia, also several Epidendrums and a Catasetum. 
On the Rio Pedro Miguel nature seemed to be in a quiescent state, and 
it is remarked that even in the tropics, where conditions are always 
favourable for growth, a period of rest appears as essential to the existence 
of plant life as the long period of repose enforced upon vegetation in our 
temperate zone. It was, therefore, the proper season for collecting 
Orchids, which should never be disturbed during active growth. 
On the bank of the river grew a large tree, which, viewed from below, 
appeared to be a veritable botanical garden. On the large branches, as 
‘well as on the trunk, grew immense masses of Oncidium ampliatum. 
Many of the plants were pushing up their spikes, while a few were already 
in full bloom, the massive panicles of bright yellow flowers outrivalling 
in size and beauty any inflorescene of this desirable Orchid ever seen in 
cultivation. Growing among the Orchids were large masses of Tillsandsias 
of various species, numerous species of ferns, Cactus, Philodendrons, mosses, 
.and numerous other interesting plants. 
On another tree, farther up stream, were found large masses of Sobralia 
in bud, and several species of Pleurothallis, Stelis and several other 
-Orchids, the genera of which cannot be determined until flowers appear. 
Along the Chagres River many Epidendrums were found, and an 
-occasional plant of the Dove Orchid, Peristeria elata; also a few plants 
of Camaridium ochroleucum. Other genera collected in this locality were 
Dichza, Maxillaria, Trichopilia and Brassavola. 
During an excursion to the ruins of Old Panama, on the Pacific coast, 
many interesting Orchids were collected. Growing on small trees, often 
within reach from the ground, were the most perfect specimens of 
-Oncidium Cebolleta I have ever seen. On the same tree were unusually 
large plants of Notylia in endless numbers. On a large tree washed by 
