252 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
coriacea, M. maculata, M. ephippium, M. peristeria, M. elephanticeps, 
all of which prove a source of great interest to the botanist and loverd — 
curiosities; while others of the small-flowered and less showy section, as 
M. gemmata, M. Wendlandiana, M. melanopus, M. tridactylites, and M ) 
porcelliceps, are all very pretty, and equally interesting from a bo nic 3 
point of view. These latter, with the dwarf-growing species, should be 
placed in small hanging-pans, with their leaves well up to the light, and 
must on no account ever be allowed to get dry at the root. ae 4 | 
The best months for repotting these plants are about the end of August 
or February. Masdevallias are vigorous rooting plants, and accordingly 
require pots of sufficient size for the development of their roots. The pots 
should be two-thirds full of drainage, using as a compost peat and mossil 
equal proportions, with a sprinkling of broken crocks. In potting, keep the 
base of the plants about on a level with the rim of the pots, and pot 
moderately firm, but not so hard as to prevent the water rushing rapidly 
through the compost. The critical time with these plants is just altel 
potting, and before the roots have a firm hold. At this time it is an eas} 
matter to over-water them, thereby causing the loss of many leaves. At 
first, water very sparingly, but when thoroughly re-established, never allow 
the plants to become dry at the roots. Where it is possible to have @ 
Structure especially devoted to these cool-growing plants, I would recom: 
mend a lean-to house facing east or north-east, where a cool and humid 
atmosphere can be maintained during the hottest weather, for Masdevallias, 
like the New Granadan Odontoglossums, are often injured and stunted 10 
growth by our hot dry summers. : 
At this time of the year, by carefully regulating the shading and venti | 
tion, and damping down two or three times a day, the temperature aff 
house may be kept a few degrees below that of the external air. 
ORCHID PORTRAITS. 
GARDENERS’ CHRONICLE. 
GRAMMATOPHYLLUM SANDERIANUM. This is nothing but Grammatophy 
Speciosum ; a sketch of the monster plant introduced by Messrs. F. 9 
and Co., of St. Albans, and presented by them to Kew, where it may? 
‘seen in the Victoria-house.—July Ist, p. 15; also woodcut om P+ 
index to previous volume. ge 
Luisia Amestana, Rolfe. An interesting species, introduced 
Burmah by Messrs. H. Low and Co., of Clapton, with Vanda KimP 
aed alterwards by Messrs. F. Sander and Co., of St. Albans, with 
‘whom it has flowered, A plant was exhibited by Sir Trevor ™% 
