THE ORCHID REVIEW. II 
CATTLEYA TRIANAZ VARIETIES. 
SEVERAL other varieties of Cattleya Triane have been sent to supplement 
our remarks at page 71, and some with request for names. The latter point 
is not so easy as might at first appear, for so variable is this Cattleya in 
colour and other details that it is difficult to find two flowers exactly alike, 
and some of the named forms are individuals rather than varieties. Our 
remarks are not intended to be taken in that sense, but rather as an attempt 
to arrange the different variations under certain heads according to the 
prevailing types, so as to facilitate their identification. Thus the varieties 
alba, delicata, tricolor, &c., have some real significance, but it does not 
follow that the different individuals referred to them are absolutely identical, 
and this is especially the case with such varieties as Backhouseana, which 
take their name from some well-marked peculiarity which is apt to recur 
from time to time in different importations. There may be plants with a 
feathered blotch at the apex of the petals, called Backhouseana, in various 
collections, but all may not be identical with the one to which the name 
was originally given. And this condition of things must apply to any plant 
which cannot be multiplied rapidly. If we could propagate choice varieties 
quickly by cuttings or by seed, the best and most distinct would soon dis- 
place inferior ones, and greater uniformity would be attained; but with 
Orchids this is not possible. We make these remarks in order to avoid 
being misunderstood, for there are a few named varieties which hardly ever 
recur in a condition quite equal to the original plant, and some might object 
to the use of the original name as misleading. Others re-appear in superior 
form, and this is sometimes held as a sufficient reason for giving a new 
name. Both these points have been raised in correspondence, and we can 
only once more express our conviction that for varieties of Orchids generally 
a certain amount of latitude must be allowed. 
From the collection of F. M. Burton, Esq., Highfield, Gainsborough, 
are sent two very pretty forms, one having white sepals and petals and the 
lip rose-pink throughout, except for the yellow disc, thus forming a rather 
striking contrast. We do not find anything quite corresponding to it. The 
second has rose-pink sepals and petals, and the front lobe of the lip brilliant 
amethyst, and may be considered fairly typical. 
A very brightly coloured form comes from the collection of Alfred Darby, 
Esq., Little Ness, Shrewsbury, with bright rose-purple sepals and petals, 
and a rather darker lip, with deep yellow throat. This we do not quite 
identify, but several named varieties of this type are very loosely defined. 
One from the collection of W. S. M’ Millan, Esq., of Maghull, Liverpool, 
has light rose-purple sepals and petals, and the front lobe of the lip 
extremely dark, and may be referred to the variety ATALANTA. 
