THE ORCHID REVIEW. 307 
CATTLEYA CHOCOENSIS AT HOME. 
THE habitat of this handsome Cattleya is confined principally to a narrow 
strip of territory extending along the Rio Cauca, in the State of Cauca, 
Columbia, between the fourth and fifth degree northern latitude, and at an 
elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level. Here these Cattleyas grow in 
forests, on level land to a great extent marshy and at times inundated, 
consequently the moisture the plants receive throughout the year is con- 
siderable. The evaporation of the stagnant water through the influence of the 
heat transforms it into a light mist, which finds its way upward among the 
trees and branches on which Cattleya chocoensis grows. The trees in this 
region are of a short and stunty growth, and they are mostly covered with 
decayed matters and vegetation of every description. This Orchid Inxuriates 
in this locality; oftentimes the trunks and the numerous branches are 
literally covered with the plants in all imaginable positions. The spectacle 
presented during the flowering season is indescribable. 
The best season for collecting this Orchid is in August and September, 
it being then in flower, and consequently the bulbs are then in good condi- 
tion for shipment. The collecting of this plant is, however, somewhat 
difficult ; the localities in which it grows are often destitute of habitations, 
or, at best, they are far between, causing inconvenience in securing help, 
provisions, and means of transportation, the latter being expensive. 
The Cauca River is only navigable for a short distance above its con- 
fluence with the Rio Magdalena. On account of these inconveniences, 
Orchids collected higher up this river have to be carried across the hot 
Cauca valley and the Western Cordillera to the Pacific coast, whence they 
are easily shipped to any part of the world. 
In growing this Cattleya its fondness for moisture at the roots should be 
borne in mind, particularly during its growing season; and when at rest the 
atmosphere should be kept as damp as possible.—Joun E. Lacer, in 
Florists’ Exchange. 
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CYPRIPEDIUM CURTISII. 
A statement appears in Le Fardin for August 5th last (p. 171), by M. 
Leon Duval, that Cypripedium Curtisii has been artificially raised by M. 
Alfred Bleu, the well-known hybridist of Paris, from C. ciliolare and C. 
superbiens, thus proving it to be a natural hybrid between these two species. 
The plant was exhibited by M. Bleu in 1893, when something like the 
following dialogue took place. ‘‘ What.a beautiful Cypripedium Curtisii!” 
exclaimed M. Duval. “Is it not?” replied M. Bleu. “Ah, well! it is my 
child, obtained by crossing Cypripedium ciliolare with the pollen of C. super- 
biens.” ‘‘ Impossible!” ejaculated the former speaker. ‘“‘ But it is a fact,’’ 
again replied the hybridist, “and proves that C. Curtisii is only a natural 
