FEBRUARY, 1909. | THE ORCHID REVIEW. : 39 
CYMBIDIUM GRANDIFLORUM, 
THIs fine species has the reputation of sometimes not opening its flowers 
properly, but whether the peculiarity is constitutional or due to some 
cultural defect was not quite clear, as was remarked at page 326 of our last 
volume with respect to the plant at Westonbirt. Mr. Bound attributes the 
defect to want of light in winter, when the species invariably develops its 
spikes, and consequently has always chosen as light a place for it as possible 
in the Cool house, with the result that he has never been troubled with the 
flowers failing to open (see O.R., xii. p. 55; Xv. pp. 46, 332). The 
Glasnevin plant also opens its flowers normally (O.R., xii. p. 95), but the 
-same cannot be said of the Kew plant, which is a subdivision of it. Some 
time ago a fine spike appeared, but the buds turned yellow just before 
expansion, which happened again this year, but curiously enough the apical 
flower escaped, and at length expanded perfectly. Possibly a spell of dull 
and foggy weather had something to do with the failure, but it is clear that 
the plant should be placed in as light a position as possible during the 
winter when the spike is developing. None of the other species show the 
same defect. 
LYCASTE SKINNERI FROM BRIDGE HALL, BURY. 
A DOZEN fine forms of this beautiful Orchid are sent from the collection of 
O. O. Wrigley, Esq., Bridge Hall, Bury, by Mr. Rogers, to show the wide 
range of variation, and the effect they are capable of producing when well 
grown. The species is a great favourite with Mr. Wrigley, and is exten- 
sively used as cut flowers for room and table decoration. The flowers sent 
are splendidly developed, and are excellent examples of good culture, in 
which respect we may recall the beautiful specimen of L. S. alba which was 
figured at page 113 of our last volume. A flower of this beautiful albino is 
enclosed. The others show various shades of blush and pink in the sepals, 
__-with the petals ranging from light rose to purple, and the lip from white to 
crimson. One form, with rich purple petals, bears a twin-flowered scape, 
and another, with rather short, broad segments, is also very richly coloured. 
A flower of the hairy-lipped L. lasioglossa is also enclosed, with another 
which we believe isthe natural hybrid between them, namely, L. X Luciani. 
They form a very interesting and beautiful series. 
It is interesting to note that a plant at Kew which last year produced 
four twin-floured scapes is again behaving in the same way, which suggests 
that the peculiarity may become fixed. It is scarcely an improvement, 
however, forthe flowers are so close together that they do not expand to 
their full extent. 
