AucustT, 1908.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 253 
the plant figured as C. barbatum var. spinosum (Lindenta, vii. p. 23, t- 298) 
is not identical with C. spinosum, Lindl., as I supposed. Cogniaux also, 
while adopting the same view, retains C. lanciferum, Lindl., as distinct. 
The reappearance of the plant is fortunate, for a comparison with the 
original materials has shown what confusion has been introduced into the 
history of the two species. The marked difference between the two 
consists in the fact that in C. barbatum the crest consists of a single curved 
horn, but in C. spinosum of a straight horn with a pair of diverging 
branches below the middle. The female flowers of the latter are not known, 
but may appear later, for two or three plants flowered last year, and one of 
them is again in bloom. R. A. ROLFE. 
——— ae 
MASDEVALLIA COCCINEA. 
Forty years ago this beautiful Masdevallia flowered for the first time in 
cultivation, after having been known to science for upwards of twenty years. 
Reichenbach then remarked: “‘ Messrs. Veitch have been fortunate enough 
to flower this species, we believe for the first time in Europe.” As to its 
habitat he observed: ‘‘This magnificent species grows on the ground on the 
southern slopes of the high mountains near Pamplona, at the height of 
9,500 feet, and blooms in April. Its brilliant flowers resemble at a distance 
those of Bejarias, Vacciniums, and other plants of these lofty regions.” 
After this interval of time it may be interesting to give his concluding 
remarks, which are eminently Reichenbachian :— 
‘“‘ Though the taste of amateurs is never to be judged beforehand, yet we 
believe the gorgeous flowers, shaped in a fashion not represented elsewhere 
in our collections, some bearing the most brilliant colours, growing no 
doubt as easily as poor Pleurothallids, will become favourites, and will be 
ranked among fashionable Orchids. Alas! we do not know the place of 
these Masdevallias in the modern Batemanian system of Orchids, developed 
partly at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society ; we know only 
that of the bridal Orchids. Hence we would propose to rank Masdevallias 
under the new group of ‘ funny Orchids,’ close to Cycnoches. We just now 
remember that one of the most eminent collectors of Orchids had a most 
hearty laugh as soon as he saw the flowers of his Cycnoches chlorochilon, 
ventricosum, Loddigesii ; no Vanda, no Aérides, ever excited so joyous a 
feeling. Is it not a good thing to be put in better spirits by one’s flowers 
these miserable foggy days, in lieu of grumbling about the last panic ? And 
is there not a surer hope of satisfaction by investing money in ‘funny 
Orchids’ than in some modern speculation? In the one you have pleasant 
flowers; in the other the risk of a smash becomes your constant idea.” — 
Rchb. f. in Gard. Chron., 1868, p. 75- 
