[39] 



CATTLEYA (HYBRIDA) PARTHENIA 



A secondary hybrid, derived from C. X fimbriata (itself derived from C. intermedia x C. Aclandiae) fertilise< 

 species have, therefore, participated in its parentage. The sepals and petals are pure white, the latter broader than 

 resembling those of this species. The lip is entire, with undulate margin, the convolute side lobes white, the disc light yellow, and the front lobe delicately 

 pencilled with light rose. There is scarcely a trace of C. Aclandiae left, unless it be in the somewhat dwarfer habit as compared with the other species involved 

 in the parentage. The shape of the lip evidently comes from C. Mossise, and the colour of the disc may also be traced to the same influence. The characters 

 of C. intermedia, however, are the most obviously represented in the hybrid, being seen in the general shape and colour of the flower, as well as in the hab?t of 

 the plant, though somewhat modified in both respects by the influence of the other species involved. 



Cattleya x Parthenia, A. Bleu in Lindenia, VI., p. 75, t. 276. 



This handsome hybrid was raised by M. Alfred Bleu, of Paris, the cross being effected in 1878, when C. X fimbriata, the mother plant, flowered for 

 the first time. C. x Parthenia first flowered in 1889. Several plants were raised, which flowered at different seasons of the year, viz., April, May, August, 

 October, and November. But it is, perhaps, at present uncertain as to whether this character will prove constant. There is said to be a great uniformity in 

 the shape and colour of the flowers of the different individuals of this handsome hybrid. A\ 



We are indebted to Mons. A. Bleu, of Paris, for this most charming hybrid, which possesses peculiar interest in that it 

 is a hybrid in the second degree. The flowers are of remarkable beauty, stout in texture, and last a long time in perfec- 

 tion ; the pseudobulbs and foliage are quite intermediate between the two parents. 



The hybridisation of Cattleya intermedia by Cattleya Aclandiae produced two absolutely distinct types : the first, 

 Cattleya fimbriata, resembles closely C. intermedia, the seed parent ; the other, viz., Cattleya calummata, has taken nearly 

 all the principal features of the pollen parent, Cattleya Aclandiae. From the fecundation of the first by C. Mossise, 

 Cattleya Parthenia was obtained. 



It is a curious fact that the flowering season of similar hybrids varies so considerably. The plant that we now 

 figure flowered regularly in April and May ; others do not show their flowers until June, August, September, October, and 

 even in December. It is suggested by M. Bleu that these variations are traceable to the influence of C. Aclandiae, one of 

 the grand parents of the present hybrid. 



This peculiarity has led to the different varieties, and so given rise to such names as vernalis, aestivalis, autum- 

 nalis, and hibernalis. The plant requires the same treatment as C. Mossiae and C. intermedia, and is in all respects an 

 easily grown Cattleya. 



Our plate was taken from a plant in the collection of F. L. Ames, Esq., Langwater, North Easton, Mass., U.S.A. 



