THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[.\pril-Ma\-, 1916. 



Onciclium sphacelatum. 



Oncidiu.m sphacelatum. — This prett}- 

 species is noted for its free-growing nature, 

 which renders it very suitable for inclusion in 

 an amateur's collection. During the months 

 of April, May and June it produces a quantity 

 of decorative bloom, the many-flowered spikes 

 often attaining a height of 4- 5 feet. It was 

 first collected for the Royal Horticultural 

 Society in southern Mexico by Hartweg, in 

 1840, and shortly afterwards it was received 

 from Honduras by Messrs. Loddiges, in 

 whose nursery it flowered for the first time in 

 England in February, 1841. A peculiarity by 

 which O. sphacelatum may be recognised is 

 seen in the bud just before expansion ; the 

 points of the sepals and petals are always 

 bent back like recurved horns. Sepals and 

 l-etals yellow, barred with chestnut-brown ; 

 labellum golden-\'ellow, with a red-brown 

 blotch 111 front of the crest. It is best 

 cultivated in the intermediate house. 



EULOPHIELLA HaAIELINII.— Many of (lur 

 most interesting Orchids come from Mada- 

 gascar, and if we could but see them growing 

 in their native home still greater interest 

 would be evinced. Of the earliest discoveries, 

 there is the majestic Angrascum sesquipedale, 

 and among the more recent Eulophiella 

 Hamelinii with its stately foliage and erect 

 spike of robust habit. An illustration and full 

 acco'unt of this latter species was published in 

 tfie Orchid World, Vol. II., p. 254, and now 

 we have received from Mr. O. O. Wrigley's 

 collection. Bridge Hall, Bury, a finely culti- 

 vated spike, about 3 feet in height, carrying 

 17 large rosy-mauve flowers, and of powerful. 



though nevertheless delicious scent. This 

 species appears to be unusually difficult to 

 manage successfully, and very few plants that 

 have reached this country are now alive. All 

 the more credit is on this account due to Mr. 

 E. Rogers for his skilful treatment of Mr. 

 Wrigley's specimen, which was exhibited at 

 the Manchester Orchid Society, February 

 17th, 1 916, when a Cultural Certificate was 

 deservedly granted. 



Eulophiella Elisabeth.^. — This choice 

 Madagascan Orchid is also well-cultivated m 

 the Bridge Hall collection at Bury, whence 

 we have received through Mr. E. Rogers a 

 splendid spike carrying no less than 36 buds 

 and flowers. The individual flowers are not 

 unlike a small Odontoglossum Pescatorei, but 

 of thicker texture, and are white, with rose 

 flushing on the back. E. Elisabethas became 

 known some twenty-five years ago when it 

 flowered with Messrs. Linden, of Brussels. It 

 is dedicated to Elisabeth, the late Queen of 

 Roumania, well-known under her adopted 

 name " Carmen Sylva." 



Orchid Catalogue. — Messrs. J. and A. 

 McBean, Cooksbridge, Sussex, have issued 

 an attractive Orchid catalogue consisting of 

 48 pages, in which several unique plants are 

 quoted, and a large assortment of unflowered 

 seedlings that have been raised from the 

 finest parents and from which many excellent 

 results can be expected. A coloured plate 

 and other illustrations are included. 



