THE FLORAL MAGAZINE 
NEW SERIES.] SEPTEMBER, 1877. [No. 69. 
HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 
The meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on 
August 7th was remarkable for the pair of splendid 
examples of Odontoglossum Yexillarium shown by 
Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P. One had the 
ordinary pale-coloured, flowers peculiar to the species ; 
the other had the fine bold blossoms of a rich rose 
colour, and it appeared to be quite distinct as a 
variety. But all imported Orchids are apt to show 
much variation of character. The first-named ex¬ 
ample had eight flower spikes containing in all 
seventy-four blossoms; the other had seven spikes 
and fifty-three flowers. Sir Trevor Lawrence is of 
opinion that the conditions requisite for the success¬ 
ful cultivation of this magnificent Odontoglossum are 
not altogether understood, and in a communication 
addressed to the Gardeners’ Chronicle, he recommends 
that “ Odontoglossum Y exillarium should be grown in 
winter in the coolest part of a Cattleya or Mexican 
house, with a temperature ranging from 55° to 65° 
Fahr. It should be moved without delay, as soon as 
the weather permits, into an Odontoglossum house, 
where it should have abundant light without sun. At 
all seasons it requires a liberal supply of moisture. 
The result of too great heat is that the leaves spot 
and go off at their points, the growths are weak and 
unsubstantial, and the whole plant is of a less 
vigorous and sound constitution. These plants 
should be potted in a shallow compost of sphag¬ 
num with a little fibrous peat, well drained, and 
should be put into large pots, so as to give ample 
space for the roots: they love to push long and far 
through their mossy bed. O. Yexillarium is liable 
to yellow thrips, which disfigure it much, but it will 
stand a moderate smoking with pure tobacco.” 
The fine examples of Odontoglossum Yexillarium 
above mentioned, were recommended for the Gold 
Medal of the Society. 
Of the new plants staged on this occasion, first 
class certificates were awarded to the following: 
Eulophia Guineensis, an African Orchid, with 
Calanthe-like leaves and flower stalks 2\ feet to 3 
feet in length, the upper portion of each stalk 
furnished with chocolate-coloured five-petalled 
flowers, having rosy-purple striped lips (Sir Trevor 
Lawrence, Bart.) . H. P. Rose, Marquis of Salisbury, 
a large, well-formed, full, globular-shaped flower, of a 
deep-shaded crimson hue, in the way of Alfred 
Colomb, and promising to make a fine exhibition 
variety (Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt). Dendro- 
bium suavissimum, a fine and showy new species, 
something in the way of D. chrysotoxum, but unlike 
that species has a large rich maroon blotch in the 
centre (Mr. B. S. Williams). Dracaena Bausei, 
one of the fine new varieties raised by Mr. John 
Wills, having a compact habit, and broad drooping 
leaves of a bright bronze colour, conspicuously mar¬ 
gined with bright crimson (Mr. B. S. Williams). 
Pelargonium (echinatum) Spotted Gem, a charming- 
new variety, with bright rose petals spotted with 
crimson, and having a striking white throat; a variety 
that promises to be very useful for cutting from (Mr. 
Henry Cannell). 
Other new plants included Croton andreanus, 
in fine condition (Mr. B. S. Williams). Biota orien- 
talis glauca, a seedling of compact habit, but will 
probably be seen in better condition at no distant 
date (Messrs. George Jackman and Son). Gloxinia 
Sybil Kenyon, a delicate coloured Hose-in-Hose 
variety, having one flower issuing from another ; 
rather poor in its present form, but likely to yield 
quite a new race of semi-double flowers (Messrs. J. 
Carter, Dunnett, and Beale). Begonia, Defiance, one of 
the tuberous-rooted section, having rich scarlet 
flowers of a fine bright hue of colour (Mr. J. 
Chambers). 
A first class certificate was awarded to Peach, Hale’s 
Early, a very early American variety, of medium size, 
good colour, and excellent flavour, that is likely 
to become popular through its forwardness (Messrs. 
T. River’s and Son). A new Nectarine, named 
Advance, shown by the same firm, was rather small in 
size, and of a pale-green and not very pleasing colour, 
but very good in flavour. 
TUBEROUS-ROOTED BEGONIAS FOR BED¬ 
DING PURPOSES. 
No one who has not seen these most beautiful and 
invaluable plants either bedded out in masses in cir¬ 
cular beds slightly raised in the centre, or as single 
specimens each in the centre of a small round bed 
edged with a good lobelia, or in a narrow border in 
