THE FLORAL MAGAZINE. 



NEW SERIES.] SEPTEMBER, 1877. 



HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 



The meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on 

 August 7th was remarkable for the pair of splendid 

 examples of Odontoglossum Vexillarium 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 liad 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 Vexillarium 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. 0. Vexillarium is liable 

 to yellow thrips, which disfigure it much, but it will 

 stand a moderate smoking with pure tobacco." 

 The fine examples of Odontoglossum Vexillarium 

 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.). II. P. Rose, Marquis of Salisbury, 



[No. 69. 



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 Ooton 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 joopular 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 



