122 
L^LTA AUTUMNALIS. 
is far from common in collections. Perhaps it is slightly inferior to L. anceps in 
the hues of its flowers, but in their mode of production and greater abundance, we 
deem it decidedly superior. Instead of appearing in pairs, upon a long, slender, 
half pendent peduncle, and widely dispersed over the plant as 
the flowers of the species just named, those of L. autumnalis 
are borne on erect spikes, which have from four or five to twelve 
and twenty blossoms on each, according to the age and strength 
of the specimen. 
Some very judicious remarks on the cultivation of Lselias 
are given in the superb work of J. Bateman, Esq. on the Orchi- 
daceae of Mexico and Guatemala, which we here take the liberty 
of inserting : — " Being found at a considerable elevation, they all 
thrive best in a moderate temperature, and require to be high 
potted, as by that means the roots are more likely to be retained 
in a healthy state, and are better able to withstand the extremes 
of heat and moisture, which will sometimes occur, and which 
w^e have found excessively injurious to Lselias, Cattleyas, and 
species of some allied genera. In winter they should be very 
sparingly watered, and kept in almost a dormant state." 
We obtained our drawing from a specimen which flowered 
in the splendid collection of 
Messrs. Loddiges, in the month 
of October 1838. As its name 
implies, it blossoms in the au- 
tumnal season, continuing in 
perfection for several weeks ; 
it is altogether one of those 
truly valuable plants of which 
all cultivators should be pos- 
sessed. We presume it may be 
procured from most nurserymen 
w^ho grow this extraordinary 
and fascinatinor tribe. 
L. anceps has been figured 
at page 73 of the fourth volume of our Magazine. By comparing that figure with 
the above woodcut of L. autumnalis^ the difference in habit will be seen. 
