2 
HUNTLEYA VIOLACEA. 
Both the species of this genus were imported from South America ; and H. 
violacea was received by Messrs. Loddiges two or three years back. It was dis- 
covered by Mr. Schomburgk, for the first time, on the banks of the river Essequibo, 
in British Guiana, and subsequently in several other places, but always in the 
vicinity of cataracts. It grows on the branches of large trees, which spread their 
shade over it, and, from the character of the locality, is always surrounded by the 
vapour which the spray of the waterfalls occasions. 
These last circumstances are of great importance in its cultivation. A warm, 
humid, and partly obscured atmosphere is of the last moment ; and Messrs. 
Loddiges, whose Orchidaceous house is notorious for these features, are singularly 
successful in its treatment. It does not appear to require that repose which other 
Orchidaceous plants so much need-; since, being without either stems, or pseudo- 
bulbs, or very thick leaves, it will bear a more constant stimulation. That such 
conditions are, at any rate, by no means prejudicial, is perfectly obvious from the 
specimens in the collection of these gentlemen, which not only grow vigorously, 
but flower most profusely. It seems to thrive best in a well-drained pot filled 
with heath-soil and potsherds, and to demand repotting annually. 
In making any offsets to propagate it, care must be taken not to divide it 
while it is growing, nor to 
cut through it too roughly, 
nor to subject it to too ^ 
The genus was named 
in honour of the Hev. Mr. 
Huntley, a zealous culti- 
vator of Orchidaceae, and 
among the first who devoted 
particular attention to them. 
It is allied to Zygofetalmn. 
The specific name refers to 
the tinge of violet in the 
flowers. 
Our drawing was taken 
from Messrs. Loddiges' in 
April 1840. The engraving 
exhibits the entire plant. 
much moisture after being- 
severed. 
