2 
L^LIA MAJALIS. 
Bartolo, — where tlie thermometer occasional!}^ sinks below the freezing point, 
have been received by the Horticultural Society. Since then, it has been imported 
by different individuals, and is now, comparatively, a common species in Orchida- 
ceous collections. 
Speaking of the situation in which Mr. Hartweg discovered it, Mr. Bateman 
observes: — “This habitat, so unusual for an Orchidaceous plant, will go far to 
explain the ill success that has hitherto attended its cultivation, for while it is 
comparatively easy to imitate the close and humid atmosphere in which most of 
the tribe are found, it is infinitely more difficult to provide a substitute for the 
pure air and frequent changes of temperature in which these mountain epiphytes 
would seem to delight. Indeed so signal in the case of LcElia majalis has been the 
failure of even the most experienced cultivators, that although there was scarce a 
collection that did not contain it, still did it obstinately refuse to flower, except in 
the solitary instance when it yielded to the skilful treatment of Mr. Dillwyn 
Llewellyn, of Penllergare.” 
The species still continues to manifest a decided unwillingness to flower, and 
very few of the many who possess plants, have yet been fortunate enough to 
succeed with it. The routine practised by Mr. Llewellyn is well worth attention, 
and we therefore subjoin a brief outline, as detailed in the work above quoted. The 
plants were potted in a rough fibrous peat, and kept almost dry in a low tempera- 
ture until the buds began to enlarge, when they were supplied with a hot and 
humid atmosphere, and regularly watered till the buds attained their full size. 
Moisture was then gradually withdrawn, and the plants again removed to a cool 
atmosphere. 
It may, perhaps, prove beneficial to place the plants in a dry frame, after the 
season’s growth has acquired maturity, and expose them fully to the air during 
fine weather. 
