Plate 63. 
GLADIOLUS— PHCEBUS. 
As probably no colour is more appreciated in this lovely tribe of plants than scarlet, 
although no colour is so difficult to reproduce in a drawing, we have selected this, which we 
regard as the finest variety of last season, for our illustration. It is another of M. Souchet’s 
seedlings, and when shown to us at Fontainebleau, in the autumn of 1871, was regarded by 
him as the finest flower he had yet raised. 
One great point to be sought after in a good florists’ flower is substance, one great advan- 
tage being the length of time which a stout flower remains in bloom, in consequence of its 
being able to resist the influence of wind and sun, and this Phoebus possesses in a remarkable 
degree, while its intensely dazzling colour will be sure to commend it to all Gladiolus 
growers. 
To those who are exhibitors Phoebus has one disadvantage, at least at present it appears 
to have it — viz., its very late blowing ; but we are not at all sure that this will continue 
to be its character, for in some other instances we have found that flowers alter in this 
respect ; for example, Meyerbeer has been generally considered one of the very latest bloomers, 
but we have had it during the last season in flower for our earliest Shows in August, as well as 
for the later Exhibitions in September, and possibly this may be the case with Phoebus ; but 
we are sure of this, that under any circumstances those who admire brilliancy of colour 
cannot fail to be pleased with it, while we may add, that as far as our experience goes, its 
habit is very robust, and it more rapidly increases than many other varieties. 
Plate 64. 
C ATTLE YA— TRI AN ^-DODGSONII. 
Cattleyce Trianre, like OdontogJossum crispum, is of a very protean character, but amongst 
the great number of forms which, says Mr. Williams of Holloway, “ have bloomed in our collec- 
tion, the present one is without doubt the very finest that has come under our notice.” It 
bloomed in the month of January last in the rich collection of E. B. Hodgson, Esq., 
Beardwood, Blackburn, who is one of the most enthusiastic lovers of plants in general, and 
of Orchids in particular, the north of England can boast of, and therefore it has been 
dedicated to him. 
xVlthough many of the varieties of Cattleya Triance fall far short of the variety now 
figured, yet they have a peculiar charm which renders them deserving of the attention of 
lovers of this fine tribe of plants ; especially as they thrive well in a cool house, and produce 
their flowers during the dull and dreary days of winter when flowers are so acceptable. As it 
is a native of New Grenada it should be grown in a comparatively cool house ; and although 
it will succeed well on a block, it will thrive far better under pot culture ; the drainage must 
be perfect, and the soil should be good fibrous peat, sphagnum moss, and a little silver sand. 
During the flowering season they enjoy copious supplies of water to their roots, but we have 
not found its application to the foliage advantageous, because it is apt to lie in the sheaths 
of the young growths and cause decay. After the growth is complete water may be entirely 
withheld, saving a little occasionally, just to prevent any of the leaves or pseudo-buds from 
shrivelling, for when this takes place it is proof that the drying off or resting has been 
carried to extremes. 
