Plate 79 . 
MASDEVALLIA DENISONL 
hen introducing the first of these curious and valuable Orchids to our readers, we 
stated that they promised to become very valuable as cool-house Orchids, and that in all 
probability many more varieties or species would be discovered. This has proved to be 
correct, and in M, Harryana, Lindeni, iynea, and others, we have either natural varieties 
or distinct species. That which we now figure was exhibited by that enthusiastic lover of 
Orchids, Lord Londesborough, and is called after him. 
We have frequently repeated our opinion that Orchids are often seen in even greater 
perfection in cultivation than in their natural condition, and we were led to this conclusion 
from the fact that dried specimens and descriptions of those who discovered the plants, give 
us smaller dimensions than the same plants exhibit under cultivation, and that they produce 
larger fiowers after they have been in cultivation some years. This is the case Avith the 
MasdeA^allias. We saAV some blooms of Masdevallia llarryana that Mr. Anderson brought 
to the Flower Show at the unfortunate Alexandra Palace, which Avere twice the size of any 
that Ave had before seen ; and the same holds good of other varieties and species. 
The love for Orchids seems to be by no means decreasing, for although many of our 
older cultivators are from one cause or another giving them up, others supply their 
places, and the prices given at sales bear Avitness to the ardour with which they are 
cultiA'ated. 
Plate 80 . 
^aEw double-flowered blue lobelia. 
Ko plant is more extensLely used for bedding purposes than the Lobelia, and many 
varieties have been from time to time brought forAvard as improvements on those which aa'C 
already have. Some are recommended for their colour, and some for their habit, but in 
very leAV instances are they improvements on those Ave already have, not\Authstanding the 
high-sounding names Avith AA'hich they are heralded. But if we mistake not, an exception 
must be made on behalf of that Avhich Ave noAV figure, so entirely distinct from all others, 
and so A'aluable for bedding purposes. 
We understand from Messrs. Lixon and Co., of Moorgate Street and Hackney, that this 
(like a great many good things that Ave possess) aa^us a chance seedling, and Ave can testify 
that Avhen it was exhibited at the Eoyal Horticultural Society at South Kensington, there 
was but one opinion of its merit, and every one that Ave met Avith expressed their admiration 
of it. It Avill be seen (and Mr. Smith’s drawing is no exaggerated picture) that it is a 
variety of the old and valuable and partakes of its exceedingly dwarf character. Its 
floAvers of deep blue are produced in great quantities, and nothing can exceed the beautiful 
neatness of the entire plant. It is easil}^ propagated, and Ave believe that when more known, 
it will entirely supersede marry of the single varieties noAV hr use. Its flowers, being double, 
are more persisteirt, Avdiile the colour is equal hr inteirsity to any Ave have. It received a 
first class certificate from the Floral Committee, arrd is now being distributed by Messrs. 
Dixon. 
