220 
THE LADIES' FLORAL CABINET. 
maroon; lip large, and pure white. The flowers 
show very distinctly the ternary character of the 
Orchid—indeed, all of this most varied family, on 
study, present just the same characteristics. Strange 
it seems, that development or non-development of a 
simple leaf should produce such wonderful effects. 
The plant now under discussion is a native Of Mexico, 
twisted and contorted form of its narrow uetais, which 
are white, regularly marked with brown spots. The 
texture of these flowers is somethin g^lovely, as smooth 
as wax, with a soft, pearly lustre all its own. 
O. Cervantesii is a pretty little Mexican variety, 
similar to O. Rossii majus, only the transverse bars are 
much finer, producing a more delicate effect. Whether 
Obontoglossuh Vexillat ium. 
where it grows at an elevation of 1,800 metises. It 
is an epiphyte, and should, therefore, be grown on a 
block, rather shaded, but well supplied with air, 
and during the growing season should be kept 
moist. 
O. cirrhosum, (see illustration) a lovely terrestrial 
species from Guayaauil, is chiefly remarkable for the 
it received the specific name in honor of the immortal 
creator of Sancho Panza, botany sayeth not. 
O. Pescatoria is a splendid variety, growing ten inches 
high, with leaves a foot long. It produces branching- 
spikes of fine flowers through April and May; sepals and 
petals rose-white; lips yellow, white, and pink; often 
showing as many as one hundred flowers on one spike. 
