The laelia family is highly valued on account of its magnificent flowers. Such species as Z. elegans, L, supertriens and others of the same type are the most common in gardens.

The subject of this note is of quite a different character. It is a charming plant, though small. It is a native of Brazil, and may easily be recognized by its dwarf habit. The rhizomes are produced rather high above the surface of the soil; numerous pseudo-b u 1 b s are given off from them, the largest not measuring more than an inch and a half in length and about half an inch in thickness. The leaves are two to three inches long, and not quite an inch in width. The flowers as in the case of all the laelias, are produced from the apex of the pseudo-bulb from each growth, on a pedicel or flower stem two inches long. The sepals and petals are of a rich mauve color, each about two inches in length and curling backward. The lip is bell-shaped and very handsome ; the body of it is dark purple, except just at the point where it meets the sepals and petals, where it is of the same color as these : the inner portion of it is very striking, being prettily striped with rose and purple toward the sides, while on the bottom there are five raised ridges, dark crimson in hue, and contrasting in fine style with the other colors.

This orchid may be successfully grown in an ordinary cattleya house, kept at a temperature not lower than 55° Fahr. during the cold months. The plants thrive in a good compost of peat fibre, sphagnum moss, and broken pots. They may be watered freely while growing, but as the bulbs begin to ripen, the amount of water given must be reduced, else the plants will be unduly excited into premature growth, and the flowers will be injured. Water may be entirely withheld during November, December and January, by which time the plants will be making vigorous growth. It is a bad plan to disturb them except when to do so is compulsory ; therefore, I would recommend orchid growers carefully to top-dress their plants occasionally ; then they can dispense with repotting for a considerable time, and the plants will be benefitted to no small extent.

Trtchosma suavis is a useful orchid, and can be easily grown in the cool bouse. It is a native of Brazil, of distinct habit. The leaves spring from a rhizome; the leaf-stalks are about six inches long and at the ends bear two leaves from four to six inches long and of a yellowish green color. The flower-spike is produced from between the two leaves, each spike bearing six or eight flowers, sweet scented, as the specific name implies. The flowers are of a somewhat creamy white color, much like those of Caelogyne oculata in shape, but slightly smaller. The lip is very handsome and of the same color as the body of the flower, and barred with a rich chocolate color. This orchid will grow well in a compost of peat and sphagnum. Pot culture is the most suitable ; the pot should be drained about one-third of its depth with good clean potsherds and charcoal; abundance of water may be given while the plants are making their growth, but the quantity should be gradually diminished as they reach maturity. Thrips are fond of attacking this orchid, as the leaves are of a somewhat soft nature ; their presence may be easily detected, as the leaves become marked.

To prevent their attacks the plants should be occasionally washed with a mild mixture of soap and water ; strong insecticides should be avoided in an orchid house. By the use of this wash the pests will soon be effectively routed, and the plants at flowering time will present a very gay ap-pearance.

Cattleya Walkbriana.