I
LINDLEY on tiiis point coincides with our own. The only discrepancies of any moment are, tluit
M. KCXTJI'S plant is described as having serrated petals, and leaves only three inches long, Now, as to
the latter character, it is too variable in tliis genus to be of any weight; and as to the former, we
apprehend there must be some mistake, for no such thhig iis a " serrated petal" has, we believe, ever
been seen amongst Oi-chidace®. The nearest affinity of this species is, undoubtedly, with C. trideiitiitum ;
but from that it is easily distinguished, by the fringed margin of its lip (the apex of which terminates in
a single tooth), and by its sepals and petals, which stand away from, and clear of, the lip, instead of Imlf
concealing it.
C. maculatmn was originally discovered by HUMBOLDT, near the town of Turbaco, in New Grenada
(and at that time it was the only Catasetum known); but MR. SKIXXEU, who met with it on the eastern
coast of Nicaragua, has the merit of having introduced it into this country; and our iigure is taken from a
plant which we received from liim hi the summer of 1S36, and which flowered in the following winter.
HaAnng had occasion, in these remarks, to mention the name of the BARON VON HCSCBOLUT, WC cannot
deny ourselves the satisfaction of taking tliis opportunity of alluding, in terms of the most respectful
gratitude, to the courtesy and kindness with which we were received by that illustrious traveller, when we
visited Berhn in 1S36. How deep was the admiration with which we gazed on liis expressive countenance !
and liow great was our wonder when we foimd nothing to lead us to conclude that the perils and hardships
of his long and laborious life had in any way impaired his physical energies, or damped the scientific ardour
of bis mind! His recollection of the scenes and incidents of his travels in South America (anno 1799),
seemed as fresh as if he had returned but yesterday from those sultry shores! of the truth of which
observation, the following anecdote will furnish a good illustration. Having had occasion to put a question
to liim respecting the Orchidacea: of a portion of Columbia, he at once proceeded to name the different
genera and species wliich it contained, and to pomt out their respective localities, with sucli case and
precision, that one would almost have supposed Botany to have been his on/ij study, and the Orciiidacefc
liis favourite tribe : this mil appear not a little remarkable, when we remember that there is scnrccli/ a
sciencc with which he is not even viore familiar than with Botany.
Nothing can be easier to cultivate than the different species of Catasetum ; they flower profusely alike
under damp or dry, under hot or cold treatment; perhaps, however, they attain their highest vigour if
subjected during the summer to a powerful moist heat, with a plentiful supply of water ; but in the winter
they should be kept tolerably dry.
The Vignette is a full-length portrait of Blalta g'lganlca, taken from a specimen in the extensive
cabinet of natural history belonging to Miss Charlotte Wilbraham, of Rode Hail. He (the Blatta,
AngVic'e Cockroach) arrived in this country in a box of Orchidacea?, upon which, judging from the condition
of the plants, he must Iiave made many a hearty meal; indeed, the Catasetum now described was almost
the only plant which survived the clFects of his voracious appetite.
4.