So soon as the natives of the Philippines began to understand that their white and lilac weeds were cherished in Europe, they talked of a scarlet variety, which thrilled listening collectors with joy; but the precious thing never came to hand, and, on closer inquiry, no responsible witness could be found who had seen it.  Years passed by and the scarlet Phaloenopsis became a jest among orchidaceans.  The natives persisted, however, and Mr. Sander found the belief so general, if shadowy, that when a service of coasting steamers was established, he sent Mr. Roebelin to make a thorough investigation.  His enterprise and sagacity were rewarded, as usual.  After floating round for twenty-five years amidst derision, the rumour proved true in part. Ph.  Sanderiana is not scarlet but purplish rose, a very handsome and distinct species.

To the same collector we owe the noblest of Aerides, A.  Lawrenciae, waxy white tipped with purple, and deep purple lip.  Besides the lovely colouring it is the largest by far of that genus.  Mr. Roebelin sent two plants from the Far East; he had not seen the flower, nor received any description from the natives.  Mr. Sander grew them in equal ignorance for three years, and sent one to auction in blossom; it fell to Sir Trevor Lawrence’s bid for 235 guineas.

[Illustration:  COELOGENE PANDURATA.  Reduced to One Sixth]

Many of the Coelogenes classed as cool, which, indeed, rub along with Odontoglossums, do better in the stove while growing. Coel. cristata itself comes from Nepaul, where the summer sun is terrible, and it covers the rocks most exposed.  But I will only name a few of those recognized as hot.  Amongst the most striking of flowers, exquisitely pretty also, is Coel. pandurata, from Borneo.  Its spike has been described by a person of fine fancy as resembling a row of glossy pea-green frogs with black tongues, each three inches in diameter.  The whole bloom is brilliantly green, but several ridges clothed with hairs as black and soft as velvet run down the lip, seeming to issue from a mouth.  It is strange to see that a plant so curious, so beautiful, and so sweet should be so rarely cultivated; I own, however, that it is very unwilling to make itself at home with us. Coel.  Dayana, also a native of Borneo, one of our newest discoveries, is named after Mr. Day, of Tottenham.  I may interpolate a remark here for the encouragement of poor but enthusiastic members of our fraternity.  When Mr. Day sold his collection lately, an American “Syndicate” paid 12,000l. down, and the remaining plants fetched 12,000l. at auction; so, at least, the uncontradicted report goes. Coel.  Dayana is rare, of course, and dear, but Mr. Sander has lately imported a large quantity.  The spike is three feet long sometimes, a pendant wreath of buff-yellow flowers broadly striped with chocolate. Coel.  Massangeana, from Assam, resembles this, but the lip is deep crimson-brown,