xlvi. HYBRIDISING AND RAISING ORCHID SEEDLINGS. 



and Odontonia, the former including some of the most brilliant hybrids that 

 have yet appeared. An enormous number of seedlings are now in existence, 

 and some striking developments may be anticipated. In using Cochlioda 

 as the seed parent it should be remembered that the genus possesses two 

 lateral stigmas. The seedlings should be treated like Odontoglossums. 



Phal.enopsis. — Several beautiful Phalasnopsis hybrids have been raised, 

 but they grow slowly, and require a good deal of care. The capsules mature 

 early, and the seeds should be sown on the compost of the parent plants, and 

 the seedlings, when large enough, should be carefully pricked off and placed 

 in the best position in the house, after which, with proper care, they will 

 gradually progress till the flowering stage is reached. The behaviour of the 

 flowers after fertilisation is curious. The sepals and petals do not fade, but 

 gradually lose their original colour, becoming green, and doubtless act like 

 leaves in assimilating food for the benefit of the maturing capsule. Vanda 

 is an allied genus of which two hybrids have been raised, and the seedlings 

 should receive similar treatment to Phalsenopsis. 



Seedling Orchids and Fungi. — The question of fungus co-operation 

 in Orchid roots is interesting. By a series of experiments M. Noel 

 Bernard has ascertained that the presence of certain microscopic fungi is 

 indispensable for the germination of Orchid seeds. He has always found 

 these fungi on the seedlings sent to him, as well as in those collected in their 

 native homes ; also that when the seeds are sown in sterilised tubes 

 germination cannot progress beyond a certain stage. But if the fungi are 

 then added growth proceeds, and he comes to the conclusion that these 

 fungi elaborate a supply of food which the young seedlings are not able tO' 

 obtain for themselves. How far this information can be utilised by Orchid 

 growers is not quite clear, for these fungi are present wherever the parent 

 plants are grown, and so the seedlings may be left to take care of themselves. 

 A photograph of M. Bernard's cultures, with details, may be found in the 

 Orchid Review (1906, pp. 201, 203). 



General Conclusions. — It may be added, in conclusion, that Orchid 

 seedlings, whatever the genus, require the same treatment as their parents, 

 and where the latter are well grown, no difficulty should be experienced. 

 A little additional care is necessary during their infantile stages, because 

 from their minute size a few hours neglect may injure them beyond all hope 

 of recovery, while the effect upon older plants might scarcely be noticed. 

 For the same reason special attention should be paid by the grower tO' 

 cleanliness, and to the keeping down of insect pests. In a wild state 

 seedlings receive no special attention, but the conditions are suitable for old 

 and young alike, and the plants pass through their different stages accord- 

 ingly. If similar conditions can be secured at home the grower may embark 

 on this most fascinating phase of Orchid culture with confidence. 



