238 ABOUT ORCHIDS. 
unknown, though supremely lovely in the few 
instances that occur. Thus the temptation to 
hybridize with the object of exchanging colours 
is peculiarly strong. 
It becomes yet stronger! by reason ’of the de- 
lightful uncertainty which ‘attends one’s efforts. 
So far as I have heard or read, no one has 
yet been able to offer a suggestion of any law 
which decides the result of combination. In a 
general way, both parents will be represented in 
the offspring, but how, to what degree either will 
dominate, in what parts, colours, or fashions a 
hybrid will show its mixed lineage, the ex- 
perienced refuse to conjecture, saving certain 
easy classes. After choosing parents thought- 
fully, with a clear perception of the aim in view, 
one must “go it blind.” Very often the precise 
effect desired appears in due time; very often 
something unlooked for turns up; but nearly 
always the result is beautiful, whether or no it 
serve the operator’s purpose. Besides effect, how- 
ever, there is an utility in hybridization which 
relates to culture. Thus, for example, the lovely 
Cypripedium Fairieanum is so difficult to grow 
that few dealers keep it in their stock; by cross- 
ing it with Cyp. darbatum, from Mount Ophir, a 
rough-and-ready cool species, we get Cyp. vexil- 
