HYBRIDISING ORCHIDS. * 43 



HYBRIDISING ORCHIDS. 



There is nothing particularly difficult in the mere meclianica 

 operation of fertilising Orchids ; for, in the generality of 

 cases, the pollen has only to be applied to the stigma in order 

 to induce fruitfulness. It may, however, be as well to note 

 that both the pollen and stigma vary in structure and general 

 conformation from those of most other plants. The pollen 

 masses are of a waxy consistence, and may be reached by 

 removing the little cap (anther) at the end of the column. 

 The stigma, or stigmatic surface as it is generally called, lies 

 immediately beneath the apex of the column, and is often of 

 considerable size. Any small point, such as that of a quill 

 toothpick, may be used to remove the pollen, and to place it 

 in the stigmatic cavity. The pollen masses of some genera 

 are furnished with a viscid or gummy disc, which readily 

 adheres to the point used. The pollen masses, however, of 

 some Orchids, such as Cattleyas, and especially Dendrobiums, 

 will not readily adhere to the point used ; but to obviate any 

 little difficulty this noay occasion, insert your toothpick into 

 the stigmatic cavity, when it will become coated with the viscid 

 matter or mucus therein contained, and to which the pollen 

 masses will readily adhere, no matter how dry and glossy they 

 may be. In a few hours after the flower is fertilized, it com- 

 mences to wither, and an interesting change takes place with 

 regard to the stigmatic cavity. This cavity is widely dis- 

 tended previous to fertilisation, but as soon as that actually 

 takes place, the sides begin to contract, and finally close in on 

 the cavity, in some cases even overlapping, and thus effec- 

 tually preventing the possibility of the pollen being removed 

 by insect or other agency, or becoming damaged by water or 

 other foreign body coming in contact with it. The ovary 



