176 THE WOODLANDS ORCHIDS 



are not really distinct — in the cases given. Must we admit, 

 then, that a Dendrobium of the Himalayas (crystallinum) 

 does not differ generically from an Epidendrum of Mexico 

 (radicans) ? 



This is not the place to argue it out ; nor, in truth, 

 would there be much profit in arguing the question while 

 the number of facts to be adduced is still so small that error 

 is not improbable. I hope I have made it clear that the 

 hybridisation of orchids is the most fascinating of botanic 

 studies at this time ; which is all I have in view. 



But professional ' growers ' are not likely to help the 

 cause of science much — no blame to them either. They 

 cannot afford to make experiments which demand a great 

 deal of time, and increasing attention, for years, from the 

 most highly-paid of their staff — too probably remaining a 

 dead loss after no small portion of a Hfetime has been spent 

 in bringing the produce to flower, A man of business must 

 make such crosses as are most likely to pay in the shortest 

 time — easy species, big, highly coloured. Under the best 

 conditions he must wait three to six years, perhaps ten, or 

 even more. Evidently the most valuable hybridisations in a 

 scientific point of view would be those least likely to succeed ; 

 all would be doubtful, all would require a long term of years, 

 and most would not ' sell ' in the end probably. Such work 

 is for amateurs. 



I can mention only a few of the Cypripediums here which 

 seem most notable, and it will always remain dubious whether 

 I have chosen the best examples. 



Bellatulum eximium.- — The dorsal is small, low and 

 spreading, white, with carmine specks along the edges, large 

 red-chocolate spots inside. Petals closely depressed, mottled 

 with carmine here and there at the edges, and spotted like 

 the dorsal. Lip insignificant — white with a few small dots. 



Olivia (tonsum x concolor). — Dorsal white above, chang- 



