30 ORCHID HYBRIDS. 



cross momentous enough to be christened as the lord of 

 a manor. I think it is time that we consider a hybrid 

 among orchids as so common an appearance that we 

 pass it over without special ado, unless it be a great 

 improvement on what we already have on hand. What 

 do our results amount to at best? Cypripedium, the 

 genus most easily raised from seed, has been prostituted 

 with such a multitude of rabbling bastards that it takes 

 the eye and taste of a high mind to keep above them. 

 Remember that your most noble genus of Odontoglossum 

 is so far in the back ranks of your hybrids, that a few 

 lines will mention all you have perfected so far. Im- 

 press upon your mind that your success in hybridizing 

 has been so entirely one-sided, so minute in regard to 

 the difficulties awaiting you in future work, that it will 

 never do to rest satisfied with the little accomplished. 

 My list may be late in making its appearance, but it is 

 early yet if we pause a second to contemplate what 

 wonders are within the scope of our zeal. Consider 

 only that stock of hybrids which you boast of! Cpd. 

 Morganiee, the pride of your collections, how often has 

 it been repeated? Why was it that not dozens and 

 dozens of you attempted the very same as soon as the 

 world of orchid growers was on tip-toe about that wonder 

 of wonders? How many Spd. Schrcederse do you call 

 your own? Why not have your Croesus a whole stock of 

 self fertilized Cpd. Stonei platytseniurn corning on? 

 Where is the man who crossed Philippinense and hirsu- 

 tissimum? My list can be a guide, to tell at a glance what 

 has been accomplished, and what combinations might 

 be entered into. Of course we should not forget that 

 every grower of orchids is dependent from the extent of 

 species in his possession. But you can mail pollen to 

 assist each other. And is there a large collection which 



