Xll 



to 138 genera. Since that time the collection has steadily 

 increased. 



One striking evidence of the mastery which horticul- 

 ture has gradually acquired over this difficult branch of 

 cultivation is the successful production and rearing from 

 seeds of hybrids. 



This commenced with the work of Dominy in the 

 nurseries of Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons at Exeter in 1853, 

 and it has been continued ever since with increasing 

 interest and success. It has not been without its scientific 

 value in indicating that many genera, reputed to be 

 distant, are more closely related than had been supposed. 

 The great range of species which Kew has at its command 

 suggests attempts of this kind. And in the genus Disa it 

 has produced crosses which are easy of cultivation and 

 will probably become popular as ornamental plants. 



For the convenience of cultivators a reference has been 

 given, as far as possible, to a published figure under each 

 species. Where available those in the Botanical Maga- 

 zine have been preferred. In other cases the most easily 

 accessible figure is quoted. It must, however, be noted 

 that a species is, in many cases, figured under a different 

 name (synonym) to that cited in the Hand-list. 



