THE ORCHID FAMILY. 419 



that cultivators have experienced in their attempts to raise 

 hybrids. When Orchid seeds are obtained, they should be 

 examined under a good microscope ; if they are perfect, the 

 nucleus ought to be seen beneath the translucent, membranous, 

 reticulated testa or seed-coat. If the nucleus is not developed, 

 it is useless to expect germination to take place ; we might as 

 well expect to obtain a batch of young Ferns after having sown 

 the empty spore-cases, which last is far from being an uncom- 

 mon occurrence. Not forgetting what has already been 

 achieved in the way of hybrids, it will be generally admitted 

 that as cultivators we have still much to learn, in so far as the 

 raising of Orchids from seed is concerned. That which has 

 already been done in this direction, and a glance at our com- 

 plete list of hybrids, ought to induce those who have the 

 opportunity to undertake more extended researches. Two 

 growers at least have succeeded in rearing seedling plants of 

 the beautiful and rare Cypripedium {Sdtnipedium) Schlimii 

 viz., M. Leroy, Passy (France), and Mr Pilcher, gardener to 

 S. Rucker, Esq. of Wandsworth. Perhaps the most brilliant 

 success has attended the patience and perseverance of Mr 

 Dominy, of the Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, who has 

 succeeded in crossing several genera, amongst which may be 

 mentioned Cattleya with Lselia, Phaius with Calanthe, and 

 Calanthe with Limatodes. 



Disa grandiflora comes up from seed very freely, and some 

 of the beautiful varieties into which it sports have doubtless 

 originated in this manner. Disas and Cypripediums are ob- 

 tained from seed quicker than any other Orchids. Cattleya 

 seeds also germinate well ; but the perfection of the seedling 

 plants is effected very slowly. Orchid seed when obtained 

 should be sown immediately on some fresh living sphagnum in 

 a moist situation, where there is no danger of its being dis- 

 turbed for twelve months at least. After the seed is sown, it 

 should never be allowed to become dry, for on this depends 

 all hope of success. Even after the seed does germinate, it 

 takes the seedlings a long time to make flowering plants ; still 

 the raising of seedling Orchids is very interesting for those 

 who have the leisure and inclination to devote to the sub- 

 ject. Only a few genera have as yet been operated on suc- 

 cessfully by the hybridiser Chysis, Dendrobium, Cattleya, 

 Cypripedium, Goodyera, Phaius, Calanthe, Laelia, Anaecto- 

 chilus, Aerides, and Limatodes being all. There would appear 

 to be a natural affinity between Calanthe and Phaius, seeing 

 that they cross most readily, although botanically one belongs 

 to the Vandae and the other to the Epidendreae. 



