122 



into one organ, known as the column, was pointed out as the 

 distinctive character of the orchid. 



" Another interesting feature is the diversity of the hp-form. 

 The Hp is one of the petals. In some forms, such as Odonto- 

 glossum, it much resembles the other petals. In Oncidium it 

 is markedly different in size and color ; in Cattleya it becomes more 

 modified by the inroUing of the base into a tube which surrounds 

 the column; in Dendrobium a still greater modification occurs 

 in the inrolling of the margins of the lip into a saccate organ; 

 and in Cypripedium this tendency is greatly magnified, giving 

 us the "slipper." 



" The stem or leaves of orchids are frequently thickened, thus 

 serving as storage organs for water. The water supply of many 

 orchids, on account of their habitat on trees and rocks, is very 

 uncertain, and those, thickened leaves or stems carry the plants 

 safely through periods of drought. When the thickened stems 

 are short, and round or oval, they are known as pseudobulbs. 



" Some orchids grow in the ground and are known as terrestrial. 

 These are commonly found in temperate regions, where dangers 

 from frost exist. The majority, however, are epiphytic, that is, 

 they grow on trees, and are found in warm temperate and 

 tropical regions. The number of species is between 6,000 and 

 7,000, of which about 150 are found in the United States. The 

 two great centers of their occurrence are: in the New World, 

 in northern South America, northward into Central America, and 

 in the West Indies; in the Old World, in India and the Malay 

 region. A series of slides was then exhibited illustrating some 

 of the common wild and cultivated forms." 



Meeting adjourned, 

 B. O. Dodge, 



Secretary. 



FIELD MEETINGS 



The following excursions are advertised by the field committee : 

 May 13. — Edenwald, N. Y. Meet at Terminus of 3rd Avenue 



Elevated R. R. at Botanical Garden, at i p. m. Fare 20 cents. 



Guide, Dr. P. A. Rydberg. 



