18 
an 
Lf, 
These two species, which appear to be natives of New Guinea, should be 
grown in the warm orchid house. They are vigorous growers, and are hardly ever 
out of bloom owing to the flowers being produced in succession. 
Our drawing was made from a plant shown by M. G. Mrrzau, the well-known 
Belgian amateur, at a Meeting of the ORCHIDEENNE on Jan. 1o last, when a First 
Class Certificate of merit was awarded. 
(Continued from p. 16) 
Mignonette on her garret window with Odontoglossum Alexandrae, and in summer the 
inevitable Geranium by a Cattleya Mossiae, neither snobs nor millionaires will continue to 
interest themselves in such common plants. 
The rich collections of Mr. X., Baron Y. and Lord Z. will then disappear. The stupid 
biddings at the auction sales of Protheroe and Stevens will also cease, and there will be no 
more disputes and guinea offers for choice varieties, nor will the portion of a unique 
variety any longer be worth its weight in gold. 
Horticultural Catalogues will then announce to customers the price per thousand, 
of Orchid Seedlings of one or two years growth, with a discount of 5 per cent. on orders 
of ro,o0o and more, just as at the present day nurserymen offer osiers and conifers in 
their price lists for plantation purposes. 
Seedling Orchids will be purchased and grown in quantity by specialists who supply 
the markets, and orchids in bloom — fallen from their ancient glory — will lie pitiably 
stranded on the stalls of the retail dealers of the Quai aux Fleurs, at the Place de la ~ 
Madeleine, or at Covent Garden, huddled together with pots of Gilliflowers or Marguerites 
within the reach of the most modest purse. Having enjoyed the riches and happiness 
of this world they will then become a source of pleasure to humble folk. 
At this epoch we shall also see displayed on the outside cover of horticultural 
journals an advertisement announcing the approaching publication of a practical work 
on orchids from the pen of one of the most competent and sympathetic orchidologists, 
under the suggestive title of “ Orchids in Europe : The Rise and Fall of a Vegetable 
- Genus to the Twentieth Century. ” Such is'the accurate and fatidical picture of the probable 
results of hybridisation. Does it please or sadden? Having faithfully reproduced the 
arguments on either side I hesitate to say. And yet, whether fashion bears them to the 
highest point or abandons them through caprice, orchids will still remain queens among 
flowers and be preferred by true amateurs who will continue to admire them as one of 
the most sublime expressions of nature’s beauty. 
_ J. Racor. 
evil 
