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pe The Orchid Review G 
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g Y VoL. XXVIIL * 1920. No. 325-326. 
(2 O JAN.-FEBRUARY No. 325-326 Lo 
§ OUR NOTE BOOK. % 
“ahi year 1919 will doubtless in the future come to be regarded as a 
transition period, marking the close of a great world tragedy, and the. 
dawn of a brighter and better era. A normal year could not in any case be 
expected. First and foremost we welcome the return of our “ boys” to the 
peaceful pursuits of Horticulture and Orchidology, where their presence is 
greatly needed, though the gallant efforts of an army of volunteers of both 
sexes to “carry on” during their absence, which merits our warmest com- 
mendation, has saved the situation. Our collections may be depleted, they 
have not been destroyed, and will doubtless rival their old time brilliancy 
as normal conditions return. 
The fortnightly meetings of the Royal Horticultural and Manchester. . 
Orchid Societies have invariably produced something of interest, though * 
the exhibits have necessarily been restricted by the abnormal conditions, 
and the resumption of the R.H.S. Spring Show at Chelsea after a lapse of 
two years, though on a somewhat reduced scale, was attended with marked 
success, and four Gold Medals were awarded to Orchids. In place of the 
Summer Show there was a special Exhibition, five weeks later, on behalf of 
the War Horticultural Relief Fund, when Orchids were again staged in 
excellent condition, five groups being distinguished by the award of Gold 
Medals. On this occasion the Orchid Committee did not meet. 
The Orchids certificated by the Society are probably judged on an 
increasingly severe standard, for the First-class Certificates number only 
II, against 64 Awards of Merit, while 11 Preliminary Commendations were 
also given. The Cultural Commendation, which is given in recognition of 
superior culture, has been awarded on seven occasions. It is curious how 
the First-class Certificate has been monopolised by the Cattleya group, 
the only exceptions being Disa Blackii var. grandiflora and Odontioda Lady 
Veitch. The others were four Brassocattleyas, three Leliocattleyas, two 
Sophrocatlelias, and one Brassocatlelia. The Manchester Orchid Society 
‘has also given a large number of certificates during the year. 
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