136 THE ORCHID REVIEW. (May, 1922. 
*“ What is the significance,”’ enquires Mr. Knudson, “‘ of these results in 
relation to the views advanced by Bernard and Burgeff, and quite generally 
believed to-day, that for the germination of Orchid seeds infection of the 
embryo by the appropriate fungus is essential? . . . In brief, it is con- 
ceivable that germination is induced not by any action of the fungus within 
the embryo, but by products produced externally on digestion or secreted 
by the fungus. . . . Inconclusion, it may be stated that the evidence 
for the necessity of the fungus for germination has not been conclusively 
proved. There is still considerable work to be done before the validity of 
the fungus hypothesis can be proved or disproved.” 
The article is illustrated by photographic plates showing embryos in 
small spherule and seedling stage; culture tubes with various solutions; 
and a flask containing seedlings one year old. 
CYMBIDIUMS FROM GLASGoW.—The extensive collections of Orchids in 
the Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Public Parks are always a source 
of attraction tothe numerous visitors, and during the last month or two the 
Cymbidiums have been a special feature. From Mr. James Whitton, J.P., 
V.M.H., the able Director, we have received a very interesting series of 
about two dozen flowers of various Cymbidium hybrids. Some three years 
ago a hundred seedlings were purchased, and the fine results already 
obtained will doubtless be surpassed as the plants increase in strength and 
flowering capacity. Cymbidiums are found to be very suitable for the 
requirements of the above Gardens, as they last a long time in bloom, and 
even in a cut state their durability far exceeds that of many other flowers. 
These blooms are excellent examples of good cultivation, being thick- 
textured and of bright colouration. C. Diana (eburneo-Lowianum X 
Pauwelsii) is an ivory-white flower with a rose-coloured column and slight 
spotting on the lip. C. Glasgow (eburneo-Lowianum x Alexanderi) has 
cream-coloured sepals and petals, and the lip suffused with rose-pink, 
making a pleasing flower. In C. Beryl (Lowianum x Pauwelsii) the 
reddish-crimson blotch on the lip shows to advantage against the straw- 
coloured sepals and petals, while in C. Goldflake the large flower is of soft 
rose tints, the lip spotted with crimson, and the keels thereon bright yellow. 
Some varieties of C. Lowianum, a well-k 
from this cool-growing Burmese plant many of the best present-day hybrids 
have been evolved. Its graceful arching Spike imparts a truly decorative 
secede and this particular quality is very much appreciated by all who 
admire the beautiful plants in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, as well as 
those in Springburn Park, Tollcross Park, and Queen’s Park. In these 
four collections there are at least 12,000 Orchids, and it is questionable if a 
larger number is owned by any other municipality in Great Britain. 
nown species, are also included, and 
