APRIL, 1923-] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 99 
DESCENDANTS OF COCHLIODA SPECIES. 
HEN does a descendant of Cochlioda cease to be an Odontioda ? 
This a question by no means easy to answer. At some future date 
a definite decision will be required, and it may be the R.H.S. Orchid Com- 
mittee to whom the appeal will be made. The original cross between 
Cochlioda and Odontoglossum was Odontioda Vuylstekez (C. Noezliana X 
O. Pescatorei), and, as a primary hybrid, it may be considered as containing 
equal parts of both parents. 
A second step occurred in the mating of Oda. Vuylstekee with Odm. 
ardentissimum, and in the result, known as Odontioda Royal Gem, there 
is still much evidence of the Cochlioda species, although in the aggregate 
less than formerly. A third stage was reached by crossing Odontioda 
Royal Gem with Odm. Harryanum, and recording the result as Odontioda 
Joyce. 
This process of carrying forward the original Odontioda by crossing it 
with a pure Odontoglossum can be repeated a hundred times, yet according 
to our present system of nomenclature all the results, however much they 
may differ, will be classed as Odontiodas. Hence the question: When does. 
a descendant of Cochlioda cease to be an Odontioda ¢ 
Probably more than one of our readers will suggest sorting out the 
seedlings according to the distinctive qualities of the flowers: those with 
a reddish tinge being called Odontiodas, and the white ones Odontoglossums. 
From a practical point of view this method is certainly much to be com- 
mended. For example, taking the third stage mentioned above, the 
seedlings having a reddish tinge would be recorded as Odontioda Joyce 
(Oda. Royal Gem X Odm. Harryanum), as formerly, and the white varieties. 
from the same seed-pod would be classified as Odontoglossums. 
All this appears simple until we come to the correct recording of this. 
latter section, for if we regard them as Odontoglossums the name cannot 
be followed by an Odontioda parentage (Oda. Royal Gem X Odm. Harry- 
anum), nor can even the same specific name in this case be adopted, for 
Odontoglossum Joyce has already been used for the hybrid between Odm.. 
Olgar and Odm. Aireworth. 
MASDEVALLIA PERISTERIA.—One of the handsomest of the coriaceous 
Masdevallias, introduced by Messrs. Veitch from Colombia, in 1873, through 
Gustav Wallis, who met with it in the province of Antioquia. The labellum: 
is very singularly coloured, being covered with numerous close-set amethy- 
stine papilla, and the top of the column and the petals have a striking 
resemblance to the same organs of the flower of the Dove Orchid, 
Peristeria elata. 
