SEPTEMBER, 1923.] THE ORGHLD REVIEW, 271 
obtained First-class Certificates when exhibited at the Manchester Orchid 
Society. Dendrobiums include several superb plants of D. Thwaitesie, 
Veitch’s var., as well as most of the popular hybrids. Cirrhopetalum 
Rothschildianum and Peristeria elata are two elegant species frequently 
enquired for by amateurs. Large numbers of hybrids with Sophronitis 
‘grandiflora have been raised here, and among many of outstanding merit 
‘mention may be made of Sc. Santa Fé (C. Rhoda X Sc. Doris), Sc. Prince 
Shimadzu (Sc. Doris X C. King George) and Sle. William Pitt. Slc. King 
George (Slc. bletchleyflora x C. King George) received a First-class 
Certificate, R.H.S., March, 1922. 
One of the most interesting features of this establishment is the seed- 
taising department. The old methods have.been entirely replaced by a 
scientific system that allows a more definite control of the necessary fungus co- 
operation being maintained. Suitable glass flasks are partially filled with 
fibrous compost and sterilised, the fungus being added afterwards from 
stock tubes. After a certain period for the fungus to permeate the compost 
the seed is sown. The results are indeed startling to behold, for Odonto- 
glossum and Odontioda seed germinate so satisfactorily that in most of the 
flasks the surface of the compost is almost covered with thousands of 
minute seedlings. These little plants are subsequently pricked off into 
other flasks and again into small pots. Miltonia hybrids are raised with 
equal success by this method, and tentative experiments are being made 
with the seed of Cymbidiums. 
This firm makes a special feature of the production of hybrids from 
Brassavola Digbyana, in which they have had signal success. Messrs. Flory 
& Black believe that there is still room for further development in Brasso- 
‘cattleyas, and when. one surveys the work that has already been done since 
the days of the first appearance of the primary hybrids—which were really 
revolutionary and sensational—one realises the sure and rapid progress that 
has been made. Twenty years is but a short period in the evolution of 
Brassocattleyas, for in that period one can breed only three generations, 
possibly four with extremely quick results. From the point of view of time, 
the progress has been really phenomenal. The aim here is to produce 
plants with the fine expanse of the lip of B. Digbyana added to the width 
of the petals of the finer Cattleyas, as well as to secure flowers of rich 
colour, the latter a rather difficult problem. Some batches were pointed 
out in which these desirable results may claim to have been achieved, and 
many crosses which promise to eclipse them have yet to flower. Be. 
Viscount Toda (C. Rhoda X Be. Ilene), a plant of which received an Award 
of Merit, R.H.S., last year, was remarkably compact, full in form and 
substance, as well as having a rich colour. Be. Prince of Wales (C. Octave 
Doin x Be. Ilene) received a First-class Certificate at the R.H.S. Autumn 
