104 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [APRIL, 1914. 
There is an unfortunate confusion of ideas in this last clause, which is 
not only out of harmony with the context but is opposed to all preceding 
rules. A hybrid is not a variety, and the common name to which varietal 
names are to be added is a specific name. Now the Congress adopted 
existing rules for species, but this clause reduces species and varieties to the 
same level, a condition of things that cannot be maintained. How such a 
-clause came to be inserted we do not know, but, fortunately, we have 
evidence how the preceding clause was arrived at. After a long discussion 
the matter was put to the vote, when, the report states, one delegate voted 
for ‘‘a name of one word only ; two for one word, if possible; six for one — 
-or two words; five for one to three words; one for a maximum of four 
words ; six for the fewest words possible; and one for any number of words, — 
without limit.” After such a vote—the object of which was to give us a 1 
lear guiding light for the future !—anything was possible. 4 
Apart from the last-mentioned lapse the intention of the rules is clear | , 
from the outset, and may now be summarised as follows :— q | 
Hybrids of similar origin, whether the parents are species or baal | 
and including reverse crosses, shall be considered forms of one, and shall | 
bear the same specific name, varieties being distinguished by the addition ~ 
-of suitable varietal names. | ; ; 
The specific name of a hybrid shall be limited to a single word, with 
the exception that two words may be used when they can be joined bya @ 
hyphen. Short words should be used as much as possible, those exceeding 4 
‘SIX rn being considered inadmissible. 4 
- Names of varieties should be expressed whenever possible by a single 4 
word, the use of three words, however, being permitted as a maximum. 
Other points, such as the way the formula shall be written, the nature of 
the name, and the use of the sign of hybridity, seem to us of subordinate 3 
importance.. The great thing is to have a simple and intelligible system of 4 
nomenclature, that can be added to as required. It seems to us that either 7 
Latin, classical, or vernacular specific names may be used provided they — 
conform to the rules. The sign of hybridity, x, is not required when the 
formula is given, and both are generally aitted in ordinary use, for — 
purposes of brevity. 
Other points are oe provided for, with the possible exception of 7 
hybrids recrossed with their parents, no new element being introduced, and 
hybrids of identical specific composition, though obtained in different way 
but these do not affect the questions dealt with in the preceding article, — 
and particularly that of the specific names of hybrids. There has been 4 
great improvement in this matter of late, and we are not without hope that — 
a general understanding will be reached, and so pave the way for a more = 
stable nomenclature in the future. R.A.R. | 
