xlvii HYBRIDISING AND RAISING ORCHID SEEDLINGS. 
and Odontonia, the former including some of the most brilliant hybrids that 
have yet appeared. An enormous number of seedlings are now in existence, 
and some striking developments may be anticipated. In using Cochlioda 
as the seed parent it should be remembered that the genus possesses two 
lateral stigmas. The seedlings should be treated like Odontoglossums. 
PHALENOPSIS.—Several beautiful Phalaenopsis hybrids have been raised, 
but they grow slowly, and require a good deal of care. The capsules mature 
early, and the seeds should be sown on the compost of the parent plants, and 
the seedlings, when large enough, should be carefully pricked off and placed 
in the best position in the house, after which, with proper care, they will 
gradually progress till the flowering stage isreached. The behaviour of the 
flowers after fertilisation is curious. The sepals and petals do not fade, but 
gradually lose their original colour, becoming green, and doubtless act like 
leaves in assimilating food for the benefit of the maturing capsule. Vanda 
is an allied genus of which two hybrids have been raised, and the seedlings 
should receive similar treatment to Phalenopsis. 
SEEDLING ORCHIDS AND Funci1.—The question of fungus co-operation 
in Orchid roots is interesting. By a series of experiments M. Noel 
Bernard has ascertained that the presence of certain microscopic fungi is 
indispensable for the germination of Orchid seeds. He has always found 
these fungi on the seedlings sent to him, as well as in those collected in their 
native homes; also that when the seeds are sown in sterilised tubes 
germination cannot progress beyond a certain stage. But ifthe fungi are 
then added growth proceeds, and he comes to the conclusion that these 
fungi elaborate a supply of food which the young seedlings are not able to 
obtain for themselves. How far this information can be utilised by Orchid 
growers is not quite clear, for these fungi are present wherever the parent 
plants are grown, and so the seedlings may be left to take care of themselves. 
A photograph of M. Bernard’s cultures, with details, may be found in the 
Orchid Review (1906, pp. 201, 203). 
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS.—It may be added, in conclusion, that Orchid 
seedlings, whatever the genus, require the same treatment as their parents, 
and where the latter are well grown, no difficulty should be experienced. 
A little additional care is necessary during their infantile stages, because 
from their minute size a few hours neglect may injure them beyond all hope 
of recovery, while the effect upon older plants might scarcely be noticed. 
For the same reason special attention should be paid by the grower to 
cleanliness, and to the keeping down of insect pests. In a wild state 
seedlings receive no special attention, but the conditions are suitable for old 
and young alike, and the plants pass through their different stages accord- 
ingly. If similar conditions can be secured at home the grower may embark 
on this most fascinating phase of Orchid culture with confidence. 
