FEBRUARY, 1917-| THE ORCHID REVIEW. 27 
is said ought to be settled both by the systematist and the evolutionist 
before proceeding further. “‘A species,’ we are told, “ should consist of a 
group of individuals of really identical constitution,’ and what this means 
must be explained. The species of Linnzus are dismissed as “ no species.” 
Jordan long ago observed differences in them, and on isolating individuals 
showing this variation, and carefully self-fertilising them, he found that the 
differences observable reproduced themselves from seed, hence he restricted 
the term “species” to these minor forms. But even their claim to the 
title is rejected, for the author asks: “Is the standing of the test of 
faithful reproduction by seed proof of specific purity ? The answer is an 
emphatic ‘ no.’”’ 
But if neither the Linnean nor the Jordanian species can stand the new 
test, to what must the term be applied? The answer is: ‘A. species 
consists of the total of individuals of identical composition unable to form 
more than one kind of gametes.” And how may the systematist recognise 
them? Morphological comparison is said to be useless, and even the 
breeding true to type of externally alike individuals is an insufficient test, 
for “all must have the same constitution, and consequently must be alike 
under like conditions.” The test given for specific purity is (1) to “ cross 
the form to be tested with as many pure species as obtainable, reciprocally,” 
and (2) to submit as many of the Fr individuals of each cross to as extensive 
hybrid analysis as possible, in order to test their constitutional identity.” 
If they stand these tests it is ‘ very probable indeed” that they are 
specifically pure. Pity the poor systematist who has to carry all this out 
before he ventures to describe them! After this we can well understand 
the reference to the “pure species which are rarely or never met with in 
nature.” 
But if these are the true “species,” what, then are the others to be 
called? The Lianean so-called species are to be called “ Linneons,” 
indicating “a group of individuals which resemble one another more than 
they do any other individuals.” The smaller Jordanian species are to be 
called ‘‘ Jordanons,” “forms that are externally alike and that reproduce 
their kind faithfully when crossing is excluded.” “ Species’ come next, 
and we need not repeat the definition. “ Hybrids” follow, and are defined 
as individuals able to produce gametes of different constitutions.” Lastly, 
we have the term “‘ Modification,” to designate the non-transmittable effect 
of external circumstances. The term ‘‘ variety” finds no place in the series. 
After such a definition we are a little surprised to find the remark that 
“« Darwin’s theory of the Origin of Species is untenable,” for what Darwin 
