218 THE ORCHID REVIEW. {OcTopER, 1917. 
possible to trace the batch to which they belong by means of 
characters, in spite of the polymorphism seen among secondary hybrid 
complex parentage. The knowledge of the crosses that have been 
renders this possible, but without any record whatever, as in a good 
cases submitted to us, the task becomes difficult, and sometimes impossibl: 
ales if * 
Acting on the assumption that these stray seedlings are generally forn 
of existing hybrids, we think that they should be referred to the hybri 
they most resemble, a varietal name being added in cases of merit. This, 
we think, would be preferable to giving a separate name, and adding 
‘“ parentage unrecorded,” as is so often done, for the latter course implies that 
they are at least new, though of unknown parentage. The well-known 
polymorphism of secondary hybrids has to be taken into consideration in 
dealing with these aberrant forms. The origin of such as are.really distinct 
may sometimes be made out by comparison, and in any case is likely to be 
traced when other seedlings flower. 
With respect to the hybrid described on page 215, we are reminded that 
the name was originally Madame (or Mme.) Brasseur Hye, and that in its 
abbreviated form it would occupy a different place in the alphabetical 
arrangement. The fact was not overlooked, but the charge did not 
originate with us, for we have already a Leliocattleya Brasseur-Hye vat. 
Wilps, to which the same objection—if there is one—applies. It is the 
old question of a bad start ; of a specific name not in accordance with the 
rules. A specific name should consist of a single word, an exception being 
made where two words can be written as one by the addition of a hyphen. 
A varietal name can then be added euphoniously. The varietal name does 
. not matter, because there is nothing more to add. But we have specific 
names consisting of four and five words, and in such cases something 15 
sure to drop out, and entirely without reference to alphabetical position. 
Uhere is a Leeliocattleya that has been variously called ‘‘ The Hon. Mrs. 
Astor” (indexed under T.), ‘* Hon. Mrs. Astor” (under H.), “‘ Mrs. Astor” 
(under M.), and “ Astoria” (under A.), and as a specific name the last 
alone has the sanction of the rules, and is the only one to which a varietal , 
name can be added euphoniously. The case is not comparable with that of : 
florists’ flowers, where the specific name can be understood. Hybrid — 
Orchids are far too numerous, and the omission of the specific names would 
lead to endless confusion. 
The majority of specific names are already in accordance with the rule, 
and its utility is generally admitted, but we think that it ‘should be applied 
without exception, limiting florists’ names to varieties. . 
