OctoBER, 1917.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 239 
can break new ground, for Orchids are proverbially local. In order that 
opportunities to extend our knowledge may not be lost, we hope that the 
collector will be furnished with a press and a stock of drying paper, so as 
to be able to bring back samples of the plants that he finds. These should 
be localised, and the colour, and any other character that will not be shown 
by the dried specimen, noted on the ticket. They could then be forwarded 
to some suitable institution for study and report. Much yet remains to be 
done, and such a collection would increase the interest in the living plants. 
We hope that the collector, when secured, will not neglect his opportunities. 
s zg 
ee ce Orchids are now making a very brilliant 
display, particularly the Cattleya group, which every year receives a 
number of fine accessions from the hands of the hybridist. C. Dowiana 
and its hybrids probably occupy the first place in point of numbers, as this 
species has been linked up with almost every other that occupies any 
position in gardens, also with the Brazilian Lelias, Brassavola Digbyana, 
and Sophronitis grandiflora, and with their hybrid offspring in a way that is 
quite bewildering. C. Bowringiana and C. labiata have also yielded some 
brilliant acquisitions; in fact the three autumn-blooming Cattleyas 
mentioned have yielded a trio of hybrids in C. Fabia (labiata X Dowiana), 
C. Mantinii (Bowringiana x Dowiana), and C. Portia (Bowringiana X 
labiata), whose decorative value at this season can hardly be over-estimated, 
not to mention the way they are being utilised as stepping-stones for 
further improvements. The long-bulbed Cattleyas are also for the most 
part autumn-bloomers, and have contributed a number of useful hybrids, 
so that there is ample material to select from. 
The Leliocattleyas are now a hest in themselves, and produce a 
profusion of flowers right through the summer and autumn, in fact 
throughout the year ; while the Brassocattleyas are scarcely less ubiquitous 
in their time of flowering. 
The winter-blooming Cypripediums are just beginning their annual 
display, and from now until well after Christmas C. insigne and its 
derivatives will occupy a leading position in the Show house. Here, again, 
there is a bewildering variety, and the increase in the range of colours 
through continued hybridising and selection is being steadily increased. 
Apart from their decorative value at a dull season, they are seldom affected 
by fog, and thus are particularly good town plants, which alone is likely to 
Secure their continued popularity. 
’ 
ORCHIDS IN SEASON. 
