THE ORCHID REVIEW. 83 
Schroederz, C. Trianz, C. Lueddemanniana, C. Dowiana, and its variety 
aurea, are not very safe. The seed of C. labiata is very small indeed, and 
does not germinate with freedom, as one would think. I know several 
collections where apparently good seed-pods have been obtained, but no 
seedlings have been raised from them. Lelia crispa, L. Dayana, L. 
harpophylla, L. Perrinii, and L. prestans are, on the whole, fairly good 
parents, and can be relied on. Lelia Digbyana, the desideratum for 
hybridising purposes, is neither a good seed-bearer nor a good subject to 
fertilise. It is therefore advisable to use this plant for pollen parent only. 
My esteemed friend, the Rev. F. D. Horner, successfully obtained a couple 
of seed-pods at the expense of his plants. Unfortunately, no progeny has 
been raised. 
Dendrobiums require similar treatment to that recommended for 
Cattleyas; they are of quicker growth, and on the whole require less 
attention. Numerous crosses have been obtained from D. nobile and its 
varieties, and secondary hybrids from the offspring. Compare D. nobile 
and D. x Apollo, truly a marvellous improvement, obtained through the 
skill and perseverance of Mr. J. Cypher. The nigro-hirsute class, such as 
D. Jamesianum, D. infundibulum, D. Draconis, &c., do not readily cross 
with D. nobile, D. Wardianum, &c., and Dendrobium Brymerianum is a 
most difficult subject to deal with, and cannot be recommended as a seed- 
parent. D. Wardianum is another bad seed-parent ; in fact, very difficult 
to fertilise. Only one cross has so far been recorded where D. Wardianum 
acted as seed-bearer, namely, D. Lutwychianum. Looking over the 
meetings of the R.H.S. I find that Sir Trevor Lawrence exhibited two 
plants, the offspring of D. Wardianum. OD. fimbriatum, D. clavatum, D. 
Calceolus, and D. chrysotoxum are most difficult to fertilise. Mr. White, 
Sir Trevor’s able gardener, told me that he tried over 100 flowers a couple of 
years ago without success. Pretty and interesting hybrids have been raised 
from D. Findlayanum, which, no doubt, will lend themselves admirably for 
D. Phalaenopsis has not been sufficiently long im- 
e as a seed-parent ; the flowers I find, however, are 
There is yet a large field open for the hybridist ; 
secondary crosses. 
ported to prove its valu 
not easy to hybridise. 
_____Dendrobiums are the favourites of most Orchid growers, and every 
improvement is hailed with great pleasure. 
Cypripediums are easily raised from seed, and so numerous are the 
crosses that it is almost labour in vain to raise any more, except by crossing 
varieties of sterling merit to effect an improvement. The hybrids of 
Godefroye, niveum, and concolor are an exception 
nate with freedom in spite of labour and care 
hese varieties should be sown in a 
h a iittle peat is added; a capital 
Cypripedium bellatulum, 
to the rule; they do not germi 
bestowed upon them. The seed of t 
mixture of sandy fibrous loam, to whic 
