THE ORCHID REVIEW. 367 
column, and the lip normally developed. A case is on record of a flower 
with five perfect anthers, which was due to the reversion of the lateral 
stamens of both the outer and inner whorls into perfect ‘anthers. The 
median stamen of the inner whorl, a 3, is seldom perfect, but the peloriate 
state of Selenipedium caudatum, known as Uropedium, affords an example. 
Thus we have traced the presence of all the fifteen organs of a typical 
monocotyledon, and the occasional development of every one of the six 
anthers in a perfect condition. An example of the flower breaking up into 
its original component parts is seen in the so-called double form of Epiden- 
drum vitellinum, which consists of twelve petaloid organs regularly arranged 
in four whorls, decreasing in size towards the centre. In this case the 
stigmatic whorl appears to be suppressed. 
Some malformed flowers owe their peculiarities to irregular suppression 
of various organs of the flower, and may be considered as cripples, though 
in many cases some reversion to the ancestral character may be traced. It 
is remarkable how great an amount of modification, cohesion, abortion, and 
change of function may be seen in the various parts of an Orchid flower, 
and it is very interesting to be able to trace the progressive modifications 
which have been effected in its descent from some original monocotyledonous 
plant, as well as to note the curious reversions to the ancestral character 
which from time to time occur. 
Ry ASR 
AN, AMATEUR’S NOTES. 
THE brilliant autumn-flowering Calanthes have now begun to bloom, and 
will soon be at their best. C. vestita, with its varieties, and the hybrids 
between them and C.'rosea, are among the most useful plants for this 
particular season, and are now becoming rather numerous. Bie Veitchu, 
I think, must be one of the most popular hybrids yet raised, as it is SO 
easily propagated that everyone can grow it in quantity. Some of the 
newer kinds may perhaps ultimately supersede it, but at present it fully 
holds its own as one’ of the best. It quite puts C. rosea In the shade, 
having the good constitution and floriferous habit of the other parent, C. 
vestita, with which it contrasts so well. 
Among the Cypripediums now at their best are : 
Spicerianum, together with C. venustum and C. purpuratum. The two 
latter are most effective at this season, and if well grown very floriferous. I 
have been much struck with the great variety found among the recent cme 
tations of the first-named species, particularly in the size and arrangement ce 
the spots, but to some extent also in the ground colour. Quite a series 0 
Varieties could be selected: Some of the forms of C. x Leeanum are now 
out, and, together with some of those previously mentioned, make ol 
Ree hic. - Even w flower ok are a O. Cummlesworthit linger yet. © 
C. insigne and C. 
