THE ORCHID REVIEW. 109 
We have gone into the matter at some length, in the hope of bringing 
out the different points involved in this difficult question, and the 
conclusion we arrive at is that primary hybrids, at all events, should not 
be named in the vernacular, and that the system of compound names is 
too cumbrous and difficult of application. The intermediate course of 
giving a latinised or classical name, limited to a single word and prefixed 
by the sign of hybridity, on the contrary, is short and simple, possesses 
the necessary element of stability, permits the addition of a varietal name 
whenever such an addition becomes necessary, and, we think, should be 
uniformly adopted. 
FEEDING ORCHIDS. 
I HAVE been expecting that some of your numerous readers would give 
their experience of Orchid feeding, as recommended by Dr. Smee (O. R., 
vol. v, p. 270). Early last summer I invested in a set of Apothecary’s 
scales and weights, costing 3s. 6d., and also in 3s. worth of the nitrates 
and phosphates, making up four or five dozen five-grain powders, and using 
one for a one-gallon can. This was given weekly to those plants that 
showed good root action ; also placing throughout the stages a few lumps 
of dry carbonate of Ammonia. This spring all my plants are remarkably 
healthy, and the new bulbs are all very much larger than those of last 
season. Plants of Odontoglossum Rossii are particularly strong, and the 
colouring of the flowers is clean and distinct. I send you a few spikes from 
different pans, which are a fair sample of forty plants. I may say we water 
freely, keeping plenty of ventilation from below with the hot water 
circulation. We used about zlbs. of Carbonate of Ammonia, and have 
some of the powders left for this season. If we had any doubt of the 
benefit of the feeding to the Orchid bulbs we could have none as to its 
effect on the sphagnum, the moss growing tall and so quickly that we had 
to cut it down three times. 
W. G. Moore. 
(The five spikes sent are certainly very good examples of this beautiful 
little Orchid, and we are very glad to learn that Mr. Moore finds the 
treatment beneficial. We have no doubt that many Orchids would benefit 
by judicious feeding if suitable nutriment were given when the roots are 
active, and experiments of this kind, if conducted impartially, afford 
valuable information on the subject. We should like to see the system 
thoroughly tested on a few selected species, several plants each being 
_ Mesen, as nearly as possible of equal strength, and one half fed for two 
: sia ive seasons, the other half receiving ordinary treatment. Of course, 
om ” , be grown together and treated alike in otherrespects. We should 
lke to know the experience of others with this treatment.—Eb.| , 
