112 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
to its use, for imported plants do degenerate, but our seedlings will take up 
all the space as it is vacated, and the only fear we have is that it will not be 
vacated as quickly as needed for the rapidly growing young seedling plants. 
It is easy to understand why hybrids are said to be of greater longevity 
than plants from the woods; the former are to the manner born, and are 
specially fitted to survive under our conditions. If it were not so we 
should not even see them, they die when so small. 
These notes are sent at the request of some of my countrymen who 
have seen and heard of some notes of mine in American Gardening. If 
printed, it will lead me to believe that more will be acceptable. (Such facts 
are always welcome.—Ep-]. Details are sadly needed to help along the 
good work of stimulating others to begin the fascinating work of raising 
seedling Orchids. E. O. ORPET. 
So. Lancaster, Mass., U.S.A. 
ORCHID NOMENCLATURE. 
I was very glad to read in your last number (p. 82) that the question of 
Orchid nomenclature had again been brought forward by that enthusiast, 
Mr. De B. Crawshay. If I may venture to express an opinion I should be 
sorry to see the suggested Orchid Society severed from the R. H. S., but I 
think a good deal might be done by forming an Orchid Society under the 
wing of the R. H. S. at a small extra subcription ; and if the R. H. 5. 
would give such a Society facilities for holding a few Orchid exhibitions 
during the year a certain income sufficient for the Orchid Society's 
needs should be assured. The duty. of such an Orchid Society when 
formed should be to at once combine all similar Societies in England, — 
and commence the formation of a register for all Orchids, and should only 
allow one name to be given to either a species or a hybrid of a certain cross, 
for what can be more ridiculous than some ten or twelve names being given 
to hybrids all raised from the same parents and coming from the same seed- 
pod. Definite rules should be laid down for the judging of Orchids ; all 
new species should be entitled toa certificate as such, and hybrids should be 
arranged into three or even four classes, anda First-class Certificate or what- 
ever the highest award may be called should be a very rare distinction. At 
present the Orchid Committee of the R. H. S. can only divide species and 
hybrids into two classes, which does not give sufficient scope for distinction- 
I am too young and inexperienced an Orchid enthusiast myself, but 
_ wish that those of light and leading in the Orchid world would take the 
matter in hand at once. If they will give us a lead, they will be well 
backed up by a large number of lovers of this most interesting culture- 
The Avenue, Gipsy Hill. FRANK A. REHDER.. 
