194 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
water of the lagoon, and about a foot above it, was a branch of one of these 
dead trees. Here and there clusters of common planta del ayre grew on it, 
and a network of green cacti twined round it. Among the Orchids I noted 
one different from the rest, the leaves, sharp, lancehead shaped, growing all 
round the root and radiating from it. From the centre or axis of the plant 
hung a long, slender stem about one-eighth of an inch wide, the lower end 
of which was in the water to the depth of about four inches. 
‘*LIKE A ROLL OF TAPE. 
‘<T at once went over to examine my discovery. Imagine my surprise 
when I touched the plant to see this centre stem gradually contract and 
convulsively roll itself up in a spiral like a roll of tape, and when the plant 
was in want of water this tube would gradually unwind till it dipped into 
the water. 
‘*SLOWLY COIL AND WIND UP. 
“Then it wculd slowly coil round and wind up, carrying with it the 
amount of water that that part of the tube which had been immersed con- 
tained, until, when the final coil was taken, the water was dumped, as it 
were, direct into the roots of the plant. The coil remained in this position 
until the plant required more water. Should the plant, however, be touched 
while the tube is extended, the Orchid acts like the sensitive plant (Mimosa) 
and the coiling action is much more rapid.” 
There it is, and I am coolly asked what I think of it? Why not ask me 
to determine the genus; or to say what particular part of the plant that 
mysterious ‘‘ tube ” represents ? A few other questions might also be asked, 
but when one begins to dissect a story of this kind one never knows when 
to stop. On the whole I prefer to wait till someone sends a “ specimen,”’ 
which could be dealt with more satisfactorily. Its investigation will no 
doubt yield some equally startling results—when it comes. 
We have had an interesting little discussion on Orchid Nomenclature, 
though, so far as I can see, without any very practical results. The remarks of 
‘‘ Spectator” at page 180 seem to be very much to the point. It 1s doubtful 
whether a great Central Authority would effect much improvement unless 
Orchidists are prepared to support its decisions regardless of personal 
considerations. But there seems to be-no known method of combining the 
conflicting interests which are at work. -We do not want a repetition of the 
farce of appointing a Nomenclature Committee to draw up Rules, but with- 
out the power to see them enforced. It would be better to allow things to 
to drift on as at present, and in any case the result would be much the same. 
What is wanted is a few simple Rules, and a Censor who will see that they 
are rigidly enforced. The former we already have, and the chief difficulty 
