THE ORCHID REVIEW. 341 
persuading D. Brymerianum toact asa parent, one cannot feel quite certain 
as to the ultimate result. 
The object of this letter is to endeavour to ascertain if the difficulty 
cannot be overcome. Whilst it is not to be expected that anyone, who, by 
labour, expense, and thought, has solved this riddle of Nature, will pub- 
lish the methods adopted until he has reaped his reward, there must be 
many who are making experiments, either without success, or only partial 
success, whose experiences would be very beneficial one to the other. 
The season before last, about fifty crosses were made in my houses, 
under as many different conditions as seemed likely to produce the desired 
result, but the plants declined to assist, either as seed.or pollen parents. In 
some few instances pods commenced to form, but in no case did they 
remain upon the plants for longer thanseven weeks. These partial successes 
promise a possible complete success, and will be tried again. Last season 
about 150 crosses were made; this time many plants being chosen, more 
resembling D. Brymerianum in growth, and habitat. The previous season’s 
experience was repeated, except in the case of a Dendrobium of the nobile 
section, and two of those more nearly resembling D. Brymerianum. 
The pod on the D. nobile set well, and swelled slowly for five months, 
when it appeared to ripen; and split. Upon taking the pod off and 
examining it, no trace of seed, or even chaff, was to be found. The other 
two pods promise well, and better results are hoped for, though by no 
means confidently. 
Some time since our scientists gave us a reason why it is difficult to 
make Lelia Digbyana a seed parent. Will they help us with a theory as 
to the probable cause of the trouble with D. Brymerianum, so that our 
efforts may be continued in the light of their knowledge? The exchange 
of opinions, and records of failures, or partial successes, of any who are 
trying to raise what would probably prove a most beautiful hybrid, would 
be an encouragement to persevere. 
Ricup. G. THWAITES. 
Streatham. 
[We cannot suggest any reason for the difficulty, unless it be that D. 
Brymerianum is too distinct from the species which have been crossed with 
it. The yellow flowered section seems difficult to hybridise successfully. In 
1893, Mr. White, of Burford, wrote in these pages (p. 17):—‘‘ For many 
years past frequent attempts have been made to obtain seed from such 
species as D. moschatum, D. Calceolus, D. fimbriatum and its variety 
oculatum, D. clavatum, D. chrysotoxum, &c., but without success. Last 
year over a hundred flowers of D. fimbriatum alone were hybridised, but 
not a single seed-pod was obtained.” We should be glad to know the 
experience of others.—ED.| 
