THE ORGAAD - REVIEW. 
VoL. XX. DECEMBER, tog1z. (No. 240. 
—" 
OUR NOTE BOOK. 
THE Special Show of Autumn-flowering Orchids held by the R.H.S. on 
November 5th and 6th last was a magnificent success, and brought together 
such a display of Orchids as has not previously been seen in the month of 
November. The groups staged, both by amateurs and the trade, were 
excellent, but the magnificent group of Vanda ccerulea, of Cattleyas and 
allies, and of Cypripediums staged by Sir George L. Holford will long be 
remembered for their excellence. The award in the two former classes of 
Silver-gilt Lindley Medals for excellence of culture, in addition to the Gold 
Medals offered, was a fitting tribute to the cultural skill of Mr. H. G. 
Alexander, whose abilities in this department are so well known. The 
group of Cypripediums gained the Davidson Cup. The arrangement of 
the show was also a great improvement on the long straight lines of 
ordinary meetings, and the diagonal and circular stands on which individual 
groups were staged was both novel and picturesque. Particulars of the 
competition are given in our report. 
There were, as usual, a number of unfilled classes, and perhaps the 
season was unsuitable for a group of Odontoglossums and Odontiodas. On 
the other hand, so many hybrids of the two “‘ lost Orchids,” Cattleya labiata 
and Cypripedium Fairrieanum, were scattered about the Hall that it is a 
matter for regret that. special classes were not provided for them. Perhaps 
it can be arranged in the future, as a general desire was expressed for a 
repetition of the fixture. 
The Conference on the second day was also very successful, four 
important papers being read. Part of it is reported on another page, but 
the pressure on our space, caused by the annual Index, has necessitated 
the postponement of the greater part until next month, together with other 
reports and important papers. 
With the present issue the Orchid Review completes its twentieth 
volume, and to commemorate the event our January issue will be an 
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