SEPTEMBER, 1910.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 261 
long morning in the different houses one cannot help wondering how many 
genera and species Sir Trevor’s unique collection contains. A catalogue of 
these alone would occupy considerable space, to say nothing of hybrids, 
which are also well represented. A good many of the latter have been 
raised in the collection, though rare and interesting species unquestionably 
occupy a more prominent place, while the usual showy species are well 
represented. The requirements of such a varied lot of plants must keep 
Mr. White and his assistants pretty busy, and it says much for the 
intelligence and experience of the growers that the culture, generally, reaches 
such a high standard of excellence. 
One cannot realise the richness of such a collection by a casual visit. 
It should be seen at every season of the year. There is a charm in such 
a varied collection of Orchids, in the endless variety of habit and mode of 
growth, the quaint distinctiveness of structure, and wonderful variety of 
colour and marking. The effect is kaleidoscopic and as varied as the 
seasons, and one cannot wonder at the continued and growing popularity 
of these fascinating plants. 
THE BEE ORCHIS. 
SOME time ago the following letter from Mr. E. Kay Robinson appeared in 
the Daily News on the subject of the shapes and colours of flowers, with 
special reference to the Bee Orchis :— 
‘‘Under your heading of ‘Nature Notes’ some criticism has been 
published of my view that Darwin and his followers have been quite wrong 
in supposing that the colours, markings, and shapes of flowers are due to 
selection by insects. I say that the advantage to the plants from these 
colours, markings, and shapes lies in deterring grazing and browsing 
animals from eating the blossoms, and I challenge any Darwinist to quote 
any single instance of a flower whose colours, markings, or shape are 
inconsistent with this view. 
‘On the other hand, I can quote hundreds of instances which are 
inconsistent with the orthodox view that these colours, markings, and 
shapes are due to selection by insects. It will suffice, however, if I quote 
only one. 
** Of all our British wild flowers, the Bee Orchis, or ‘ Ophrys,’ is perhaps 
the most remarkably coloured, marked, and shaped. In colour it exhibits 
extraordinary contrasts between pale pink in some parts and rich chocolate 
- brown and yellow in others. In markings, the way in which the yellow 
is streaked upon the chocolate brown is very striking. In shape it is very 
remarkable, having a pair of apparent wings, a pair of apparent antenne 
or feelers, a round, velvety body, and a sting! Now, if the colours, 
markings, and shapes of flowers are due to selection by insects, the 
