THE ORCHID REVIEW. 5 
some time ago, that importers ought to furnish more information about the 
habitats of new Orchids than at present; and this could easily be done 
without disclosing the localities where they grow, if these must sometimes 
be kept secret. It seems to be thought that because a plant is a Dendrobium 
or an Oncidium, people will know how to treat it. But I once founda 
New Guinea Dendrobium resting in a Cool house with D. nobile, and the 
treatment killed it; and as to Oncidiums, they grow almost from sea level 
in the Tropics right up to the zone of Cool Odontoglossums in the Andes. 
We all know what happened when Odontoglossums were grown in the stove, 
and what would befall Oncidium Lanceanum in the Cool house; hence I fully 
endorse Mr. Burberry’s remarks. The information would be much more 
useful than that sometimes furnished when a new Orchid is distributed, to 
which I have alluded on more than one occasion. Happily it does some- 
times appear from other sources, and is always welcome. 
Several times lately I have called attention to the rapidly growing 
confusion in the names of hybrid Orchids, and also suggested a 
remedy, and I note with pleasure that a correspondent of the Garden offers 
similar suggestions. ‘‘ During the last four years,’’ Stelis remarks, “at 
least 500 new names have been added to the Cypripediums, and it is a 
question whether these are all sufficiently distinct. Take for example, C. 
Ceres, C. Fascinator, C. Medea, and C. Marchioness of Salisbury, the result 
of crossing C. Spicerianum and C. hirsutissimum. Surely, however distinct, 
it might have been considered that the original name of the cross, C. Charles 
Richman, should have remained. My experience is that out of fifty plants 
obtained from the same pod of seed one could get, at the least, forty varieties, 
some with a few more spots and others a shade or two darker in colour. 
Is this, however, sufficient distinction to merit a new name? The Orchid 
Committee seems to think so. I am quite aware of the difficulties under 
which the Committee are placed, but they have a code of rules which appear 
to be followed as much in the breach asin the observance. I believe the 
rules are laid down that all exhibits shall be named in Latin, and a 
reference given to the botanist who has described the plant. This latter 
part might certainly be cut out in respect to hybrids, for the Kew authorties 
decline to deal with them, but in the case of species they are always willing 
to render every assistance. If the Latin naming was strictly adhered to, it 
would do away with useless and unnecessary names. The Committee, by 
setting their faces against complimentary and useless names, such as 
Charles Canham, the Hon. Mrs. Astor, &c., would benefit all lovers of 
Orchids.” 
Here is a promising addition to the ranks of our Rational Nomenclature 
