260 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [SEPTEMBER, 1907. 
bewildering. In many cases nowadays the parents are themselves of 
hybrid origin. When the seedlings flower names are of course required, 
and so some poor expert receives a flower, perhaps with suggestions of a 
resemblance to several different species, and he is asked to determine the 
parentage. Perhaps the influence of say Lelia cinnabarina is unmistak- 
able, but he is uncertain whether it came from that species direct or through 
one of its hybrids, and for the life of him he cannot tell which Cattleya 
was the other parent, for he thinks he sees resemblances to two or three. 
The proverbial variability of secondary hybrids increases the difficulty, and 
perhaps the poor bewildered expert suggests two or three alternatives, but 
admits that he cannot solve the problem. A stray seedling will often be 
recognised if the raiser retains it himself, and knows the crosses he has 
made, but when it flowers first in a strange collection it is often a very 
different matter. No wonder the nomenclature of hybrids presents some 
difficylties when these different points are considered. 
The following, which I have received from a correspondent, is interest- 
ing in this connection. I had formerly alluded to the offer of ‘‘ Orchid 
seeds at a penny a packet,” and my correspondent, who is anxious to try 
to raise a few seedlings, sent for six penny packets. He encloses a sample 
in one of the original packets, which states :— : 
“* ORCHIDS.—GREENHOUSE. I FOOT. 
“The seeds enclosed are mixed with the dust of seed capsules. The seed 
is almost microscopic. Mix with a little sand and scatter on rough piece of 
peat. Place in moist greenhouse. Temperature 60 degrees. Seed of 
Orchid is slow in germinating and rather difficult to get up.” 
The vendors wrote that they simply supply the mixed seed as obtained 
from a famous grower, and they do not know what sorts are included, and 
they added :—“ It is really offered as a curiosity, and practical Orchid 
growers should understand this... . . We always candidly tell Orchid 
growers that the seed should not be taken seriously.” My correspondent 
remarks that he has nothing to complain about, and he has had quite six 
pennyworth of amusement out of the matter. 
If seedlings should be obtained it will be curious to know what they are. 
Seeds of Cypripediums and Odontoglossums were desired, and the samples 
were said to contain both. Of course these require different treatment, $0 
that if the seed is good, and my correspondent clever enough, he may vary 
the results according to the method of treatment adopted. It is 4 
delightfully free and easy method of Orchid culture. 
