38 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [FEBRUARY, 19¢3- 
MENDEL’s Law oF INHERITANCE. 
The question of Mendel’s Law of Inheritance has been considerably 
discussed in connection with hybrid Orchids, and some remarkable cases of 
variation among secondary hybrids have been noticed, of which it is sup- 
posed to afford an explanation. A forthcoming paper by Captain C. C- 
Hurst is awaited with interest, as hybridists are anxious to know what 
may be the practical application of the theory. It is a complex but very 
important biological problem, and Orchid hybridists are likely to supply 
some very important data towards its solution. 
LossEs DuRING THE YEAR. 
The losses by death during the year have been heavy, and include such 
well-known names as Mrs. Briggs Bury, a most enthusiastic amateur, H. ji 
Ross, of Florence, Henry Tate, Captain Hincks, the successful raiser of 
Masdevallias, Robert Tunstill, the Ven. Archdeacon Rawstone, William 
Bull, the well-known nurseryman and importer of Orchids, E. Rodigas, and 
V. Faus, formerly gardener to Baron Hruby. Owing to this and other 
Causes several well-known collections have been dispersed, but others have 
been commenced, and thus the ranks are being gradually filled up by acces- 
sions from outside. 
The past year has been one of marked progress, and we may hope that 
the one now commenced may be equally distinguished. The supply of 
novelties seems likely to increase, owing to the extension of hybridisation, 
and this will afford materials for selection and further progress ; while the 
experiments being made in the cultural department also promise to yield 
very important results, and both will conduce to the increased popularity of 
this beautiful family of plants. 
HOW MY COLLECTION ORIGINATED. 
I HAvE had a small greenhouse for many years, and at different times have 
tried to grow roses, vines, tomatoes, and the usual mixed collections of 
amateurs, but each different effort seemed to pall upon me, 
two’s trial satisfied me with each species, and I wanted a c 
four years ago I came across Mr. 
Guide Book, and a glance through it 
and a year or 
hange. About 
Burberry’s Amateur Orchid Cultivator’s 
fired me with a desire to grow Orchids. 
I was offered about a score of plants by a friend who had grown tired of 
them, and I carried them home with eagerness. I had then only a small 
conservatory, 20 feet by 12 feet, with a lantern roof, and standing 12 feet 
high at the ridge. I was very soon told in my search for knowledge that 
my house was most unsuitable, and that I might as well abandon any hope 
of growing Orchids successfully in it, but I read Mr. Burberry’s book 
exhaustively, and concluded that with care and attention the structure did 
