106 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [APRIL, 1908. 
for. In the present case we see that not only the presence or absence, but 
even the amount of pigment present in the parents exerts its influence on 
the resulting hybrid, which is in accordance with the experience of 
hybridists in innumerable other cases. 
The following note on the subject appears in the Report of the Scientific 
Committee meeting held on March 17th :— 
CrossEs OF ALBINO OrcHIDs.—In reference to Mr. Hurst’s communica- 
tion to the last meeting upon this point, Mr. Rolfe wrote :—‘* Paphiopedilum 
insigne Sandere X P. bellatulum album does not yield an albino hybrid 
(see Orchid Review, 1908, p. 72), as should have been the case according to 
the theory mentioned by Mr. Hurst at the last meeting. It has very 
numerous minute purple dots on both the petals and dorsal sepal, though 
the ground colour is whiter, and the spots fewer and very much smaller than 
when the ordinary forms of the species are crossed. P. bellatulum album 
‘selfed’ would, I have little doubt, come true, and P. insigne Sander X 
P. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum I should expect to give coloured hybrids, 
because it is a precisely parallel cross to P. insigne Sandere X P. callosum 
Sanderz, and combines the same quite distinct sections of the genus. In 
fact, P. callosum and P. Lawrenceanum (with, of course, their albino forms), 
are very intimately allied. The mysterious ‘factor’ supposed to be involved, 
I believe to be simply the opportunity for reversion which is afforded by 
crosses between such diverse species. The two combinations last mentioned 
should certainly be attempted.” 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 
By W. J. Morcan, Rann Lea Gardens, Rainhill, Lancs. 
ONCIDIUMS.—The autumn-flowering section of this genus will be making 
new growths, and any that need repotting or top-dressing should be seen 
to as soon as the young roots commence to push from the base. A mixture 
of Osmunda fibre, leaves and moss, in equal parts, with plenty of crushed 
crocks to keep it porous, will suit them. In potting, keep the leading bulb 
on a level with the rim of the pot, and if a few of the old bulbs have to be 
buried, put'a few crocks round them to prevent them rotting before the 
young growth gets hold of the new material. Plants that only need top” 
dressing should be picked out and neatly topped up, and it is better to keep 
them separate from the potted plants when staging, as then no mistakes iM 
watering will occur. With few exceptions Oncidiums do well in 4 
temperature of 55° to 60°, and do not need shading so heavily 
Odontoglossums. They do well in a vinery or peach house, especially 4 
lean-to house, where a shelf can be set apart for them, as the moisture and 
air required in such houses seems to just suit them. 
