44- 
THE ORCHID WORLD. 
[November, 
HYBRIDS OF 
ODONTOGLOSSUM ROSSII. 
THREE natural hybrids at Odonto- 
glossum Rossii exist in aspersum (R. 
X maculatum), Humeanum (R. x cor- 
datum), and vexativum (R. x nebulosum), the 
latter also known as Od. Duvivierianum. It 
is true that the parentages have not been 
proved by artificially raising and flowering 
these hybrids, but from the characteristics of 
their flowers we may safely assume that they 
are correct. One other Mexican species that 
would make an interesting hybrid with Od. 
Rossii is Od. Cervantesii. In many ways it is 
similar, the chief difference being in its 
broader petals and the markings arranged in 
concentric fashion. 
All important Rossii hybrids of the future 
will be those between this Mexican and the 
various Colombian species. The few already 
produced give some idea of further possi- 
bilities and the most likely means of obtaining 
the finest results. 
Odontoglossum spikes may be roughly 
divided into three classes. The tallest would 
contain species of the Edwardii and ramosis- 
simum type ; the second class, to which the 
majority belong, may be exemplified by cris- 
pum ; and the shortest class hy the dwarf- 
growing Rossii. By the continual use of Od. 
Rossii we shall be able to develop a most 
useful and elegant section of the genus, and, 
moreover, one likely to he of very great 
interest. 
Odontoglossum Rossii is particularly dis- 
tinct, the bright chrome yellow of the crest and 
surrounding surface is very beautiful, and one 
has only to mentally blend this with the hand- 
some yellow crest of Harryanum and the 
future ix)ssibilities are at once apparent. 
Some amateurs may suggest that yellow is 
not a suitable colour to encourage, but these 
opinions rapidly change when hybrids such 
as Jeannette and Woodroffeas are produced, 
for in these the contras*; of the bright yellow 
crest supported by the large violet-purple 
labellum is singularly effective. 
Colour arrangement follows fairly definite 
methods in the primary hybrids of this 
species ; but in secondary and those containing 
more than two species the variation will be in 
accordance with the complexity of the 
parentage. The basal markings on the petals 
of Rossii will always create in the hybrid a 
tendency to produce colour accumulation 
in the same place, although this situation 
may be more or less extended in agree- 
ment with the spotted area of the other 
parent. 
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
October 8th, 191 2. 
Members of the Orchid Committee present : 
J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the chair), Messrs. 
Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), R. A. Rolfe, J.Wilson 
Potter, W. Thompson, R. G. Thwaites, F. J. 
Hanbury, T. Armstrong, A. McBean, C. H. 
Curtis, J. Charlesworth, J. Cypher, W. P. 
Bound, J. E. Shill, H. G. Alexander, A. Dye, 
W. H. White, Gurney Wilson, W. Bolton, J. S. 
Moss, de B. Crawshay, Sir Harry J. Veitch, 
and Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart. 
Lieut.-Col. Sir George Holford, K.C.V.O., 
Westonbirt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), showed 
Laslio-Cattleya Berthe Fournier var. Fascina- 
tor, with six large rose coloured flowers ; L.-C. 
Priam, with seven large Harrisoniana 3haped 
flowers ; and the elegant Cypripedium Draco 
"Holford's var." 
H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. 
Mr G. E. Day), was awarded a Silver Flora 
Medal for a very interesting group. The 
centre contained the remarkable Cattleya Iris 
var. King Edward VII., which has previously 
had a First-class Certificate ; Sophrocattlaelia 
Elissa, of a pretty buff colour ; Laelio-Cattleya 
Mrs. Donald MacMaster var Carmencita (C. 
Dowiana Rosita x L.-C. luminosa) ; and L.-C. 
Elva var. Herbert Goodson. 
Messrs. Sander and Sons, St. Albans, were 
awarded a Silver-gilt Medal for a large group 
containing the pretty Cattleya Isis ; C. 
Fabia Rex, white with a finely-coloured lip ; 
