158 
wholly different were evidently blended. These several instan- 
ces, all coming within my observation in the course of two sea- 
sons, have fully satisfied me, that a change both in character 
and quality, is frequently effected. It will be for the physiolo- 
gist to instruct us as to the mode by which it is done ; and pro- 
bably a close investigation of the subject may discover, in this 
process of nature, sufficient to account for the occasional appear- 
ance of a nectarine on the same branch with a peach : this, 
indeed, appears to me a more reasonable mode of accounting 
for such an anomaly, than any which I have yet heard suggested. 
I have noticed these few facts, for the purpose of drawing the 
attention of horticulturists to the subject ; and I trust, that those 
who have leisure and opportunities will, by actual experiment, 
endeavour to ascertain whence these occasional deviations arise. 
Such an investigation will not be useless ; for if their does exist 
in fruits such a liability to change, it will at once be evident to 
the intelligent cultivator how much care is requisite in growing 
melons, cucumbers. See. to secure their fine characters, even 
without reference to saving seed for a future crop. Such exper- 
iments will, I doubt not, frequently succeed, if made with care 
and on large-flowered plants. On apples, pears, &c. it will pro- 
bably be accident only that will give success. 
168 Distribution of Orchidace®. The universal admiration 
bestowed on orchidaceous plants may render occasional obser- 
vations regarding them not uninteresting, even to those who 
take no part in the cultivation of these members of the nobility 
of vegetation. As they require to be constantly kept in a high 
stove temperature, under peculiar management, few persons, 
comparatively, devote their time and pecuniary means to their 
culture ; still, through floral exhibitions and the liberality of 
those who do possess them, most persons, who desire it, have 
opportunities of witnessing the variously mingled colouring, 
and the monstrous shapes, assumed by these plants. This sub- 
ject has been more immediately brought under our notice, by 
the splendid publication of James Bateman, Esq. who possesses 
a magnificent collection of this noble family of plants ; a family 
which, as he says, “is remarkable for having always its dwell- 
ing aloft upon the branches of trees, and w hich scorns the lowly 
ground ; like the seats and castles of the great, which are usually 
built in elevated situations.” In the days of Linneus this family 
