112 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
February 7, 1993. 
WORK OF THE WEEK. 
An Interesting Phase of Orchid Hybridisation. 
The raising of “ bigeneric hybrid Orchids,” through the inter¬ 
crossing of the different species, is one of the most interesting 
branches of hybridisation. This being so, it is remarkable 
how few of our prominent hybridists in the past have given 
any particular attention to the production of seedlings from 
anything but that to which the particular species belongs. 
Even now, with our up-to-date records, we can find but few 
that have given to it the attention it deserves. It was not 
until 1887, when Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, introduced 
Zygocolax Veitchii, which was derived from the intercrossing 
of Zygopetalum crinitum and Colax jugosus, that any attention 
Worthy of note had been devoted to this particular branch. 
It may be mentioned that many crosses had previously been 
lilade between the different species of Cattleyas and Laelias, 
and were originally classed under these heads before the 
bigeneric name of Laeliocattleya was founded. These have 
since been removed, and are now properly classified. The 
flowering of Zygocolax Veitchii practically marks the com¬ 
mencement of a new era in the history of Orchid hybridisation, 
for it led to the origin of a new name, derived from the joint 
names of the parent species used in its production. 
Phaiocalanthe Sedenii was the next bigeneric hybrid to 
flower, being the result of crossing Phaius grandifolius and 
Calanthe Veitchii. The combination of other members of 
these species has resulted in the production of several useful 
hybrids. 
The Epidendrums have been one of the most prominent 
Orchids used up to the present in the production of bigeneric 
hybrids, and many remarkable additions have resulted. One 
of the finest of these is Epiphronitis Veitchii, a cross between 
Epidendrum radicans and Sophronitis grandiflora. It would 
be scarcely possible to select two more widely distinct species 
structurally than those used in the production of this hybrid. 
In the habit of growth the Epidendrum parent predominates, 
the height being reduced from 15 in. to 12 in. by the influence 
of the dwarf-growing Sophronitis. The flowers are produced 
on racemes as in the Epidendrum parent, often carrying up¬ 
wards of a dozen flowers. The flower is like a glorified E. 
radicans, with a darker crimson in the sepals and petals. The 
lip has a large blotch of yellow on the disc, covered with deep 
purple spots. It is certainly one of the most successful crosses 
that has ever been made. The lasting qualities of the flower, 
combined with its easy culture, render it a most desirable 
kind for amateurs. The intercrossing of Epidendrums with 
Cattleyas and Laelias has found favour also-, most of these 
having made their appearance during the past three or four 
years. 
Sophronitis grandiflora has been used in the production of 
ten different hybrids of bigeneric origin. The combination of 
Sophronitis and members of the Cattleya family may not strike 
one as being more than might have been expected, if we con¬ 
sider the slight differences which distinguish the two genera. 
This combination has certainly been one of the most successful 
that could be desired. It was by intercrossing Sophronitis 
grandiflora and Cattleya intermedia that we obtained Reichen- 
bach’s Laelia batemanniana, which flowered in 1886 in Messrs. 
Veitch’s nurseries. By far the best hybrid of this section was 
exhibited by the same firm at the Drill Hall meeting of the 
Royal Horticultural Society on July 25th last, and named 
Sophrocattleya Queen Empress, derived from the crossing of 
S. grandiflora and C. Mossiae. 
We have had instances of failure with what has been sup¬ 
posed to be hybrids of bigeneric origin. An attempt to cross 
Zygopetalum Mackayii with Odontoglossum crispum proved, 
on flowering to be the last-named species. A still closer amal¬ 
gamation has been attempted on many occasions, viz. r the two 
sections of the “ Slipper Orchid ” family, Selenipediums and 
Cypripediums. I have on several occasions crossed these, and 
apparently good seed has been the result; but from some cause 
or other the seed lias persistently failed to germinate. I hear 
that others have been more fortunate, for it is reported that 
large plants exist, but that they cannot be induced to flower. 
A few years back the possibility of hybrids of any description 
being found among species in then native habitat was scouted 
by botanists, yet it is now a well-known fact that hybrids have 
appeared possessing the intermediate characteristics of the two 
species found growing together—Laelia purpurata and Cattleya 
intermedia, for example. From the intercrossing of these we 
have the natural hybrid Laeliocattleya elegans of the schiller- 
iana section, or those with white sepals and petals. (The 
origin of this has recently been proved by the flowering of a 
plant which had been artificially fertilised.) The dark section, 
or the true Lc. elegans, is derived from the intercrossing of 
L. purpurata and C. Leopoldii, which are also found growing 
together. 
There are other instances which could be cited of the exist¬ 
ence of so-called natural hybrids, but bigeneric hybrids are 
rarely met with. The first to make its appearance was Epi- 
cattleya guatemalensis, deriving its origin from E. aurantiacum 
and C. Skinneri. It was originally found growing on the same 
tree with the two species by Mr. Skinner, and was described 
as Cattleya guatemalensis, and was certificated under that 
name. It possesses the unmistakable characteristics of the 
combined parents. The flowers are quite intermediate in 
colour, being of a peculiar orange flushed -with rose. It is 
very rare, and can only be found in one or two of our prominent 
collections. 
A large and interesting field is still open for the production 
of bigeneric hybrid Orchids. It is a branch that is well worthy 
of the attention of those who' have leisure for experimenting in 
this direction. H. J. 
The Kitchen Garden. 
The present month will be a busy one in the kitchen garden, 
and, to a great extent, one will have to be ruled by the weather. 
February is generally known as one of the wettest months in 
the whole year, though this is not always the case by any 
means. Take every advantage of dry, frosty days for com¬ 
pleting all wheeling operations, especially on newly-trenched 
ground, much of which can be greatly improved by giving a 
surface dressing suited to the nature of the land ; burnt garden 
refuse, soot, lime, old mortar rubble, road scrapings, and the 
like are all excellent for the purpose, and„by thus applying 
these valuable items when the subsoil of a stiff nature has been 
brought to> light and assisted by the penetrating March winds, 
little difficulty will be found in working it if favourable oppor¬ 
tunities are taken for so- doing. 
Endeavour to find work under cover for all hands dining 
wet weather, and by a little forethought this can generally be 
done, which in the end will prove advantageous both to the 
men and the welfare of the land. 
Such work as cleaning and repairing tools, preparing Pea 
and Bean sticks, making new and repairing old seed-boxes, 
sifting and getting ready various soils which will be required 
shortly, looking over the root stores, sorting out and exposing 
seed Potatos, pricking off seedling vegetable crops raised in 
boxes, making Seakale cuttings and heaps of other work 
which has to be done at some time or other, can be well accom¬ 
plished under cover, and will then be in readiness when 
required. 
Parsnips.—All old roots still in the ground—and which is 
the best place for them up to this date—should now be lifted 
and stored in sand or finely-sifted cinder ashes under a north 
Wall. 
The site which the new bed is to occupy this year should, 
be got in readiness, and on light diy soils, should the weather 
be favourable, the seed should be sown any time after the 
middle of the month, but in late cold districts this is best 
deferred till quite the end of the month or the beuinnino - of 
