In orchid breeding, among other factors, the number of chromosomes 
possessed by a plant is a primary cytological factor deciding the qualifications of 
that plant to serve as a worthy parent or stud. Experience accumulated from 
intense experimentation of the last few years indicates unmistakably that poly- 
ploidy, or the presence of more than the number of chromosomes normal for any 
particular plant group, is a basic prerequisite for a rational and scientific develop- 
ment of superior strains in new crosses. Work in the leading Cattleya family has 
so far lagged behind because of specific technical difficulties. For some time, we 
have been active in this field. Our purpose is to develop vastly improved and 
consistently uniform crosses in terms of plant vigor and productivity as well as of 
blossom size, color, texture, and keeping qualities. 
By leaving behind the hit-and-miss guesswork of the past, and by genetically 
embodying, instead, into our seedlings both polyploidy and the controllable 
maturity factor, it is our ultimate aim to produce in orchids the best that man can 
contrive, advancing resolutely with the moving frontiers of science. 
Goreword 
It is sincerely believed that all basic information needed to evaluate the main 
characteristics of the parents listed herein can be supplied precisely and to-the- 
point without undue redundance. For purposes of clearness and brevity, where 
feasible, each main class of the following crosses is subtitled with a comprehensive, 
though conservative, set of carefully checked characters found to hold true for all 
parents in that class. Concurrently, and advisedly, the wording of individual! 
descriptions has been kept within very few essential terms. So it is with reference 
to the flowering season, a complement endowed with a considerable degree of 
pliability. Of course, should further clarification on any of these points be desired, 
please ask for it in writing. 
Please note that the majority of parent plants herein listed are the recipients 
of one or more Awards of Honor.. The others, equally worthy in every respect, 
have not as yet been exhibited or entered into Competition. Also, please notice 
the complete listing here, for the first time anywhere, of the chromosomal assess- 
ment for each parent. The identity of color, when specified, is in accordance 
with Ridgway’s Color Standards and Color Nomenclature. 
Those who visit KIESEWETTER ORCHID GARDENS can choose from 
numerous varieties not listed in this catalogue, since I can only catalogue a frac- 
tion of our stock. 
