ol species, we get _Cyp. vexillarium_, which
takes after the latter in constitution while retaining much of the
beauty of the former. Or again, _Cypripedium Sanderianum_, from the
Malay Archipelago, needs such swampy heat as few even of its fellows
appreciate; it has been crossed with _Cyp. insigne_, which will flourish
anywhere, and though the seedlings have not yet bloomed, there is no
reasonable doubt that they will prove as useful and beautiful as in the
other case. _Cypripedium insigne_, of the fine varieties, has been
employed in a multitude of such instances. There is the striking _Cyp.
hirsutissimum_, with sepals of a nameless green, shaded yellow, studded
with spiculae, exquisitely frilled, and tipped, by a contrast almost
startling, with pale purple. It is very "hot" in the first place, and,
in the second, its appearance would be still more effective if some
white could be introduced; present it to _Cyp. niveum_ and confidently
expect that the progeny will bear cooler treatment, whilst their "dorsal
sepal" will be blanched. So the charming _Masdevallia Tovarensis_, warm,
white and lowly, will take to itself the qualities, in combination, of
_Mas. bella_, tall, cool, and highly coloured red and yellow, as Mr.
Cookson has proved; so _Phaloenopsis Wightii_, delicate of growth and
small of flower, will become strong and generous by union with _Phal.
grandiflora_, without losing its dainty tones.

It is worth mention that the first Flora medal offered by the Royal
Horticultural Society for a seedling--a hybrid--in open competition was
won by _Loelia Arnoldiana_ in 1891; the same variety took the first
prize in 1892. It was raised by Messrs. Sander from _L. purpurata_ x
_Catt. labiata_; seed sown 1881, flowered 1891.

And now for the actual process by which these most desirable results,
and ten thousand others, may be obtained. I shall not speak upon my own
authority, which the universe has no reason to trust. Let us observe the
methods practised in the great establishment of Mr. Sander at St.
Albans.

Remark, in the first place, the low, unshaded range of houses
devoted to hybridization, a contrast to those lofty structures, a
hundred yards long or more, where plants merely flourish and bloom.
Their span roofs one may touch with the hand, and their glass is
always newly cleaned. The first and last demand of the hybridizer is
light--light--eternally light. Want of it stands at the bottom of