I see by an article in the April number of the Gardeners' Monthly that you mention about Cypripedium insigne having two flowers on a spike. I wish to say I find that a common occurrence. We had several that way here in Mr. De Witt Smith's garden at Lee. We never took much notice of them, as I always put it down to the plants being in good condition. Some of our plants are three feet through, and have from 80 to 100 blooms each flower, and being 5½ to 6 inches across. I think if some gardeners knew the true value of old C. insigne we should hear a great deal more of spikes having two flowers on them. How often do we see plants of that orchid look as if they wanted to die, the leaves all dried up, and with two or three flowers only on the plant; and as soon as they are cut the plants are thrown out of sight. I myself consider that insigne is one of the best old friends we have, and they ought not to be forgotten for the sake of new.

Lee, Mass.

[It is very interesting to know that this peculiarity occurs so often, and the person who first gites a true explanation of the cause, will render a great service to science. The supposition that the " plants are in good condition " does not explain the process by which the change comes. Thousands of plants in good condition never exhibit the peculiarity. There must be something else in addition, and, if this "something else" should be always present, - always producing this effect, we should have a new species. - Ed. G. M].