Journal Number 104
August 2007

EDITORIAL

Victorian Orchids
By Ian St George

David McConachie phoned and told me this is exactly what we want in New Zealand.

Jeffrey Jeanes and Gary Backhouse have extensively revised their book, and presented it in a
new format.

Wild Orchids of Victoria, Australia is a triumph: superb layout, the full range of species, including colour variants, aff. and tag-named taxa. The descriptions are brief and to the point. There is the usual introduction, glossary and key.

But it is the photographs that stand out. These are excellent, clear, explanatory shots with several photographs of each taxon, mostly taken without flash, in habitat, with natural backgrounds.
A few bear the tell-tale signs of Photoshop sharpening and colour adjustment, but these are a distinct minority.

This is a treasure, and the Victorian orchid enthusiasts are fortunate indeed to have it.