FLOWERS. 43 



rently lifeless, adhering by their tough fibrous roots 

 to the bark ; but no sooner do the clouds of the rainy 

 season empty their life-giving virtues upon the earth, 

 than they send out their leaves in thick tufts, which, 

 being often long and grass-like, have a graceful ap- 

 pearance. After these have arrived at their full 

 perfection, the flower-stems shoot forth, and are some- 

 times several feet in length, loaded with a profusion 

 of gay flowers, frequently very large, and of almost 

 every imaginable shape and color. Some of them 

 bear a close resemblance to living objects. Thus, in 

 the Butterfly Orchis, the likeness is so striking, that 

 one unacquainted with the plant would suppose that 

 a large yellow butterfly had chanced to light upon it. 

 Orchises are divided into two kinds, terrestrials 

 or such as grow upon the ground, and Epiphytes, or 

 those which hang from the trees. Many very beau- 

 tiful terrestrial Orchids are to be found in our own 

 woods and meadows. But the most curious and re- 

 markable species are exotics, and require peculiar 

 treatment to make them flower. The roots are tied 

 to a rough stick of wood, with the bark upon it, and 

 are suspended from the roof of the green-house; 

 others are planted in pots filled with stones and rotten 

 wood. The air in the house being kept constantly 

 moist, the plants thrive and produce their blossoms 

 in great perfection. 



Another very attractive and showy species of plants 

 is the Bignonia, or Trumpet-Flower; of this, many 

 varieties abound in the same localities as the Orchids, 

 and may often be seen weaving a tangled web with 



