AN ORCHID SALE. 33 
and sentiments, as is the wont of people who climb 
mountains. Among these, by the morning light, 
Mr. Ericksson perceived the sketch of a Cypri- 
pedium, as he lay upon his rugs. It represented a 
green flower, white tipped, veined and spotted 
with purple, purple of lip. “ Curtisz, by Jove!” 
he cried, in his native Swedish, and jumped up. 
No doubt of it! Beneath the drawing ran: 
“C. Cs contribution to the adornment of this 
house.” Whipping out his pencil, Mr. Ericksson 
wrote: “Contribution accepted. Cypripedium 
collected!—C.E.” But day by day he sought 
the plant in vain. His cases filled with other 
treasures. But for the hope that sketch conveyed, 
long since he would have left the spot. After all, 
Mr. Curtis might have chosen the flower by mere 
chance to decorate the wall. The natives did not 
know it. So orders were given to pack, and next 
day Mr. Ericksson would have withdrawn. Onthe 
very evening, however, one of his men brought in 
the flower. A curious story, if one think, but J 
am in a position to guarantee its truth. 
Of another class, but not less renowned in 
its way, was the sale of March 11th last year. 
It had been heavily advertised. A leading con- 
tinental importer announced the discovery of a 
new Odontoglossum. No less than six varieties 
D 
