38 ABOUT ORCHIDS.. 
best type, and in splendid condition.” For the 
latter point everyone present is able to judge, 
and for the former all are willing to accept the 
statements of vendors. The glossy bulbs are clean 
as new pins, with the small “eye” just bursting 
among their roots; but nobody seems to want 
Odontoglossum Alexandre in particular. One 
neat little bunch is sold for 11s., which will surely 
bear a wreath of white flowers, splashed with red 
brown, in the spring—perhaps two. And then 
bidding ceases. The auctioneer exclaims, ‘‘ Does 
anybody want any crespums?” and instantly 
passes by the ninety-nine lots remaining. 
It would mislead the unlearned public, and 
would not greatly interest them, to go through 
the catalogue of an orchid sale and quote the 
selling price of every lot. From week to week the 
value of these things’ fluctuates—that is, of course, 
of bulbs imported and unestablished. Various 
circumstances effect it, but especially the time of 
year. They sell best in spring, when they have 
months of light and sun before them, in which to 
recover from the effects of a long voyage and 
uncomfortable quarters. The buyer must make 
them grow strong before the dark days of an 
English winter are upon him ; and every month 
that passes weakens his chance. In August it is 
