40 ABOUT ORCHIDS. 
known to us, and probably to others ; no offer is 
made for its reed-like growths described as “very 
free blooming all the year round, with small 
yellow flowers.” Lpzdendrum bicornutum, on the 
other hand, is very well known and deeply 
admired, when seen ; but this is an event too rare. 
The description of its exquisite white blossoms, 
crimson spotted on the lip, is still rather a legend 
than a matter of eye-witness. Somebody is 
reported to have grown it for some years “like a 
) 
cabbage;” but his success was a mystery to 
himself. At Kew they find no trouble in certain 
parts of a certain house. Most of these, however, 
are fine growths, and the average price should be 
12s. 6d. to 15s. Compare such figures with those 
that ruled when the popular impression of the cost 
of orchids was forming. I have none at hand 
which refer to the examples mentioned, but in the 
cases following, one may safely reckon shillings at 
the present day for pounds in 1846. That year, I 
perceive, such common species as Sarkeria 
spectabilis fetched 57. to 172. each; Epidendrum 
Stamfordianum, five guineas ; Dendrobium formo- 
sum, fifteen guineas; Aerzdes maculosum, crispum 
and odoraium 20/., 21/7, and 16/., respectively. No 
one who understands orchids will believe that the 
specimens which brought such monstrous prices 
