92 ABOUT ORCHIDS. 
lately a machine called the Thanatophore, which 
I confidently recommend. It can be obtained from 
Messrs. B. S. Williams, of Upper Holloway. The 
Thanatophore destroys every insect within reach of 
its vapour, excepting, curiously enough, scaly-bug, — 
which, however, does not persecute cool orchids 
much. The machine may be obtained in dif- 
ferent sizes through any good ironmonger. 
To sum up: these plants ask nothing in return 
for the measureless enjoyment they give but light, 
shade from the summer sun, protection from the 
winter frost, moisture—and brains. 
I am allowed to print a letter which bears upon 
several points to which I have alluded. It is not 
cheerful reading for the enthusiast. He will be 
apt to cry, “ Would that the difficulties and perils 
were infinitely graver—so grave that the collecting 
srounds might have a rest for twenty years!” 
January 19th, 1893. 
DEAR SIR, 
I have received your two letters asking for 
Cattleya Lawrenceana, Pancratium Guianense, and 
Catasetum pileatum. Kindly excuse my answer- 
ing your letters only to-day. But I have been 
