116 ABOUT ORCHIDS. 
an orchid in those parts to scientific friends. The 
account reached England, and was treated with 
derision. Monsieur St. Leger, nettled, sent some 
dried flowers for a testimony ; but the mind of the 
Orchidaceous public was made up. In 1883 he 
brought a quantity of plants and put them up at 
auction; nobody in particular would buy. So 
those reckless or simple or trusting persons who 
invested a few shillings in a bundle had all the fun. 
to themselves a few months afterwards, when the 
beautiful Oncidium Jonesianum appeared, to con-— 
found the unbelieving. It must be added, however, 
that orchid-growers may well become an incredu- 
lous generation. When their judgment leads them 
wrong we hear of it, the tale is published, and out- 
siders mock. Butthese gentlemen receive startling 
reports continually, honest enough for the most 
part. Much experience and some loss have made 
them rather cynical when a new wonder is © 
announced. The particular case of Monsieur St. 
Leger was complicated by the extreme resemblance 
which the foliage of Onc. Jonestanum bears to that 
of Onc. cibolletum, a species almost worthless. Un- 
fortunately the beautiful thing declines to live with 
us—as yet. 
Cattleya Dowiana was rediscovered by Mr. 
Arce, when collecting birds: it must have been a 
