INTRODUCTION. xi 



even for a long evening and be as fresh at the close, 

 as when newly gathered. If we mistake not, Orchid 

 flowers have a grand future before them, not simply 

 as shapes of beauty for the conservatory, to be ad- 

 mired and be left untouched, but as an absolute ne- 

 cessity even in completing in-door "dress. Some of 

 these Orchids, when they do change, actually grow 

 larger and more beautiful. Witness those extraordi- 

 nary species of the Venus' Slipper, the petals of which 

 are only an inch in length, when the flowers expand, 

 but which in four days' time grow to be a foot and a 

 half long, and endure for three weeks. 



"Orchids not only fulfill the excellent use of foster- 

 ing good taste. The collection and culture of these 

 plants opens up new fields for the legitimate employ- 

 ment of wealth. While their flowers supply new and 

 exquisite materials for modest and becoming per- 

 sonal adornment, they greatly contribute, likewise, to 

 advance the knowledge of physiological science. 

 Therefore, we must not be hard upon them because 

 they supply so little of economic worth. Vanilla is 

 the only product of the race, that in England, at all 

 events, is ever utilized. Never mind. As the forest- 

 tree, that is green for a thousand years, can leave it 

 to the summer poppy to be gaudy, so the Orchids, 

 filling the soul with an ever new delight, may well 

 leave the food and clothing question to more homely 

 things. 



" The special homes of epiphytal orchids are moist 

 woods upon the slopes of hills, chiefly in equinoctial 



