10 



stamens and the pistils, though the former are united m a tube 

 closely surrounding it. The corolla in the Mint family (Labiatse) 

 is often formed with a prominently projecting lobe, similar to the 

 lip of the Orchids, and it seems to serve a similar purpose, 

 namely, as an attraction and landing-place for insects ; but the 

 Orchid labellum is different in its origin, and is much more 

 highly developed, or modified. The resemblances pointed out 

 are nothing more, for the nearest relations of the Orchids are 

 found in the Iris and Ginger families ; but further reference will 

 be made to this in the course of the following descriptive notes of 

 the principal organs. 



THE ROOTS. The popular designation of " Air Plants " that 

 was long applied to orchids, and which still survives in the name 

 of the genus Aerides, indicates a character distinguishing a large 

 number of species, namely, all those which, in a state of nature, 

 grow upon trees or other plants living upon the moisture in the 

 air, and having no communication with the earth by means of 

 roots, as in ordinary plants. These were at one time regarded as 

 parasites, but, as they do not derive any of their support from the 

 substance of their host, the term was inaccurate, and epiphyte, 

 meaning simply a plant which grows upon another, was applied 

 to orchids and others of like habit. The epiphytes comprise a 

 large proportion of the tropical orchids which luxuriate in warm, 

 moist climates, and clothe living and dead trees with fresh green 

 leaves and beautiful flowers, loading the air with the most exqui- 

 site perfume, or rendering it nauseous with the most fetid odours. 

 Another large group of species, including those of temperate 

 climates, such as we are familiar with in Britain, are termed 

 terrestrial, from their growing in soil like most plants. These 

 two groups naturally differ considerably in their roots, as they 

 have very different functions to perform. In the former the roots 

 are mostly thick and fleshy, often green, like the leaves and stem, 

 but sometimes white or ash coloured, cylindrical or flat, varying 

 in size from about half an inch in diameter to the most slender 

 fibres, and in length from a few inches to two or three feet. The 

 roots of most epiphytal orchids appear to prefer growing in the 

 air, to being surrounded by any moisture holding substance, and in 

 cultivated plants this is especially notable, much injury being 

 often done by burying the roots deeply. The roots of such genera 

 as the Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis) are very strange, flat, and of 

 an ashy or leaden colour. These cling closely to the wooden 

 blocks or baskets in which the plants are grown, and often present 

 an appearance almost suggestive of diminutive snakes. 



One peculiarity in the case of some Phalsenopsis is that the 

 roots, if injured or broken, occasionally produce young plants at 

 that part, and thus afford a means of propagation, which has not 

 yet been fully appreciated. A good example of this was recently 



