CHAPTER V 



ORCHIDS 



IF the reader so loves the wild flowers 

 that he has accompanied us thus far, 

 and has patience to push on with us 

 along the streams, over the hills, and 

 through the woods, sooner or later we 

 will come upon a treasure new and rare, a 

 tall and stately flower, aloof and haughty, 

 and we will instinctively know that we are 

 in the presence of the flower of flowers, the 

 Orchid. 



We will not gather it, for we are not loot- 

 ing the forest of its richest treasures; but 

 we will enjoy it and study it where it grows, 

 and perhaps we will bring one or two friends 

 who will do homage also. 



But before we examine our prize as to its 

 construction and habits, its peculiarities, and 



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