The Nature of Orchids 



consequence. But the objection cited is worthless. 

 Those who rely upon it overlook the parrots, not 

 to mention other birds, that feed and perch and 

 roost in flocks. A glorious spectacle is the sudden 

 rising of a body of macaws when startled ; and in 

 Central or South America one can enjoy it many 

 times in the course of an early walk for the 

 trouble of firing off a gun. The tree-top breaks 

 into a scarlet flame, which explodes, as it were, like 

 a rocket, and fire-balls whiz off from the centre. 

 The droppings of those great birds day after day 

 must be enormous, and the orchids get a share. 

 Parrots and parroquets, if smaller individually, 

 congregate in hundreds on one tree. I mention 

 these only, but there are flocks of little birds which 

 perhaps contribute more excreta in the bulk. And 

 these roost among the orchids ; macaws and parrots 

 do not commonly, preferring the denser foliage of 

 lianas. Monkeys must not be forgotten, nor, espe- 

 cially, fruit-eating bats. Evidently there is no lack 

 of manure upon the branches, and of the strongest 

 sort. 



I take it, therefore, that orchids are benefited by 

 the direct application of a stimulant, but the differ- 

 ence of conditions must always be borne in mind. 

 Droppings melt off a round bough in an instant 

 during the rains, when plants are feeding, and dry 



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