240 



OTHER ORCHIDS. 



fragrant Vanilla used in confectionery is obtained from the dried fruit 

 of Vairitta planiflora, and other species, of Mexico.* 



* Attempts made to grow this plant in the East Indies failed, since, though the 

 plant blossomed abundantly, it failed to fruit, owing to the absence of the insect that 

 in its native haunts is its pollen-bearer. On that account artificial fertilization was 

 adopted. 



