viii Preface. 



occupied being generally from the month of October 

 to the month of July. 



The greater part of the illustrations are from 

 photographs taken by me, more especially those of 

 the plant pictures in the forest. Both plant-collectors 

 and dealers have doubted the possibility of this, 

 because they have not before been able successfully 

 to photograph Odontoglossum Alexandra: on its native 

 trees, or the native means used to drag the plants 

 from their cold, damp Andean home. But, as I still 

 hold the original negatives, I shall be pleased to show 

 them to any unbeliever. 



In a work of illustrations like this, there is much 

 which the amateur photographer must leave to be 

 finished by the skilful artist. This has been entrusted 

 to the hands of Gustave Gu^eenheim. 



