[8] 
begun with a vengeance—imagine a scarlet Cymbidium! That such a wonder existed has been known for some years, 
and no less than three collectors have gone in search of it. Two died, and the third has been terribly ill since his return 
to Europe, but he won the treasure, which we shall behold in good time. Those parts of Madagascar which especially 
attract botanists must be death-traps, indeed! M. Leon Humblot tells how he dined at Tamatave with six compatriots, 
exploring the country with various scientific aims. Within four years the six died (one of whom was his own brother), 
and he is the only survivor. Another of these unfortunates, travelling on behalf of Mr. Cutter to find butterflies and 
birds, shot at a native idol. The priests soaked him with paraffin and burnt him, tied on a table, perhaps their altar. 
Mons. Humblot himself has had awful experiences : seven years ago he found Phaius Humblotii and tuberculosus in the 
deadliest swamps of the interior ; a few of the bulbs gathered lived through the passage home, and caused much excite- 
ment when offered for sale at Stevens’ auction rooms. Mons. Humblot risked his life again two years ago and secured a 
quantity, but at a dreadful cost; he spent twelve months in the hospital at Mayotte, and on arrival at Marseilles with 
his plants, the doctor gave him no hope of recovery.” 
Our plate was taken from a plant in the possession of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, M.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking. 
