8 ORCHIDS. 
Scientific research has as yet discovered but few econom- 
ical or practical uses of the orchid. A single variety, indeed, 
produces the vanilla of commerce, a highly valuable flavoring 
substance. The tubers of several species furnish a mucilagi- 
nous substance, named by the Turks sa/ef, which is nutritious 
and is used for food. A number of varieties give choice perfumes; 
and a very few plants are understood to have a recognized place in 
the Materia Medica. But we need not doubt that future investi- 
gations will in due time furnish proofs of other uses for this 
strangely beautiful family of the world’s flora. 
The Author gratefully acknowledges the kindness of Major 
Alexander H. Davis, of Syracuse, N. Y., and the kindness of 
Frederick L. Ames, Esq., of North Easton, Mass. (as well as 
that of their very capable and obliging florist gardeners, Messrs. 
H. Youell and W. Robinson), for free access to their splendid 
collections of plants and flowers. 
H.-S. M: 
The designs of the artist have been engraved on stone 
and reproduced in colors by the Hatch Lithographic Company 
of New York. 
