ORCHIDs, 
23 
MASDEVALLIA | VEITCHII, 
THIS variety, represented by Plate No. IV, 
— named in compli- 
ment to the eminent English florists, is a nati 
Ve-0f Perr aitibloss 
soms in February and March. The Specimen here presented is 
from the greenhouse of Mr. Ames, of North Easton, 
is a good example of those classed as “cool orchids,” 
lower temperature than most other species. 
Mass., and 
requiring a 
These flowers are not so much chosen by amateurs (or for com- 
panionship in these pages), on account of especial beauty, as for 
their strangely curious or grotesque appearance. Some of the 
Masdevallia take on resemblances of the spider, or look much like 
long-legged insects of different kinds. The object of their collec- 
tion in orchid-houses seems to have been to present a distinct 
phase of the singular and odd features to be occasionally found in 
this great and wonderful family. 
Since these pages were begun, however, we are informed that 
a new impulse has been given and a deep interest, recently mani- 
fested among orchid-growers, in this species, as a result of the 
importation and growth of Masdevallias of uncommon attractive- 
ness and beauty. 
There is a lesson in each flower, 
A story in each stream and bower; 
On every herb on which you tread 
Are written words which, rightly read, 
Will lead you from earth’s fragrant soa 
To hope —to holiness — to God. 
