34 4 ORCHIDS. 
for, while all varieties require ablution for their leaves and stalks, 
blossoms, especially of the Cattleyas, if wet with but few drops 
of water, quickly become brown and decay. In large orchid- 
houses, men are constantly employed in washing these pets, even 
using soap at times. 
Aye, “using soap.” We can but be reminded, in this connec- 
tion, of the old proverb,—that though “godliness is first in im- 
portance, cleanliness is the next.” And it is noteworthy how very 
many of the moral inculcations addressed to men, find strikingly 
analogous duties required even in the vegetable kingdom. 
Those who have become familiar with greenhouse scenes will 
see an appropriateness with preceding notes, we think, and enjoy 
the descriptive poem annexed: — 
Who loves a garden, loves a greenhouse too. 
Unconscious of a less propitious clime, 
There blooms exotic beauty, warm and snug, 
While the winds whistle and the snows descend, 
The spiry myrtle with unwith’ring leaf 
Shines there, and flourishes. The golden boast 
Of Portugal and Western India there; 
The ruddier orange, and the paler lime 
Peep through their polish’d foliage at the storm, 
And seem to smile at what they need not fear. 
The amomum there with intermingling flowers 
And cherries hangs her twigs. Geranium boasts 
Her crimson honors; and the spangled beau, 
Ficoides, glitters bright the winter long. 
All plants of every leaf, that can endure 
The winter’s frown, if screen’d from his shrewd bite, 
Live there, and prosper. Those Ausonia claims, 
Levantine regions these; the Azores send 
Their jessamine; her jessamine remote 
