ORCHIDS, 71 
“Mexican Vanilla is highly esteemed, and is cultivated in cer. 
tain villages of the State of Vera Cruz. In the interest of the 
toiling and rarely thrifty Indian, it is to be wished that vanilline 
should no longer be extracted from fir-tree sawdust, — otherwise 
the true vanilla must lose its character and value.” 
The bud is in the bough, and the leaf is in the bud, 
And earth’s beginning now in her veins to feel the blood 
Which, warmed by summer suns, in their alembic of the vine, 
From her founts will overrun in a ruddy gush of wine. 
The perfume and the bloom that shall decorate the flower, 
Are quickening in the gloom of their subterranean bower, 
And the juices meant to feed trees, vegetables, fruits, 
Unerringly proceed to their preappointed roots. 
Uhou hast fanned the sleeping earth till her dreams are all of flowers, 
And the waters look in mirth for their overhanging bowers; 
The forest seems to listen for the rustle of its leaves, 
And the very skies to glisten in the hope of summer eves. 
HORACE SMITH. 
