74 ORCHIDS. 
Our outward life requires them not,— 
Then wherefore had they birth? 
To minister delight to man, 
To beautify the earth; 
To comfort man, — to whisper hope, 
Whene’er his faith is dim, 
For who so careth for the flowers 
Will care much more for him! 
Mary Howirr. 
One of our leading American florists gives the following 
instruction respecting the whole family of the Vanda:— This 
is a genus of exquisitely beautiful epiphytal orchids, from 
tropical Asia. Several of the species were found in our best 
orchid houses some years since, where they are most con- 
spicuous objects, both on account of the size and_ beautiful 
colors and marking of the flowers, as well as for their deli- 
cious fragrance. 
From March till May, the heat for their rooms should 
range from 70° to go® Fahrenheit, and even more in sunny 
weather; and every morning and evening they should be sur- 
rounded with vapor, besides having an application of water with 
a garden syringe once a day. From May till September, 
which in New Jersey is the blooming season,—the same degree 
of heat, but with a diminution of moisture as the flowers 
advance. Afterward, through the winter, moisture may be with- 
held, and the temperature reduced to 60°. 
