a ae oe Ba 
En ee Se Ng eae, nee ee 
Se oe ee Ee ee ry 
al 
In the upper part, were some superb varieties of Laelia purpurata, which 
unite grace and nobility to a majestic bearing; the divisions of the flower 
are rose, transparent, and the lip of a splendid purple-red, intermixed with 
the havannah colour, so rare and so distinguished, of the Laelia grandis tenebrosa. 
Next came some superb clusters of Odontoglossum crispum, of different varieties 
pure white and blotched, gracefully hanging over a foundation of verdure. Lower, 
the charming bouquets of the Dendrobium nobile blended well with the Cattleya 
Trianae, Mossiae and Mendeli of superior varieties; all these charming species 
blending their fresh delicate tints, rose, carmine, cream-white and purple to 
the edges of the Corbeille most harmoniously. Two sides of the Corbeille were 
adorned with Miltonia vexillaria, which voluptuously displayed their languishing 
charms down to the crystal of the vase; while on the two other sides, some 
Dendrobium nobile, more humble and timid, were mixed with some clusters of 
Coelogyne cristata, with flowers of a lovely white, relieved by gold on the centre 
of the lip. 
These hundreds of precious flowers formed the happiest contrast; they 
were intermixed with ferns and Asparagus plumosus, which brought out their 
innumerable qualities and gave to this floral chef-d’ceuvre the light and exquisite 
grace, without which no combination of flowers would please the eye. 
What still added to the value of this imperial bouquet, was the distinction 
of the perfume of most of the flowers, from the Lily of the valley perfume of the 
Coelogyne cristata, to that of honey of the Cattleya Mosstae, subtile scents the 
blending of which deliciously embalmed the air. 
This extremely delicate homage has been much appreciated by Her Imperial 
Majesty and gave an agreeable surprise to the noble and gracious Tsaritsa of 
all the Russias. 
eVU 
qe 
wee” 
