304 MY GARDEN. 



digious size. What may be the use of these pitchers, which at times 

 are full of water, nobody can tell. The N. Rafflesiana (fig. 648) 

 is another fine plant. They are difficult to grow, 

 and must never be allowed to get dry, or they are 

 sure to perish. 



It is a great treat to see Messrs. Veitch's collection 

 of Pitcher plants, which is perhaps the finest in 

 Europe. There is a grace of form about these plants, 

 n addition to their strange incomprehensible structure, 

 which delights the mind. Who that is able to grow 

 Fig. 648. -N. Rafflesiana.^ pitcher plant would cvcr be without one? 



The Saracenias, which are low pitcher-plants, are also curious, and 

 have remarkable flowers. However, I have had them over and over 

 again, though they have after a time invariably died; for, as in the 

 case of all bog plants, it is difficult to give them their natural con- 

 ditions. I am inclined to think that many species would grow out of 

 doors, and when the next large importation takes place I shall feel 

 great curiosity in trying to acclimatize them. 



Those who cultivate orchids generally love them very much. They 

 are all natural plants, and, with very few exceptions, have not been 

 impaired by the skill of the floriculturists. In a well-stored orchid- 

 house one can see as many plants in a few minutes as could be observed 

 by travelling thousands of miles ; and those who have seen orchids 

 abroad tell me that their blossoms are, in cultivation, , even finer 

 than when growing in their native woods. Nevertheless, there 

 is hardly any joy without some sorrow, and the penalty of orchid- 

 growing is the necessary exposure to the hot damp atmosphere in 

 which they live, — that it is not consistent with the health of human 

 beings. Nothing, however, can be more pleasing or more enviable 

 than the possession of a well-appointed orchid-house. Even with my 

 comparatively limited collection there is not a day in the year that 

 a few exquisite flowers are not in bloom. 



