SEPTEMBER, 1907.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 261 
Is Lelia majalis about to appear in a new character? It was being 
offered for sale at a recent R.H.S. meeting with the following interesting 
leaflet :— 
“ La&LIE MajaLis. 
‘““A most beautiful and hardy Orchid which we are selling, in order to 
introduce them to the public, at from 1s. each and upwards. This is the 
lowest price at which Orchids have been sold in this country. 
“The name Orchid is sufficient to convince people that they are getting 
something for a shilling, which later on may be worth many pounds. 
“The flower of the Lelie Majalis is most beautiful, and either white, 
red, or yellow in colour, when cut it will last in a perfect condition for weeks 
together. 
“The Orchid is one of the easiest plants to cultivate. 
“A simple method of growing them is to set them on some peat moss 
which is easily obtainable, or crushed bark will do as well, oak bark pre- 
ferred. Keep warm and moist and no further care will be required, as they 
will soon attach their roots to this. They will often grow placed on the 
mantel-piece. 
‘*TWO BULBS TOGETHER, I/-.” 
A few other plants were offered, which unfortunately were not Orchids, 
though one was said to “grow on trees like Orchids.” It was the Fons 
juventutis, or Fountain of Youth, “ novel, strange, and mystifying.” It is 
said to grow “on air and water alone, and merely has to be protected 
from severe frosts.” For ‘decorating purposes” it is said to have “no 
equal,” and it ‘produces most beautiful flowers, which remain in bloom 
for many months. Just imagine a plant living, growing, and blooming for 
years and years without mould, gravel, soil, or phosphates.” It is found 
“in the great Cyprus swamps, where it is utterly impossible to secure the 
plants without the aid of a boat; and being frequently discovered many 
miles from any habitation it is necessary for the gatherers to climb to the 
tops of the trees and far out to the swinging branches. The natives 
often lose their lives in gathering them, hence the large sums, frequently 
many pounds, being paid to secure a small specimen of this remarkable 
plant. After considerable time, trouble, and great expense, the Sole 
Importers have secured important leases of large tracts of land where 
these plants grow, and by a system of rest-houses from the swamps to the 
settlements and the coasts, we are enabled to supply the public with one 
of the seven wonders of the world in the kingdom of plant life.” Prices 
Is. to 2s. each, according to size. How I long to know more about the 
history of that Lzelia. 
ARGUS. 
