ORCHIDACEiE. 



This is a most elegant and engaging class of 

 plants, possessing every attraction to occupy the 

 attention of the botanist, and to excite the ad- 

 miration of every one having the least taste for the 

 pursuits of Flora; affording also abundance of 

 matter to the contemplative mind for expatiating 

 on the beauties and endless varieties of nature pre- 

 sented to us in each department of her wonderful 

 works, tending to show that 



44 All nature is a glass reflecting God, 

 As, by the sea, reflected is the sun, 

 Too glorious to be gazed on in his sphere." 



Here we find vegetation producing an offspring 

 bearing a striking resemblance to quadrupeds, 

 birds, and insects. Well might the inspired 

 Psalmist cry out, " O Lord, how manifold are thy 

 works ; in wisdom hast thou made them all. The 

 earth is full of thy riches." 



The orchidaceae are natives of the tropical re- 

 gions, with the exception of a few which are found 

 in more temperate climes. But those noticed in 

 this work being chiefly from the warmer parts of 



