328 



THE ORCHIDE^ HOUSE. 



seems to be confirmed by analysis and analogy. Omitting, therefore, a 

 notice of such theories respecting its nature as are opposed to that which 

 is now received as the most correct, it will suffice to explain a httle in 

 detail the opinion which is adopted in this work. The central process, 

 called the columna or column, is understood to be formed by the fila- 

 ments of three stamens surrounding a style, and by mutual accretion 

 firmly united with it, and with each other, into a solid mass. Of these 

 thi'ee stamens it most frequently happens that the two lateral are sterile^ 

 and not fm*nished ^ith even the vestige of an anthera, and that their 

 presence is not indicated by more than two h'regular excrescences, as in 

 Orchis, or by the same number of small appendages, as in Satyrium, 

 or by two horn-hke or tooth-like processes, present in several of the 

 genera, with waxy pollen masses ; it even happens, and not imfre- 

 quently, that no vestige of them remains. But in Cypripedium both are 

 fertile, and bear perfect anthers, while the central stamen is barren and 

 fohaceous. 



^Mien the lateral stamens are, as above stated, abortive, which is the 

 most common form of the column, the central stamen bears at its upper 



extremity an anther, which is either moveable or fixed firmly in its place. 

 The pollen which this contains assumes three very distinct appearances 

 in different tribes. It is either - granular, dividing into many separable 

 small pieces, as in Orchis ; orpowdeiy, consisting of an infinite number of 

 granules, as in Spiranthes ; or waxy, when it consists of a few large con- 

 crete masses, as in Epidendrum. The stigma is most frequently concave, 

 and placed nearly under the anther, but in such a manner that there is 

 no contact between it and the pollen. In what way, therefore, fecunda- 

 tion can take place amoug truly g^iiandrous plants, is one of those 

 mysterious contrivances of uatiu'e which have not as yet been explained. 

 It is generally beheved to take place by absorption in some undiscovered 

 manner before the flowers expand ; but it is extremely difficult to un- 

 derstand how this can occur in many genevdi.'' — Encyclopcsdia of 

 Plants. 



ox THE COXSTRUCTIOX OF THE ORCHIDE-E HOUSE. 



Orchideous plants require a species of cultivation pecuharly adapted to 

 themselves, and whoever means to attempt their culture must set apart a 

 structure for the express pm*pose. The dimensions of an Orchideous 

 House must, of course, depend on the circumstances of the ovmer, the 

 kind and extent of the intended collection, and some other particulars, 



