294 



POPULAR GARDEN BOTANY. 



require more care, and a hotter and damper atmosphere 

 than the terrestrial Orchids, and can seldom be introduced 

 except where these essentials to their health can be easily 

 obtained. A few will however be mentioned,, to point out 

 their beauty and extraordinary characters. 



VANILLA. 



This genus consists of West Indian and South American 

 plants. V. aromatica and planifolia bear fruits which are 

 the Vanilla of commerce. Lindley says : — " Vanilla is one 

 of the most delightful aromatics known ; it is used in the 

 manufacture of chocolate, liqueurs, and of various articles of 

 confectionery. The substance called by this name is the 

 dried fruit of V. planifolia and other species ; it contains a 

 great quantity of essential oil and a good deal of benzoic 

 acid. Dr. Bird says that the effluvium of Vanilla intoxicates 

 the labourers who gather it. V. claviculata is bitter as well 

 as fragrant, and its leaves are regarded in the West Indies, 

 where it is called 'Liane a blessures/ as having medicinal 

 properties. In New Holland many species are eaten by the 

 natives, who find their starchy roots a good article of diet." 

 This plant has been grown in the hothouses of this country, 

 but it never perfected its fruit till Dr. Morren of Liege dis- 



