wild honey upon which St. John fed in the wilderness. There are 

 other interesting specimens of the vegetable kingdom, including 

 a pleasing variety of climbing plants. The arrangement of the exotics 

 in the Central Conservatory presents the appearance of a minia- 

 ture tropical forest, with its luxuriant growth of tree and vine. Until 

 recently the Conservatory was in possession of a specimen of the 

 bohan upas tree, of which such fabulous stories have been told. 

 Each wing of the Conservatory is supplied with a fountain. In the 

 W. range is a vase, brought from St. Augustine, Florida, and taken 

 from the first house built on the North American continent within 

 the present limits pf the United States. A fine specimen of maiden's 

 hair fern grows in the vase. 



The outside conservatories are generally used for propagation. 

 One, however, is specially devoted to camellia japonica, and 

 another to that curious growth, the orchids or air plants. The 

 botanical collection received some valuable contributions from the 

 expedition of Commodore Perry to Japan. The supply is kept up 

 by propagation and purchase, and at rare intervals by scientific 

 or exploring expeditions of the United States. 



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