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Have you looked at that Odontoglossum Pavo, and if so, what do you think of it?" and he nodded towards a plant which stood in the centre of the little group that was placed on the small table beneath the auctioneer's desk. It bore a spray of the most lovely white flowers. "Yes, master, and I think it the beautifullest thing that ever I saw.
The first name that arises to most people in thinking of warm orchids is Cattleya, and naturally. The genus Odontoglossum alone has more representatives under cultivation. Sixty species of Cattleya are grown by amateurs who pay special attention to these plants; as for the number of "varieties" in a single species, one boasts forty, another thirty, several pass the round dozen.
"'Odontoglossum Pavo' is going for twenty-three hundred, only twenty-tree hundred," cried the auctioneer. "Any advance on twenty-three hundred? What? None? Then I must do my duty. One. Two. For the last time no advance? Three. Gone to Mr. Woodden, bidding for his principal, Mr. Somers." The hammer fell with a sharp tap, and at this moment my young friend sauntered into the room.
Afterwards, if he be prudent, he follows his lumber-men, to see that their indolence does not shirk the big trunks which give extra trouble naturally, though they yield the best and largest return. It is a terribly wasteful process. If we estimate that a good tree has been felled for every three scraps of Odontoglossum which are now established in Europe, that will be no exaggeration.
Before closing, I beg you to let me know the prices of about twenty-five of the best of and prettiest South American orchids, which I want for my own collection, as Catt. Medellii, Catt. Trianæ, Odontoglossum crispum, Miltonia vexillaria, Catt. labiata, &c. I shall await your answer as soon as possible, and send you a list by last mail of what is to be got in this colony.
On the very evening, however, one of his men brought in the flower. A curious story, if one think, but I am in a position to guarantee its truth. Of another class, but not less renowned in its way, was the sale of March 11th last year. It had been heavily advertised. A leading continental importer announced the discovery of a new Odontoglossum.
I could never learn distinctly that mischief followed, though Mr. Godseff did not like it at all. One who beheld the sight when those fields of Odontoglossum burst into bloom might well entertain a doubt whether improvement was possible. There is nothing to approach it in this lower world. I cannot forbear to indicate one picture in the grand gallery.
"Perhaps you could tell me, sir," he said to me, "whether a gentleman called Mr. Somers is in this room. I am rather short-sighted and there are a great many people." "Yes," I answered, "he has just bought the wonderful orchid called 'Odontoglossum Pavo. That is what they are all talking about." "Oh, has he? Has he indeed? And pray what did he pay for the article?" "A huge sum," I answered.
But this is a beauty of general effect, which must not be analyzed, as I think. Odontoglossum vexillarium is brought from Colombia. There are two forms: the one small, evenly red, flowering in autumn was discovered by Frank Klaboch, nephew to the famous Roezl, on the Dagua River, in Antioquia.
I'll wait half an hour for you in the sale room, and I promise that no one shall see that flower till you return." "Thank you. You are a good fellow, and I promise you shall lose nothing by your kindness if I can help it." We went together into the sale room, where some thought suddenly struck Mr. Somers. "By Jove!" he said, "I nearly forgot about that Odontoglossum. Where's Woodden?
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