Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1897-11-10
A NEW FLORAL WONDER.
SeagulI OrcHld the Only One of Its Spec
iee in Existence.

Seagu orcsld the Only One of Its Spec.
les in Existence.
The annual Temple Garden flower
show openc to-day, and among the ex-
hibits will be en- extraordinary orchid
from the collection of Mr.. Sander, OF
st. Albsns 1t is specimen OF the
Cattleya Reipeckiana.
The wings of it's seagull-like bios
SONS are white as snow, while the
body portion is of gold and vermilion,
eight inches across. 1t is the largest
and most beautiful Cattleya ever
known to the civilized world, and 1t
would take 1000 guineas to buy it.
Arnold, the famous orchid collector.
sent 1t home to Mr.. Sander just before
he lost his life while hunting fer fur
.her similar treasures. Arnold was the
man who, while travelling for Messrs.
Sander in Venezuela, made the ac-
quaintance of young fellow who ap-
peared to be rowing for pleasure. Ar
mold travelled with him for some dis
tance, but q few chance words in
wayside inn made Arnold aware that
the . supposed pleasure-seeker was
really another orchid collector, bent
on the same errand as himself, and
using every means to supplant him.
At once Arnold drew his revolver, and
then and there gave his acquaintance
the option of either fighting duel
with him or retiring from the field.
The latter course was chosen.
Arnold's death soon afterward, un-
der circumstances which have never
yet been cleared UP, is by no means
solitary example Of the perils OF
orchid hunting, and though in the
more civilized districts the work is
comparatively easy, there are Still
countries in which an orchid seeker
may be said to carry his life in his
hands. Mr.. Sander told reporter that
he has at the present time collector
who had been in his service for years,
and was we'll acquainted with Arnold,
who, for love of his work, voluntarily
offered to go to the East in search
of a splendid orchid known to exist
there, but of which hitherto only one
solitary specimen has been sent home.
A magnificent kind in floral beauty,
it surpasses all its kindred, but It's
habitat is located on the terra of skull
hunters and skull collectors.
Yet this enthusiast, fully aware OF
the risks he runs, has started with the
determination to return with 1t. Those
who know the treacheroLs character
of the Japan Sea natives, and the dead
ly nature of the climate found in the
Jungle and swampy districts, will OBJ
tain Slight idea of his undertaking.
Once before, taking advantage OF
punitive expedition organized by the
chief of small island against neigh
boring tribe, he was within 6 short
distance of the locality in which he
believed the coveted treasure to eX-
ist, and, possibly, had the tribe he ac-
companied been victorious, orchid col
lectors would have been all the richer
for one more of natures choicest gems.
But it was not TO be. The opposing
tribe had received notice, and the col
lectors friends met with such q warm
reception as caused them to retreat
with more precipitation than in such
climate and under such circum-
stances is conducive to comfort. More
than one narrow escape befell the COL
lector. The scar from a Jagged fish
spear which grazed his cheek still re-
mains, and shortly after he found him
self facing two of the enemy armed
with their curved krisses, but fortu-
nately he reached the boats in safety,
though with the total loss of his equip
ment. and finally arrived at Singapore.
One experience such as this would be
sufficient for most men, but, nothing
daunted, he has returned again to try
to secure the orchid. No news has yet
been heard Of his luck.-London
Times.