New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-10
CULTIVATION OF ORCHIDS.
A FIFTH-AvE FLORIST THE FIRST TO
INTRODUCE THEM IN A COM
MERCIAL WAY
MANY VARIETIES COME FROM THE PHILIPPINE
IsLANDs-THB ORCHID DINNER Is
FAvoRITE AND PRETTY FAD
THIS WINTER

The famous orchid collection belonging to Major
Mason, Of Warwick England. was sold recently at
auction and brought only SIS Co., The price paid for
two specimens Of the "Cypripedium Lawrence
was S7S5. Perhaps the highest price ever paid for
orchid by the late Frederick L. Ames of
Boston, who gave $4,000 for single specimen of the
Leila anceps. His collection of the first
made in America. and had cost over 81, 100000 UP
20 the time of his death, some years ago
Twenty years ago orchids were regarded as rare
and expensive flowers. but now they are being Gull
tivated in such quantities that the use of these
blossoms among floral decorations is an everyday
occurrence Fifth-ave. florist was the first to
introduce orchids a commercial way to the florist
trade of America and IN 1878 suggested their more
general cultivation, with a view to rendering them
popular and plentiful
At gathering Of florists during a convention of
the Society Of American Florists. held in Phadel-
phia some fifteen years ago the advocate of the
orchid presented the claims OF his flower with great
enthusiasm and ventured the prediction that or
cfids and orchid flowers would in time become the
flowers for the millions. That his prediction in a
great measure has been realized the florists win
dows Of to-day attest. although the prices these
flowers command still sufficiently high limit
their the well to do class. The Cattleya
variety Of orchids also known as the FIeur de
Mayo. brings from 30 to rs cents a bloom. Fine
Csttleyas must sell for 80 cents a flower in order
10 be profitable to the grower.
A popular fad nowadays is to give "orchid din
ners." which all the floral decorations are
the delicate white green and royal shading
much sought after this for this form of
decors ton. These known slipper Orchids
and valued for their long keeping quality.
The green orchid is terrestrial orchid and takes
its sustenance from sandy SOIL just the celes-
tia orchid which is a parasite draws its life from
air A great deal Of moisture is required to
cultivate the orchid. consequently it is almost i'm
possible raise it outside Of greenhouses. If
great care is given TO these flowers they will last
for forty fifty years.
Laeias. dainty and beautiful, in shades of
pink to royal purple. may be obtained at prices
varying from 20 to . cents a flower.
The East Indies Mott orchids popular. and
many varieties of this class from the Philip
pine Islands The late with Spain has had
the effect of reducing considerably the price of
these blossoms. From the Philippine Islands,
I-uzon and Panay are shipped large quantities Of
the variety Astounding in those localities.
Until recently ii considered possible that
orchids could be cultivated in America. but the
ceeded in raising these flowers under glass, and
millions OF orchids are being produced in this
country; in fact, America is becoming the great
est orchid market in the world.
short time ago the Fleur de Mayo species were
plentiful that the prices fell from IS to p cents
bloom. Orchids are also becoming popular for
personal adornment, and small punches Of them,
tied with ribbon to match the blossoms, are now
10y many women, instead Of the bunch Of vio-
Jets formerly so popular single orchid fastened
Tlete evening costume.
These blossoms are also chosen for wedding deco
ration. Bridal bouquets made from blossoms Of the
take the place of the lilies of the valley that have
heretofore been popular a completion OF the
bridal dress.
Although fragile in appearance orchids are hardy
and by clipping the stems night and morning they
Among the orchid enthusiasts in America are
H NICK Twombly. who has a valuable and extern
Eiye collection; Mr. Kimble. Of Rochester and
The accompanying illustration is reproduced from
painting by Charles storeT,. of Boston, who de-
voted I'VE years TO painting pictures of the prlnci-
pal CEcnldS IN MI ATneS'S collection.