El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-02-11

tuition In Washington are giving in
creased attention to orchids so that it
is now possible for the orchid student
to receive much help.
South America is known 20 contain
numberless orchids of exceptional
beauty. With the development of the
South American republics comes the
realization Of the commercial and sci
entific value of its fora For the past
century the orchids of Mexico and
Central America have been well known
to the scientists Of the world and
many of those now sold in American
cities are cross breeds from these pro-
ducts.
The Panama Orchids
Within the narrow confines of Pan
anna canal zone the United States has
lately come in possession of rare
orchid field. Panama is the home OF
two very distinctive orchids, the Santa
Maria and the Santa Esprite, which
are to be found nowhere else. The
Santa Maria orchid is pure white and
Of rare fragrance The Santa Esprite
has deep purple flower with strange
~ formed anthers which present per-
fectly the form Of white dove in its
center. The wife OF one of the officers
OF one Of the Isthmian canal commits
sion is an enthusiastic orchidist, and
for four years has been actively en-
gagged in studying the products of the
iSthmus. Through her aid much ma
terial has been secured by the Smith
sonian institution regarding Panaman-
ian orchids. Last month the institu-
ton sent William r. Maxon, an orchid
specialist. to assist in the biological
survey of the canal zone, with special
reference to orchid production His
report will give full details regarding
the only native orchid garden pos
sessed by Uncle Sam In this hemi-
sphere.
The development of orchid trade in
Panama will be of great value to
American florists because of the COM
can be secured Several dealers in
Colon during the past year have been
making regular consignnents to New
York firms. The largest single ship
ment made last year was a barrel OF
plants valued at $500. all Of which
were collected within easy radius Of
the canal zone.
Prices to Continue High.
The great dangers attending the
quest Of orchids must OF necessity keep
their prices high until their reproduce
ton by florists is rendered more de-
pendable. The process of hybridization
is still attended by 80 many risks that
sometimes a hundred sprouts may not
produce a single perfect plant. The
work of the orchid hunter IS also likely
TO continue for years because there is
so great a need for native plants for
propagate purposes The hybridS
may bloom well and seem hardy in
their individual life, but they cannot
be depended upon for reproduction
The naming, OF orchids is an inter-
esting feature OF their culture, especi-
ally in London, which is the center OF
their greatest interest. A quarter OF a
century ago DR.. Lindley, Of the Royal
Horticulture society, usually named the
plants in honor of their discoverer
Now, however, growers and buyers vie
with each other in securing the prfvf-
lege Of naming new plants. No higher
compliment can be paid to a fashion
able belle than TO have a rare orchid
named for her. so at several recent
orchid exhibitions in London the right
to name new plants has been sold TO
the highest bidder and the competi-
tion has been stronger than for the
plants themselves