Harriet Stewart Miner's botanical illustration from Orchids - The Royal Family of Plants from 1885 - Masdevallia veitchii
1885 Text MASDEVALLIA VEITCHII. This variety, represented by Plate No. IV, -named in compliment to the eminent English florists, is a native of Peru It blossoms in February and March. The specimen here presented is from the greenhouse of Mr. Ames, of North Easton, Mass and is a good example of those classed as "cool orchids," requiring a lower temperature than most other species. These flowers are not so much chosen by amateurs (or for companionship in these pages), on account of especial beauty, as for their strangely curious or grotesque appearance. Some of the Masdevallia take on resemblances of the spider, or look much like long-legged insects of different kinds. The object of their collection in orchid-houses seems to have been to present a distinct phase of the singular and odd features to be occasionally found in this great and wonderful family. Since these pages were begun, however, we are informed that a new impulse has been given and a deep interest, recently manifested among orchid-growers, in this species, as a result of the importation and growth of Masdevallias of uncommon attractiveness and beauty. There is a lesson in each flower, A story in each stream and bower; On every herb on which you tread Are written words which, rightly read, Will lead you from earth's fragrant sod To hope — to holiness — to God. Such true poetry in prose as the subjoined extract, — though not specially related to the Masdevallia, — may justly have place anywhere in the literature of plants and flowers :
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Photo credit: © steeve. e. flowers. / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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