Gentlemen, this miraculous flower ought to adorn
a royal greenhouse. But there it is, to be taken away by whoever will
pay the most for it, for I am directed to see that it will be sold
without reserve. Now, I think," he added, running his eye over the
company, "that most of our great collectors are represented in this
room to-day. It is true that I do not see that spirited and liberal
young orchidist, Mr. Somers, but he has left his worthy head-gardener,
Mr. Woodden, than whom there is no finer judge of an orchid in
England" (here Woodden rocked violently) "to bid for him, as I hope,
for the glorious flower of which I have been speaking. Now, as it is
exactly half-past one, we will proceed to business. Smith, hand the
'Odontoglossum Pavo' round, that everyone may inspect its beauties,
and be careful you don't let it fall. Gentlemen, I must ask you not to
touch it or to defile its purity with tobacco smoke. Eight perfect
flowers in bloom, gentlemen, and four--no, five more to open. A strong
plant in perfect health, six pseudo-bulbs with leaves, and three
without.
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