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.