"Some Orchids, whether wild ones, such as Ladies Tresses, or those various and more gorgeous ones, mostly air plants of tropical regions, which adorn rich conservatories, curiously resemble butterflies, either a swarm of them, as some of the smaller ones in a cluster on a long, light stalk, fluttering with every breath of air; some are like a large, single, gorgeous orange and spotted butterfly; another takes its name from the resemblance of its flowers to a moth. Can the likeness be a sort of decoy to allure the very kinds of insect that are wanted for fertilizing these flowers? * * When a fresh and active tendril in climbing comes in contact with a neighboring stalk, or any similar support, it hooks or coils its end round it, then having secured a hold, it shortens by coiling up its whole length, or a good part of it. This commonly draws up the climbing stem, nearer to its support, and makes it easier for the younger tendrils above to gain their hold. A tendril which has taken hold and coiled up, usually becomes stouter, rigid, and much stronger than it was before.

One which would break with an ounce weight, becomes capable of supporting two or three pounds." - Prof. Gray.