Holland is also known for its "tulipmania," when investors/speculators poured absurd amounts of money into tulip bulbs as if they were internet stocks. The results were the same; a terrible crash in values that left many investors broke. The tulip speculation took place in 1634-7. Less known is a similar speculation that took place in England with orchids in the late 19th century. At one point, individual plants were bringing in as much as the current equivalent of $40,000. Orchids were imported from distant lands, but since they weren't always in bloom, artists were needed to picture how the flowers would appear. Arader has such a drawing by J.L. MacFarlane, a highly regarded orchid artist of the 19th century.

Also described in this issue are a pair of globes and a map of Rome. The Arader Galleries are found online at www.aradergalleries.com. The telephone number for the New York office, which published this report, is 212-628-3668.