Since 500BC the Chinese were cultivating fragrant cymbidium species. Orchid cultivation and growing became popular in the late eighteenth century. Voyages around the world were sponsored by the wealthy to collect orchids, herbarium species, and other exotic plants. Few of the plants survived the voyages, with many perishing during the journey because of rot, dessication, and being eaten by rats on the ship. Possession of orchids was a symbol of great status, due to the rarity of the plants in Europe. Large glass houses called stove houses were built to provide conditions needed for tropical plants and orchids. Orchid nurseries such as Bull, Vietch, Loddiges, Williams, and Sanders was established.