An Introduction. 
The passion for Orchids gains ground more firmly from 
day to day thanks to the strenuous efforts of german gar- 
deners in this especial branch. A comparatively short time 
ago the cultivation of these Flowers was thought to be extremely 
difficult and only feasible in specially constructed hot houses 
and with the help of men who had received a special training 
The eultivation of orchids is looked upon as 
a kind of pactime, a luxury only possible for rich people, as 
in this branch. 
there was a general impression that the plants themselves cost 
very large sums of money; both opinions have shown themselves 
in a great measure to be wrong. It is undeniable true that 
some specimens of orchids make particular demands both on 
the horticultural knowledge of the cultivator and the erection of 
the hot houses; but on the other hand we know that there are 
several kinds of orchids which are not more difficult to cultivate 
than a great many other hot house plants, so that se trained 
gardener if he is fond of his art and his plants can grow them 
quite successfully. By reason of the unusual prevalence of orchid- 
growths in the most varied climates and in every kind of soil 
there are several sorts which can be kept in rooms, so that 
those who cannot afford themselves the luxury of hot houses 
can nevertheless enjoy these wonderful flowers. In consequence 
of the numerous importations and since, owing to scientific 
experiments, it is possible to derive good stock from seeds, the 
price of orchid plants hardly exceeds that of other better class 
plants. Even if several novelties fetch a higher price wether of 
horme growth or artificially forced, it does not necessarily 
mean that we can only get inferior and less beautiful plants 
for a lower price. If one does not absolutely care about being 
the sole possessor of a rare and unique specimen, so many 
beautiful plants can be generated from the cheaper specimens, 
that the orchid fancier can easily reconcile himself to the fact, 
that some other person possesses the same specimens as he 
does himself. 
Many mistakes in the cultivation of this plant could be 
avoided, if the cultivator would profit by the result of scientific 
researche. As long as the cultivation is based on empiric 
build will be 
The cultivater is forced to gather fresh 
foundation a sound fundament on which to 
wanting for ever. 
experience from one case to another. A striking example of 
the feasibility of Orchid growing from seed was not fortheoming, 
and until Noel Bernard’s scientific researches were successful 
was more 'or less a hazardous game. By means of these 
researches a firm basis has been established upon which the 
orchid grower can safely work without fear that the reward for 
his long and tedious labour may be lost to him through some 
accident. Moreover these experiments teach the grower how 
to arrive at his goal by the use of given rules. 
It is the same in this special department as elsewhere 
progress can only be made by Science working hand in hand 
with practical experience. 
The amateur who does not cultivate the orchid plant 
only on account of its blossoms, but takes the trouble to 
understand, as it were, the life and the nature of his treasures, 
Introduction. 
La passion pour les orchidees fait chaque jour en 
Allemagne des progres nouveaux, gräce aux incessants efforts 
de grandes maisons speciales d’horticulture. II n’y a pas encore 
bien longtemps que la culture de ces plantes passait pour 
etre tres diffieile, et n’etre possible que dans des serres speciales, 
avec le concours d’un personnel ayant fait un apprentissage 
particulier. De plus, la passion pour les orchidees &tait con- 
sideree comme une sorte de sport reserve aux favoris de la 
fortune, parce que l’on pensait que ces plantes coütaient des 
sommes enormes. Ce sont la deux idees fausses en grande 
partie. La culture partielle des orchidees exige, il est vrai, de 
l'hortieulteur, des connaissances speciales, et demande aussi des 
serres amenagees A cet effet, mais d’un autre cÖte nous savons 
que bon nombre d’orchidees ne sont pas plus difficiles A cultiver 
qu’une foule d’autres plantes de serre, de sorte qu’un jardinier 
qui sait son metier et y a du goüt, se trouve en dtat de 
eultiver les orchidees avec succes. L’extension enorme prise 
par la culture des orchidees sous les climats les plus divers, et 
la grande variete des condition d’exposition locale, ont amene 
naturellement comme consequence que beaucoup de varietes 
dorchidees supportent parfaitement la temperature d’une chambre, 
et cela permet A celui qui ne dispose pas d’une serre, de jouir 
Par 
breuses importations, et des recherches scientifiques sur la 
neanmoins de ces delicieuses plantes. suite des nom- 
eulture suffisamment assuree et relativement facile, des graines 
d’orchidees, leur prix s’est abaisse A un point qui en rend les 
frais d’achat A peine superieurs A ceux que necessite n’importe 
quelle autre plante de la meilleure espece. Bien que certaines 
especes nouvelles directement importees du pays d’origine ou 
eultivees artificiellement avec un soin minutieux, atteignent 
encore des prix exorbitants, cela ne veut pas dire qu/on ne 
puisse pas obtenir, pour un prix inferieur, des speeimens qui 
ne leur cedent que fort peu en beaute. Quiconque ne tient 
pas absolument ä posseder une sorte d’orchidee speciale, pourra 
s’en procurer, parmi celles dont le prix est abordable, de jolies, 
de tres-jolies especes meme, et se consolera facilement du 
desagrement de penser que d’autres en sont egalement possesseurs. 
On commet dans la culture des orchidees des fautes qu’un 
hortieulteur evitera facilement en profitant des experiences 
scientifiques. Cette culture manquera toujours d’une base fixe 
pour un, progres ulterieur, tant que l!’on se bornera ä un systeme 
empirique. L’hortieulteur s’enrichit ä chaque cas nouveau 
d’experiences nouvelles. Un exemple frappant en est fourni 
par la culture des graines d’orchidees, qui avant les recherches 
seientifiques de No&@l Bernard, etait plus ou moins une sorte 
Aujourd "hui ces recherches ont &tabli une 
base certaine pour le travail de l’horticulteur, qui n’a plus A 
de jeu de hasard. 
redouter que des accidents imprevus le privent du fruit de ses 
peines, si longues et si dures. En outre les recherches en question 
enseignent A 'horticulteur comment il pourra, d’apres les resultats 
acquis, parvenir plus rapidement ä luit. Il en est de cela comme 
de toute autre entreprise speciale. Les progres ne sont realisables 
que par un effort commun de la science et de la pratique. 
L’amateur qui ne se contente pas de cultiver les plantes uni- 
