ADVICE TO COLLECTORS OF ORCHIDS. 47 



transit, and the time occupied at the exhibitions, represents a 

 considerable sum of money, and very few persons can be 

 induced to incur the expenditure if the prize to be competed 

 for does not cover the expense — neither is it reasonable of any 

 Society to expect that they should do so. 



ADVICE TO COLLECTORS OF ORCHIDS. 



HERE are many different ways of importing Orchids 

 to this country. I have seen some that have arrived 

 in good condition, while others have been completely 

 destroyed by not being properly prepared before starting. The 

 first and most important thing is to prepare them for their 

 journey. The next most important matter, perhaps the most 

 important, is to start them on their journey at the proper 

 time. My opinion is, that the plants should be sent away 

 from their native country during the dry season, which is 

 when they are at rest. While inactive their leaves and pseudo- 

 bulbs are thoroughly ripened and firm, and contain but little 

 sap ; whereas when they are gi'owing, the foHage is necessarily 

 tender, and in danger of being braised, a circumstance which 

 accelerates decay duiing the voyage. Another reason in favour 

 of dormant importation is, that, if sent in a growing state, or 

 just as they are starting into growth, the young shoots push 

 out on the journey, and for want of light and air come weak 

 and dwindling, very often dying outright as soon as exposed. 

 I have seen many a fine mass of Cattleya with all the leading 

 growths completely rotten, which, of course, greatly lessens 

 the value of the plants as compared with those which arrive 

 perfect, and are just ready to start into growth as soon as 

 they get into a warm house. Plants which on arrival have 

 pushing pseudobulbs are also apt to lose their leading eyes, 



