22 ABOUT ORCHIDS. 
my orchids began to flourish—not only to live. 
Long since, of course, I had provided a supply of 
water from the main to each house for “damping 
down.” All round them now a leaden pipe was 
fixed, with pin-holes twelve inches apart, and a 
length of indiarubber hose at the end to fix upon 
the “stand-pipe.” Attaching this, I turn the cock, 
and from each tiny hole spurts forth a jet, which 
in ten minutes will lay the whole floor under 
water, and convert the house into a shallow pond ; 
but five minutes afterwards not a sign of the 
deluge is visible. Then I felt the joys of orchid 
culture. Much remained to learn—much still 
remains. We have some five thousand species in 
cultivation, of which an alarming number demand 
some difference of treatment if one would grow 
them to perfection. The amateur does not easily 
collect nor remember all this, and he is apt to be 
daunted if he inquire too deeply before “letting 
himself go.” Such in especial I would encourage. 
Perfection is always a noble aim ; but orchids do 
not exact it—far from that! The dear creatures 
will struggle to fulfil your hopes, to correct your 
errors, with pathetic patience. Give them but a 
chance, and they will await the progress of your 
education. That chance lies, as has been said, in 
the general conditions—the degree of moisture you 
