236 ABOUT ORCHIDS. 
at this moment fifteen thousand plants. Since 
my object is to rouse the attention of amateurs, 
that they may go and do likewise, I may refer 
lightly to a consideration which would be out of 
place under other circumstances. Professional 
srowers of orchids are fond of speculating how 
much the Wylam collection would realize if 
judiciously put on the market. I shall not men- 
tion the estimates I have heard; it is enough to 
say they reach many, many thousands of pounds ; 
that the difference between the highest and the 
lowest represents a handsome fortune. And this 
great sum has been earned by brains alone, 
without increase of expenditure, by boldness o1 
initiative, thought, care, and patience; without 
special knowledge also, at the beginning, for ten 
years ago Mr. Cookson had no more acquaintance 
with orchids than is possessed by every gentle- 
man who takes an interest in them, while his 
gardener the early time was both ignorant and 
prejudiced. This should encourage enterprise, 
I think—the revelation of means to earn great 
wealth in a delightful employment. But ama- 
teurs must be quick. Almost every professional 
crower of orchids is preparing to enter the field. 
They, however, must needs give the most of their 
attention to such crosses as may be confi- 
