PREFACE TO THE FOUETH EDITION. 



The rapidity with which the third edition of this work 



has been disposed of, and the frequent assurances I have 



had from Amateur Orchid Growers, both abroad and at 



home, of the benefits they have derived from the use of 



it, have induced me to issue a new edition, in which 



many new and fine species and varieties, which have 



but recently been introduced into cultivation, are 



included. 



It is a source of great satisfaction to me to know 



that my efforts to assist amateurs in the cultivation 



of the interesting and extremely beautiful class of 



Orchidaceous plants have not only been crowned with 



success^ but that they have also been the means of 



inducing many other plant-lovers to commence their 



^ study and cultivation. 



S It is equally satisfactory to me to know, that the 

 a 

 .^^ " Orchid -Grower's Manual" is not confined, as re- 



:-^ gards its sphere of usefulness, to our own country, 



'^^^ for it now circulates freely amongst lovers of these 



charming plants residing in America, Australia, the 



