Vlll PREFACE. 



East and West Indies and Brazil, as well as in various 

 parts of the European Continent. 



In consequence of this encouragement, I have now 

 endeavoured to increase its utility — first, by introducing 

 a few illustrations, which have been kindly lent to me 

 by the Editors of the Gardeners' Chronicle and of the 

 Florist and Pomologist ; and also, more particularly, 

 by carefully and thoroughly revising the text, which 

 has, moreover, received many additions under the heads 

 of both cultural treatment and descriptions of recently- 

 introduced Orchids, of which I have now added all 

 that appear to me to be worthy the attention of 

 amateur growers. 



It should, however, be remembered^ in making use of 

 this little volume, that it does not profess to deal with 

 Orchidaceous plants from a scientific point of view, but 

 simply aims at supplying some popular descriptive notes 

 of the most beautiful kinds, and at furnishing a record 

 of such practical information in connection with their 

 culture gleaned from my own experience, as has enabled 

 me to attain to a very satisfactory degree of success 

 in the growth and exhibition of these floral gems. 



B. S. WILLIAMS. 



Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, 



Ul'PER Hoi.LOWAY, N., March, 1871. 



