4 orchids: how to guow them successfully. 



purcliaseable at a very small cost. And it often happens that 

 amongst a quantity of plants of this kind, floweiing in this country 

 for the lii'st time, some turn out to be of great value, in con- 

 sequeflce of their being recognised as vastly improved varieties ; 

 whereas, others, showing no improvement on those already in 

 existence, are, notwithstanding their attractions, classed among 

 those of comparatively little value. I by no means advocate the 

 buying and growing of Orchids as a pecuniary speculation, the 

 enjoyment of their great loveliness being the only consideration; 

 still, the fact remains that the selling value of an Orchid is fixed 

 by the exceptional merit and beauty of its flowers, in size, colour, 

 and form. I have often heard gardeners, who do not understand 

 the treatment of Orchids, declare, as an excuse for avoiding their 

 culture, that these plants deteriorate. This is another erroneous 

 impression which I should like to correct. There can be no manner 

 of doubt that under unskilful and improper treatment. Orchids 

 lose vitality and often die, and this result follows with any other 

 plant under similar conditions ; but the same plant taken in hand, 

 if not quite dead, and transferred to a projjer temperature, where it 

 is uniformly treated v,^ith all that is necessary to infuse life and 

 vigour into it, will sometimes revive and become healthy and strong. 

 When Orchids are improperly treated, or placed in a temperature 

 that does not suit them, they soon dwindle and assume a sickly 

 appearance ; but if their natural position in the country whence 

 they came is thoroughly studied, and imitated as nearly as possible, 

 then a gradual addition to their yearly growth is made, and 

 successful culture ensured. And this success is sometimes attained 

 in the near vicinity of smoky towns, and under further unfavourable 

 circumstances, when other plants will barely exist. I have knovr^n 

 persons, who professed to have a knowledge of Orchids, persistingly 

 assert, despite all contradiction, that these plants bloom but once 

 in several years ; and it is to be regretted that such a wi'ong idea 

 should prevail, for, under proper management, an established 

 plant will bloom once a year, sometimes twice ; that is, supposing 

 the said plant is already of a flowering size ; and if it be not so, it 

 should not have been bought, as it causes delay and disappointment 

 to the purchaser, who is naturally anxious to see it in flower. 

 Amateurs should therefore secure strong flowering sized plants to 

 start with, even at a little more cost. Some commence forming a 

 collection of Orchids without having any practical knowledge of 



