x PREFACE TO THE 



such instruction as was necessary for a beginner. 

 There is a notion amongst gardeners that the cultiva- 

 tion of these plants is attended with great difficulty ; 

 that different houses for different climates are necessary ; 

 and that the secret of good culture is only known to 

 few; that, in fact, no one but those having a large 

 establishment, and a gardener expressly skilled in Or- 

 chidaceous culture, should attempt to grow them. Mr. 

 Bateman, in the preface to his great work, intimates 

 that their cultivation is to be left to the aristocratic, 

 whilst the more humble florist is to be confined to his 

 Carnations, Auriculas, Dahlias, and such-like flowers. 

 Mr. "Williams' plan seemed to me very simple, and also 

 that one house might easily be made to answer the 

 purpose, if properly managed ; at least for those who 

 are not ambitious of possessing a very large collection, 

 or of growing such as are most impatient of culture. 

 Having derived much advantage from the instruction 

 afforded to me, I recommended Mr. Williams to make 

 notes of his mode of culture, and since these were 

 written I have advised him to publish them. I trust 

 that, to humble beginners like myself, I have done 

 good service by this advice ; and I cannot but think 

 that ere long many will be induced to attempt the cul- 

 tivation of this beautiful tribe of plants, who, for want 

 of plain instructions, have hitherto been deterred from 



