2 THE OECHID-HOUSE. 



zealous amateur and grower, at Ladiston, in Ireland. He first 

 wrote a small book on the subject, printed it, and bound the first 

 edition with his own hands, and generously gave the first edition 

 away to his friends, and all the cultivators of Orchids that he 

 knew of. That small work was so well thought of, that he was 

 induced to write a considerably enlarged edition, much improved 

 both in form and matter. This was published in 1845, in 

 London, by Mr. J. Ridgway, and by Messrs. Hodge and Smith, 

 of Dublin, and is now, I believe, out of print. Another some- 

 what larger work on the culture of these lovely plants is from 

 the pen of Mr. B. Williams, formerly gardener to J. Warner, 

 Esq., of Broxbourne, Herts. I may venture to mention also 

 that I wrote a few essays on their culture in the earlier volumes 

 of THE COTTAGE GAEDENEE. Notwithstanding all these pub- 

 lications, it seems that a few concise instructions in a simpler 

 form and in less compass are needed, and will be useful to young 

 gardeners, amateurs, and others, that may be desirous of growing 

 Orchids, and wish to know the best way to set about their culture. 



On each point of culture I shall endeavour to give plain in- 

 structions in such language that the veriest tyro can understand ; 

 and if he will, or can, put them in practice as far as his means 

 extend, I have no doubt by careful attention he will succeed in 

 growing his plants in a satisfactory manner. 



THE OECHID-HOTJSE. Let not the amateur be alarmed about 

 the expense of a house suitable for Orchids. If his collection at 

 first is small, any kind or form of house, if sufficiently heated, 

 will, with judicious care, grow them on till a larger house is 

 needed ; but where expense is no object, then a proper house 

 should be put up for them. Experience has proved that a span, 

 roofed house is the best form. Now, as these plants mostly 

 grow on trees in their native country, there they enjoy a large 

 amount of light. Hence we should study to give them as much 

 light as we possibly can in our, comparatively speaking, dark 

 climate. The span-roof does so, as everybody knows, much more 

 than a mere lean-to j and in order that every part of the house 



