64 



HINTS ON ORCHID CULTURE. 



As the following hints on the requirements of Orchids are chiefly 

 intended for amateurs or beginners, the instructions have been made 

 as brief and simple as possible, the object being to convey such in- 

 formation as will enable inexperienced persons to overcome the few 

 difficulties most frequently encountered, and to guide them in the 

 selection of easily grown species. The rapidly increasing popularity 

 of Orchids has been materially assisted by the simpHfication of their 

 culture, for so long as it was tupposed that they could only be grown 

 in highly heated houses specially constructed for them they were 

 confined to few establishments. When, however, it was found what 

 a large number could be successfully grown in lower temperatures in 

 ordinary houses, the number of their patrons was speedily augmented. 

 The increased demand caused larger numbers to be imported, and the 

 result was a considerable reduction in the prices, which has placed 

 them within the means of thousands who a few years ago would have 

 regarded them as quite beyond their reach. It'has been proved that 

 a great part of the difficulty in Orchid culture was imaginary, and 

 that with ordinary care the majority of species can be grown satis- 

 factorily. Some, of course, cannot be managed so readily, but these 

 need not be included in small collections, as there are plenty of others 

 to select from without them. Still, it is necessary to observe closely 

 the peculiarities of the plants, and by arranging them in suitable 

 positions in a house numbers of very difftrent habit may often be 

 accommodated as well as if several structures were at command. 

 Plants frequently evince partialities for particular positions, and 

 while thriving in one part may refuse to make progress in another a 

 yard or two away. Such facts as these can only be learnt by obser- 

 vation, and success is largely dependant upon them. It is also 

 highly important that the plants be always clean, or the best culture 

 will be nullified, and one of the most experienced orchidists of the 

 present time attributes the health of his plants mainly to keeping 

 them free from insects. With close attention to these, and similar 

 apparently small matters to be afterwards referred to, no one need 

 fear undertaking the cultivation of the most useful Orchids. 



PROCURING ORCHIDS. 



ESTABLISHED PLANTS. If it is intended to commence with a 

 collection of established Orchids it is advisable to purchase small 



