INTRODUCTION. V 



up, as there are so many natural hybrids and sometimes but 

 few of the same type in one locality. 



We have now in cultivation many species, of which there 

 has only been one importation, such as A'erides Schrdderii, 

 Cattleya lahiata, and many others we could name, and 

 although our collectors have been in search of these scarce 

 plants, they have not been successful in again finding them. 

 Look at Lcclia anceps Dawsoni ! Collectors have been to the 

 very spot where this was first found, but we do not think 

 there has been one plant brought home since. Mr, Low's 

 traveller was the first who brought it, and since then there 

 have been many sold for it, but they have not proved to be 

 the true variety ; and although there have been several white 

 forms, none have been better or so good as the true Daicsoni. 

 We mention these facts for the information of our readers, as 

 well as of importers, in order to show how important it is to 

 try and get home alive all the plants collected, so that the 

 public may have a chance of saving these treasures. This 

 would be better for collectors and importers, as well as 

 buyers ; for the present destructive system, or want of system, 

 leads to a loss of capital, and is, besides, an annoyance both 

 to sellers and purchasers. The losses of purchased plants in 

 this wholesale way — plants that will not grow under the best 

 treatment — often stops amateurs from going on with their 

 cultivation. We do not lay all the blame of non-success on 

 the collectors, for there are many other causes which lead to 

 loss even when they are brought home at the right season ; 

 for instance, (1) they may be injured by damp in the cases ; 

 then (2) sea water will affect them injuriously if it gets on 

 them ; and (3) sometimes our amateurs and growers do not 

 treat them right when they receive them. Full directions on 

 this important matter will be found in our chapter on the 

 treatment of newly Lnported Plants. 



