14 orchid-geow^r's manual. 



demand. This we can prove by referring to the hundreds of 

 cultivators who have started since we commenced the culture 

 of these wonderful plants — no doubt, because there are no 

 flowers that are so suitable for decorative purposes, and none 

 that give the same amount of pleasure, and last so long when 

 on the plant, or when cut and put in water to be used as an 

 adornment for the drawing-room or the dinner-table. Again, 

 when grown into specimens for our exhibitions they are always 

 the most attractive objects, and where banks of these plants 

 are staged crowds of admirers are constantlv to be found. 



HINTS ON COLLECTING ORCHIDS. 



jHERE are many different ways of importing Orchids 

 to this country. "VVe have seen some that have 

 arrived in good condition, while others have been 

 completely destroyed by not being properly prepared before 

 starting. The first and most important thing is to prepare 

 them for their journey. The next most important matter, 

 perhaps the most important of all, is to start them on their 

 journey at the proper time. Our opinion is, that the plants 

 should be sent away from their native country during the dry 

 season, which is when they are at rest. While inactive their 

 leaves and pseudobulbs are thoroughly ripened and firm, and 

 contain but little sap ; whereas, when they are growing the 

 foliage is necessarily tender, and in greater danger of being 

 bruised, a circumstance which accelerates decay during the 

 voyage. Another reason in favour of dormant importation is, 

 that, if sent in a growing state, or just as they are starting 

 into growth, the young shoots push out while on the journey, 

 and for want of light and air become weak and dwindling, 



