ORCHIDS FOR ROOM DECORATION. 55 



may be dispensed with. Plenty of Orchids like these are 

 to be found in our gardens, brought from the Highlands of 

 Mexico and from Central America. It is also probable that 

 mountain species of India, such as the delicious Ccelogynes, 

 will thrive under the same treatment, and, if so, one more 

 class of enjoyments is provided for the lovers of flowers. 



" Surely this is news worth telegraphing through the whole 

 horticultural world ! What a charm for a sick-room ! What 

 a pet for the poor invalid who has nothing to love except 

 her flowers ! Imagine the pleasure of watching the buds 

 as they form, visibly enlarging from day to day, until they 

 reach the slow unfolding of the perfect blossom, and then 

 the delight at seeing it some morning stimulated by even a 

 winter's sun, suddenly throwing back its green cloak and 

 displaying the wondrous beauty of its richly tinted lining. 

 It is almost worth being ill to enjoy such a scene." 



Since the late Mr. Skinner wrote this there has been quite 

 a change in Orchid growing. Large quantities of the cool 

 growing kinds have been introduced, so that now persons pos- 

 sessing only a pit or small greenhouse with a little heat in 

 winter can indulge their tastes in the possession of some of 

 these beautiful and most interesting plants. All these might 

 be kept in rooms while in flower. 



Encouragement like this must surely add new life and 

 vigour to Orchid growing. We hope that as a consequence 

 many may be induced to try their skill. The great secret is 

 to secure robust growth in summer, when there is plenty of 

 sun heat in the greenhouses ; but for further and particular 

 instruction, we must refer to the notes on the cultivation of 

 the Lycaste, and to the chapter on the treatment of Plants in 

 Flower. 



