ORCHIDS 



INTRODUCTION 



IT is not necessary here to trace the history of Orchid 

 cultivation since its commencement a century and a half 

 or so ago. The earlier introductions were few and in- 

 frequent, but they probably attracted as much attention 

 as the subjects in our gardens obtain to-day. It may be 

 said of Orchids that no class of plants has so well and 

 consistently sustained the interest of cultivators, which 

 is partly because few, if any, plants have flowers that 

 exhibit such diversity of form, size, and colouring. But 

 another reason for their popularity may be found in the 

 fact that few plants are so easy to cultivate, if placed in 

 the care of a careful and earnest cultivator who applies 

 the best methods which his own experience indicates and 

 is willing to avail himself of the help which the experience 

 of others has placed within his reach. 



Upwards of fifty years' continuous experience with 

 Orchids have necessarily presented to us much evidence 

 as to the right or the wrong methods of carrying out the 

 numerous operations connected with their culture. Never- 

 theless, it may be said that common sense is one of the 

 most important factors in cultivation, and the grower who 



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