PREFACE 



IN the early days of Orchid cultivation the idea was 

 commonly entertained that these interesting plants could 

 never become popular with the general public, for the 

 reason that their culture involves a great initial outlay 

 and permanent expense. That such an idea is incom- 

 patible with the facts is now admitted by all those 

 who are most familiar with the subject. There is no de- 

 partment of " Present- Day " gardening that exhibits such 

 wonderful progress as is shown in the Orchid gardens and 

 nurseries that are to be found in every portion of these 

 Isles. 



At the same time, the popularisation of Orchid culture 

 is only now in its very commencement. Amateurs are but 

 just beginning to realise that Orchids, like other plants, are 

 capable of being understood by any one who really desires 

 to understand them ; and, when once understood, the cool 

 species, at any rate, are not less tractable than common 

 greenhouse plants. So much is this the case that the 

 author of the present volume declares that even the house- 

 holders in suburban districts who have but one conserva- 

 tory may, if they choose, keep that structure furnished with 

 Orchids at a less expenditure of time and money than is 



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