Commenccvicnt and Progress of Orchid Culture. 



135 



COMMENCEMENT AND PROGRESS OF ORCHID CULTURE. 



It had long been known from travellers that orchidaceous plants, espe- 

 pecially the epiphytal species, were remarkable for brilliancy of color, 

 extraordinary form, and exquisite fragrance ; but for many years they were 

 known only to the horticultural w^orld from dried specimens in herbaria, 

 where, of course, both color and perfume were lost, and often the flower 



ONCIDIUM INSLEAYII. 



itself pressed out of shape. In time, however, a few living plants found 

 their way to England : these were mostly of the hardier and more common 

 species, and, not receiving proper culture, soon perished. Plants imported 

 in good condition were with difficulty kept alive, and never flourished. As 

 they came from a hot climate, they were constantly forced in heat: no 



