PREFACE. 



THE ORCHID CONFEBENCE, organised by the Royal Horticultural 

 Society, may be considered as one of the greatest successes 

 ever known in Floral Exhibitions, and one, moreover, with a 

 special object in view, every point in which was brought to the 

 desired conclusion. There was an extensive and splendid show, 

 lasting two days, and also a Conference, at which the 

 attendance of Orchid growers was numerous and influential, 

 and tended much to advance the objects of the Society, viz., to 

 exhibit a representative collection of Orchids in flower, together 

 with any other objects desirable for their culture, and to spread 

 a knowledge of their habits and requirements. 



In furtherance of these objects, interesting Papers were read 

 and discussed, and much useful and valuable information elicited. 

 The Exhibition was marked by a beautiful display of rare and 

 showy Orchids, many of these being very large specimens ; 

 in fact, the greatest number of new and fine Orchids ever 

 assembled at one show in this country were here displayed. 

 It was also marked by the extraordinary facilities offered by the 

 collection at one Exhibition of a great number of alh'ed plants 

 for comparing and estimating their distinguishing features ; as 

 an example of which may be mentioned the extraordinary 

 representation of five specimens of nearly all the large white- 

 flowered Cattleyas known an occurrence hitherto unprecedented. 

 Many other instances might be cited, but a perusal of the Report 

 will give sufficient information on all points. 



The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, in publishing 

 this Report, beg most heartily to thank all those who so kindly 

 assisted them in bringing the Conference to such a successful 

 issue, and they are much indebted to Dr. Hogg, of the Journal of 

 Horticulture, for the woodcuts of the Orchids represented in these 

 pages. 



F. MASON, 



SOUTH KENSINGTON, lion. Secretary, R. H. S. 



Junwmj 4th, 1886. 



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