PREFACE. 
THE great advances which have been made within the last few years in the 
introduction and the cultivation of Exotic Orchids, have suggested the desirability 
of devoting a monthly publication to the illustration of the best forms of these 
‘singular and captivating aristocratic plants, and also to the explanation of the most 
successful, methods of growing them, its object being to supply such information 
concerning them as the Orchid Grower may be likely to find useful in directing 
his purchases, and in suggesting the various points of discreet and masterly 
management. Moreover, we have found that figures of the better varieties of 
Orchids are much in request. 
These conaidestatii have induced us to commence the publication of the 
OrcHip ALBUM, in the confident expectation that we shall meet with sufficient 
support and encouragement to enable us to continue it, and, so far as our experience 
goes, we have no reason to feel disappointed, for we find that Orchid growers, both 
amateur and professional, are taking a marked interest not only in the plates but 
also. in the cultural notes. 
In regard to the subjects for illustration, we hope in due course to figure not 
only the a form of all the more popular and interesting species, but also the 
leading varieties, when they prove sufficiently distinct and meritorious. It is for 
these that we anticipate our subscribers and readers will most anxiously look. 
Being of Royal “Quarto size, the pages of the Album are sufficiently large to 
enable the artist to produce ample and intelligible portraits of the plants without 
their becoming cumbersome ; and, as they will be drawn and coloured in the best 
style, we confidently hope they will prove to be acceptable to the lovers and 
growers of Orchids generally. Thus we trust we may be permitted to lay before 
our patrons an acceptable Annual Album of Floral Pictures, which will be, at once, 
welcomed both to the Drawing-room and the Library. 
The work has been .commenced in deference to the urgent representations of 
