HINTS ON COLLECTING ORCHIDS. 11 



and by collecting dried specimens of new and old species, as well as 

 living plants, for the extension of our collections, and the increase of 

 our knowledge of the peculiar characteristics of the plants. We are well 

 aware that the demand for them at the present day is very great, there being 

 now a much larger number of collectors. This we can prove by referring 

 to the hundreds of cultivators who have started since we commenced the 

 culture of these wonderful plants — no doubt, because there are no flowers 

 that are so suitable for decorative purposes, and none that give the same 

 amount of pleasure, and last so long when on the plant, or when cut 

 and put in water to be used as an adornment for the drawing-room or 

 the dinner-table. Again, when grown into specimens for our exhibitions, 

 they are always the most attractive objects, and where banks of these 

 plants are staged crowds of admirers are constantly to be found. 



HINTS ON COLLECTING ORCHIDS. 



THERE are many different ways of importing Orchids to this country. 

 We have seen some that have arrived in good condition, while 

 others have been completely destroyed by not being properly prepared 

 before starting. The first and most important thing is to prepare them 

 for their journey. The next most important matter, perhaps the most 

 important of all, is to start them on their journey at the proper time. 

 Our opinion is, that the plants should be sent away from their native 

 country during the dry season, which is when they are at rest. While 

 inactive their leaves and pseudobulbs are thoroughly ripened and firm, 

 and contain but little sap ; whereas, when they are growing the foliage 

 is necessarily tender, and in greater danger of being bruised, a circum- 

 stance which accelerates decay during the' voyage. Another reason in 

 favour of dormant importation is, that, if sent in a growing state, or 

 just as they are starting into growth, the young shoots push out while 

 on the journey, and for want of light and air become weak and dwindling, 

 very often dying outright as soon as exposed. We have seen many a 

 fine mass of Cattleya imported with all the leading growths completely 

 rotten, which, of course, greatly lessens the value of the plants as com- 

 pared with those that arrive perfect, and which are just ready to start 

 into growth as soon as they are put into a warm house. In the case of 



