GROWING SPECIMEN ORCHIDS FOR EXHIBITION. 



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In all sucli cases varieties of the same colour should be placed 

 together in the one group ; this may be found difficult, but unless the 

 colours match the mass should not be considered as of one variety, 

 although it may be of the same species. The difficulty may be avoided 

 by putting the plants together during the preceding season when they 

 are in blossom, and then growing them on together. This is a far 

 preferable plan to that of disturbing them a few days before a show, 

 which often injures them and prevents them from flowering the following 

 year, which is a great loss to the exhibitor, especially when he desires to 

 make every plant tell. 



There is no doubt a great deal may be accomplished in the way of 

 securing a good display by giving attention to bringing the plants into 

 bloom at the right time, without forcing them too much. It is far better 

 to allow the plants to open their flowers gradually, and at the proper 

 time, for they are then of more substance, of a better and richer colour, 

 and last in flower much longer, besides which the plants are more easily 

 carried to the shows, requiring, however, no less care in packing the 

 blossoms so that they do not get bruised. See instructions given for 

 packing Orchids for conveyance to the exhibitions, at p. 58. An 

 experienced grower should be able to tell to a few days when a particular 

 plant will be in flower, and how long it will last in beauty. This know- 

 ledge may be obtained by taking notes year by year and summing 

 up the average results. This is what we did when we commenced Orchid 

 culture. If this matter be made a study, and it can be easily done with 

 persevering observation, it will be found that a much smaller number of 

 specimens is necessary than will otherwise be required in order to ensure 

 a display. 



One chief point is often lost sight of, and that is giving attention to 

 the plants at the proper time. A plant, like other things, if it does not 

 get proper attention at, or as nearly as possible to, the right time, will not 

 yield a satisfactory result — neither can it be expected. If plants under 

 glass are not potted or planted, and if seeds in the garden are not sown 

 at the time they should be, they cannot be expected to do well, or to 

 come in at the required time. We state these facts for the benefit of the 

 cultivator. 



Plants, after being flowered and exhibited, will be found to have 

 exhausted much of their vigour, and consequently after that period they 



