A CHAPTER FOR BEGINNERS. 



Instead of the chapter on "Selections for P5eginners " 

 we ha\'e thought it more in accordance with tlie j^Ian 

 of the present Edition of tliis \vorl< to replace the 

 selections of \-arieties, &c., b\' a few hints that may be of 

 service to the beginner. An endea\'our has been made 

 in some of the preceding pages to show that Orchid 

 cultivation is not what it is generally understood to be — 

 a hobby onl)' to be indulged in b\' those endowed ^\•ith 

 plenty of this world's goods. Here we repeat that 

 numbers of Orchids (including man}- of the finest and 

 best species, varieties, and h}'bridsj are within the reach 

 of the enthusiastic amateur, and ma}- be procured quite as 

 cheapl}' as the stove, greenhouse, or half-hard\- plants that 

 one finds so skilfully and well cultivated hy some of the 

 amateurs in suburban gardens, and even in the \-icinity of 

 large towns and manufacturing districts. Here also we 

 would again impress upon our readers that there are no 

 greater difficulties experienced in the culti\-ation of Orchids 

 than there are in the successful cultivation of other plants. 

 It is not until this is fully realized that Orchids will 

 appeal to that \\'icler circle that it is our desire to reach. 



The first thing to be considered is the house in which 

 it is proposed to grow the plants. First of all arises the 

 question : What temperature can be commanded during 

 the severe winter months ? Having satisfied one's self, 

 it will be eas)' to ascertain from the earlier pages 

 of this work where there is accommodation suitable for 

 stove, intermediate, or cool-house plants. It will be 

 necessar)' to consider the aspect of the house, and to 

 judge to some extent as to the amount of light obtain- 

 able. While on this subject we would allude to some of 

 the errors commonl}' made b}- uninitiated amateurs who, 

 in their enthusiasm, are easil)- induced to erect glass 

 structures in most unsuitable positions, often attached 



