PREFACE 
IN the early days of Orchid cultivation the idea was 
commonly entertained that these interesting plants could 
never become popular with the general public, for the 
reason that their culture involves a great initial outlay 
and permanent expense. That such an idea is incom- 
patible with the facts is now admitted by all those 
who are most familiar with the subject. There is no de- 
partment of “Present-Day” gardening that exhibits such 
wonderful progress as is shown in the Orchid gardens and 
nurseries that are to be found in every portion of these 
Isles. 
At the same time, the popularisation of Orchid culture 
is only now in its very commencement. Amateurs are but 
just beginning to realise that Orchids, like other plants, are 
capable of being understood by any one who really desires 
to understand them ; and, when once understood, the cool 
species, at any rate, are not less tractable than common 
greenhouse plants. So much is this the case that the 
author of the present volume declares that even the house- 
holders in suburban districts who have but one conserva- 
tory may, if they choose, keep that structure furnished with 
Orchids at a less expenditure of time and money than is 
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