ORCHIDS 
INTRODUCTION 
IT is not necessary here to trace the history of Orchid 
cultivation since its commencement a century and a half 
or so ago. The earlier introductions were few and in- 
frequent, but they probably attracted as much attention 
as the subjects in our gardens obtain to-day. It may be 
said of Orchids that no class of plants has so well and 
censistently sustained the interest of cultivators, which 
partly because few, if any, plants have flowers that 
sibit such diversity of form, size, and colouring. But 
other reason for their popularity may be found in the 
st that few plants are so easy to cultivate, if placed in 
the care of a careful and earnest cultivator who applies 
the best methods which his own experience indicates and 
is willing to avail himself of the help which the experience 
of others has placed within his reach. 
Upwards of fifty years’ continuous experience with 
Orchids have necessarily presented to us much evidence 
as to the right or the wrong methods of carrying out the 
numerous operations connected with their culture. Never- 
theless, it may be said that common sense is one of the 
most important. factors in cultivation, and the grower who 
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