‘ERE ORGE LDR Eva Ew 
VoL. XVIII.| JULY, 1910: [No. 211. 
A CYPRIPEDIUM HOUSE, 
THIRTY years ago, as a small boy, I read an article on “ Orchis Hunting” 
in The Boy’s Own Paper. 1 had never seen an Orchid, and had no chance 
of seeing one at that time, but the writer’s treatment of the subject charmed 
and slightly mystified me, and afterwards I read alJ the very little that came 
in my way on Orchids. Gradually the desire to grow Orchids “‘ some day ”’ : 
seized me, but it was not until 1906 that I was able to carry out my wish. 
Before giving an account of my experiences and methods I must explain 
that I never saw a growing exotic Orchid until I bought my first plants. I 
had no knowledge of gardening, and had to teach myself from books and 
with the generous help of an expert friend, to whom I wrote whenever I got 
into a difficulty. I have only seen one private collection. Therefore if I 
say that such or such an Orchid does well with me I must be understood as 
comparing it with the few other plants of the same species which I have 
seen. 
Soon after I commenced I was given a complete set of the Orchid Review, 
which I found of the greatest value. I feel very greatly indebted to the 
Editor and the many able contributors to the Review. The volumes have 
been a great help to me and a constant source of information and pleasure. 
I have benefitted by the use of Mr. Burberry’s valuable A mateur’s Guide, 
and lastly, but not least, I have to thank my friend, Mr. E. Cooper, of 
Messrs. Sander & Sons, for his unwearying kindness in giving me advice and 
information. 
My first venture was 22 plants, which I tried to grow in a very unsuit- 
able glass house. This house soon failed me, and I therefore built a house, | 
16ft. by roft. (= about 2,200 cubic feet capacity), on a sunny bank, partly 
sheltered by bushes, fences, and buildings on the N., E., and W., on the 
top of a hill 2ooft. above and three miles from the sea. The house runs east 
and west, and has a full southern exposure. It was built by a joiner under 
my instructions, and has many faults, the chief being that it ‘‘ drips” badly, 
owing to condensation. I understand now that there are various ways of 
preventing drip, and I would strongly advise any beginner building an 
Orchid house to go to any reasonable expense to avoid this trouble. 
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