THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



collection of Orchids, however, there still remains a 

 wide field for the exercise of cultural skill, for many 

 stubborn subjects will be met with. Providing, however, 

 that the grower who takes them in hand has a real love 

 for them, and a determination to use his own eyes and 

 his best judgment for their benefit, success generally 

 follows. Thus the records in the horticultural press of 

 the number of plants rendered tractable to cultivation, 

 are becoming more frequent year by year. It is said of 

 Orchids that they, like domestic animals, soon find out 

 whether they are under the care of one who is really 

 fond of them, and that they respond by thriving or 

 failing accordingly. It is this kind of understanding 

 that should be aimed at, as it goes a great way towards 

 securing success, as well as giving pleasure to the 

 pursuit. Unless someone takes an unfeigned and steady 

 interest in the plants, they will not thrive satisfactorily 

 for long together, but if one can be found to watch 

 and attend to their requirements, applying what 

 knowledge he can obtain by visiting other collections, 

 and by studying the cultural practices of others, 

 a good measure of success is sure ; and hence some 

 of our smaller amateurs of the present day, by their 

 diligence and real liking for the plants, often grow 

 things to perfection which have puzzled more scientific 

 men. 



To cite an instance : — Very few can yet boast of 

 growing successfully, for say half a dozen consecutive 

 years, that beautiful and showy Orchid Disa grandijlora, 

 which well deserves its common name of " The Pride of 

 Table Mountain." Here I may mention the name of 

 Mr Cornish, head gardener at the Joldwynds, near 

 Dorking. Mr Cornish was not by any means an Orchid 

 specialist, but many years ago he was taken with a great 

 liking for this particular Orchid, and, although the 

 accommodation was very limited and old-fashioned, he 



