3+ 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



advantage may be taken of mossy blocks, or baskets in which plants are growing that 

 will not need removal for a year or more. 



Beginners at the fascinating game of rearing seedling orchids cannot do better than 

 consult Mr. Harry J. Veitch's classical paper, in vol. vii., Part or No. 1 (188G) Journal 

 of the Hoijal Ilorticidtnral Socict>j, London, where the whole subject is treated and illus- 

 trated in a clear and masterly manner. If possible also obtain as complete a list of orchid 

 hybrids as possible,* so as to sec the best combinations as to parentage already made, 

 and so avoid much useless labour and care. 



An After Word. 



As will already be perceived, and as will become more apparent as our love of 

 flowers and gardens increases, and our knowledge expands, the propagation, culture, and 

 improvement of plants is one of the most satisfying and intellectual of all human 

 occupations. It is a precious possession and glorious mission to be able to secure so 

 much beauty from our mother earth for adding to the brightness and sweetness of our 

 homes and the happiness of life. 



Then we have to remember, and the thoughtful student will soon appreciate th3 

 force and truth of the great fact, with all its potential influences, that among plants 

 nothing is meaningless nor vain. Every fibre within the soil, and every feature, even 

 every hair on the growth above it ; every curl, twist, bend or wrinkle in root, or leaf, or 

 stalk ; e\'ery lino or spot of colour in a flower, are letters, and words, and phrases in the 

 wondrous book of nature which is always open to us. If we will but study its pages 

 we shall obtain a broader and truer conception of beauty, for we shall recognise the 

 significant fact that all beauty whatever has a deep-laid law beneath it, there is no such 

 thing as beauty for itself alone. " Perfect beauty is perfect fitness for a perfect use," 

 and this is peculiarly apt and true of the beauty in flowers that may be grown in gardens 

 over the length and breadth of the land. 



Books of reference for those anxious to furtlier pursue the above subjects : — 



" The Story of the Plants." Grant Allen. (George Nevvnes, LJ.). 

 " Physiology of Plants." Sorauer and Wiess. (Longmans.) 

 " The Natural History of Plants." F. W. Oliver. (Blackie.) 

 "Treasury of Botany." Lindley and Moore. (Longmans.) 

 Johnson's " Gardeners' Dictionary'." 3rd ed. (George Bell & Son.) 



* " The Orchid Hybrids." Hansen. (Dulau & Co.) 



