52 



REPORT ON THE 



These notes show that the love for Orchids, which existed 

 from the time the first plants came into the country, has steadily 

 increased, and that their widely- diffused culture of the present 

 day, far from being a modern fashion in flowers, is but the 

 result of the steady progress of that which always existed, and 

 always will exist, as long as that love for flowers, which is one 

 of the chief characteristics of the inhabitants of these isles, 

 remains. For those who want novelty as well as beauty, too, 

 there is as good a prospect still as for those who wish simply 

 for the beautiful, for if we turn to the works of Dr. Lindley, 

 Professor Reichenbach, and other writers on Orchid lore, we 

 there see such a host of lovely things figured or described, but 

 not yet imported, as to prove bewildering even to one, like 

 myself, who has made Orchids a study from childhood. So far 

 as I am concerned, I never could see that there was any diffi- 

 culty in growing the greater part of our handsomest Orchids, 

 provided the one who took them in hand had a real liking for 

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

 judgment for their benefit. In such a case success follows 

 invariably, for Orchids, like the domestic animals, soon find out 

 when there is one who is fond of them about them, and they 

 seem to be happy and to thrive and establish an understanding 

 with such a guardian, indicating to him their wants in many 

 important matters as plainly as though they could speak. 



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 ; and it is the existence or the 

 want of this kind of relation between the plants and their master 

 which makes all the difference between a good grower and a bad 

 one — between a healthy collection and a shabby one. Be sure, 

 that without someone takes an unfeigned and steady interest in 

 the plants, they will not thrive, but if one can be found to be 

 watchful over their interests, and apply what knowledge he can 

 get by what he sees or reads of in other collections, a good 

 measure of success is sure ; and hence some of our smaller 

 amateurs, by their diligence and real liking for their plants, 

 often grow things to perfection which have puzzled more scien- 

 tific men. In growing a general collection of Orchids, however, 

 many stubborn subjects will be met with, but as the bad-doers 

 of the past have given way, those of the present will follow, no 

 doubt, in the case of all who steadily persevere. Every point in 



