THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[January, 1915. 



A PLEA FOR MORE ORCHID 

 GROWING. 



MR. A. J. PAINE'S interesting letter 

 m the December issue of the 

 Orchid World opens up a very 

 wide field and touches a point ot great 

 interest to small amateur growers, many of 

 whom would gladly welcome an innovation 

 of the kind mentioned by Mr. Paine. Indeed, 

 not only is this question of importance to the 

 amateur with limited means, l^ut, may I say, 

 to the trade grower likewise. One has only 

 to visit one of the trade or private establish- 

 ments to notice the tens of thousands of 

 seedlings, born, nurtured and doomed for the 

 most part to a short existence. 



Let me explain. A grower sows a portion 

 of seed which in due time produces some 

 hundreds of seedlings, which under loving- 

 care and attention reward him eventually with 

 his ultimate object — the flower. Now we 

 know that these seedlings do not all turn out 

 prizes, far from it, a few are selected as 

 coming up to the raiser's standard, and the 

 others — what becomes of them ? I fear, alas ! 

 they are for the most part consigned to 

 the flames to make room for the coming 

 thousands. 



I have had the privilege of visiting the 

 collections of some few of our noted growers 

 and raisers, trade and private. One day, 

 when paying a visit, I put the question to my 

 guide, " What becomes of the surplus plants, 

 or throw-outs ?" The answer came — they go 

 on to the fire. Here wholesale destruction 

 came into my mind, and also the thought how 

 it would gladden the heart of many a small 

 amateur to be possessed of a few of these 

 derelicts if only he could buy them cheap 

 Why not then, ye raisers and growers, 

 advertise or distribute through the various 

 channels for sale these surplus plants, species 

 and hybrids alike. 



A thought flashes across my mind — Human 

 nature, for does it not occur to one that a gem 

 or variety of first rank might turn up out of 

 these outcasts; and that brings one to the end 

 of it all, human nature does not care for one 



to reap the benefits of another's labour and 

 skill. Forgive me, reader, if I trespass on 

 your feelings. 



I am afraid that some growers do not relish 

 the idea of small transactions ; at least, that 

 is my experience, but happily there are 

 exceptions. One well-known establishment 

 close by has catered for my wants most 

 liberally and generously, which is much 

 appreciated ; also another grower, in London, 

 when I was living there, where I always found 

 plants " at the right price." — H. A. Farmer, 

 Hillside, Somerset Road, T iinbrid ge Wells. 



^ Si IS 



It was with much interest I read in the 

 December issue of the ORCHID W^ORLD 

 Mr. AIL J. Fame's article "A Flea for 

 more Orchid Growing." Being myself an 

 amateur m a very humble way, and 

 remembering well my fears and misgivings 

 when I began some five years ago, it is easy 

 for me to appreciate and endorse Mr. Faine's 

 views. Now, without doubt, once the mind is 

 cleared of the fallacies and fears associated 

 with Orchid growing in the ordinary way, and 

 the trade lend their helping hand, which I am 

 sure they will, then we shall see an addition 

 to the ranks of amateurs in this most 

 fascinating and inexpensive hobby, more 

 particularly, no doubt, when the political 

 affairs of the country are restored to peaceful 

 times again. 



It is easy to prove that elaborate houses 

 with special fittings are not absolutely 

 essential, neither are the more costly species 

 and hybrids necessary in the successful 

 cultivation of certain yet pretty Orchids. 

 Given an ordinary greenhouse, such as is 

 often found in the garden of most villas, and 

 heated with boiler and hot-w^ater pipes, the 

 possessor with a little perseverance may soon 

 improvise staging, blinds, etc., suitable for 

 the purpose, and a variety of plants may be 

 selected in accordance with the aspect and 

 heating capacity of the house. The trade 

 will willingly advise a beginner as to the 



