L1BRARY 
NEW YORK 
BOTAN1CAL 
GARDEN 
INTRODUCTION. 
t the request of numerous amateurs of Orchids, who regret that they are 
not abie to profit completely by a work written in the French language, 
I hâve now decided to publish an English édition of the “ Lindenia. ” 
This édition will be carried on in exactly the same way as has the French 
édition during the last six years, in which 264 species or varieties hâve already 
been figured ; appearing regularly every month, seeking the accomplishment 
of the same programme, with the co-operation of the same contributors, and 
the same artists, who hâve hitherto received the favourable sympathies of the 
public. 
Is it necessary to explain here the utility of an enterprise of this nature, 
or the aims of its founders ? Many of my English friends hâve the good-will 
to assure me that there is a considérable general and also scientific interest 
attending the publication of the numerous important documents which corne 
into my hands as the Director of an establishment essentially devoted to the 
introduction of new Orchids. After much hésitation I hâve therefore decided to 
offer to the English public the portraits and history of the more important of 
the beautiful Orchids which appear, whether in the establishment which I direct 
f;.:’ (and, naturally, I am bound to utilise my own materials), or in those of the 
g . principal amateurs, but especially the novelties, of which the houses of L’Hor¬ 
ticulture Internationale are so rich at the présent time. 
It is also this abundance of materials which encourages me to give them 
the greater publicity. Instead of being exhausted, as some persons suppose, the 
source of these marvels appears to acquire an ever-increasing fecundity, affording 
proof of the prédictions of my father, who has preserved exact notes and recol¬ 
lections of his journeys, knows some of the treasures which still remain, and 
has never despaired of the advent of their introduction. In a recent number of 
the French édition of the Lindenia I hâve spoken of the species of good fortune 
which occasionally leads to intelligence of one kind or the other, and produces a 
