Orchids

Excerpt

PREFACE

In the early days of Orchid cultivation the idea was commonly entertained that these interesting plants could never become popular with the general public, for the reason that their culture involves a great initial outlay and permanent expense. That such an idea is incompatible with the facts is now admitted by all those who are most familiar with the subject. There is no department of "Present-Day" gardening that exhibits such wonderful progress as is shown in the Orchid gardens and nurseries that are to be found in every portion of these Isles.

At the same time, the popularisation of Orchid culture is only now in its very commencement. Amateurs are but just beginning to realise that Orchids, like other plants, are capable of being understood by any one who really desires to understand them; and, when once understood, the cool species, at any rate, are not less tractable than common greenhouse plants. So much is this the case that the author of the present volume declares that even the house-holders in suburban districts who have but one conservatory may, if they choose, keep that structure furnished with Orchids at a less expenditure of time and money than is necessary for the Palms, Ferns, and other species usually employed for the purpose.

Orchid-growing in the past has been looked upon too much as a craze. Ruinously high prices have been asked for novelties, and "collectors" have been ready enough to pay them in the hope of obtaining unique varieties. This fact alone has frightened off average people.

It is hoped that the present volume will induce thousands to commence the culture of the cooler species, as it clearly indicates the simplicity of the cultural principles whilst explaining in full all the principal details.

Thanks to the experiments of former workers, we are no longer dependent entirely on the introduction of plants from other countries. Seedling Orchids are raised as freely as seedling Fuchsias, and home-raised seedlings, as a rule, thrive better than introduced species in the artificial cultivation we have to offer them. Readers will find the details of cross-breeding and seed-raising set out in the following pages at considerable length.

The author is one of the greatest Orchid specialists the world has known. As a practical cultivator in the old Pine Apple Nurseries of Messrs. Henderson, he had the good fortune to flower many species for the first time after their introduction, and ever since those early days he has continued to specialise in these plants. He is secretary of the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, and in 1897 he was included in the first sixty horticulturists who were selected to receive the Victoria Medal of honour in commemoration of Queen Victoria's Jubilee.

Our grateful acknowledgments are made to Lieut.-Col. Sir G. L. Holford, K.C.V.O., for his kindness in affording us facilities for getting the illustrations. Every plant illustrated is a first-rate specimen of its kind, and all have been photographed in Sir George Holford's collection at Westonbirt, which is so well cultivated by his grower, Mr....