It is not necessary here to trace the history of Orchid cultivation since its commencement a century and a half or so ago. The earlier introductions were few and infrequent, but they probably attracted as much attention as the subjects in our gardens obtain to-day. It may be said of Orchids that no class of plants has so well and consistently sustained the interest of cultivators, which is partly because few, if any, plants have flowers that exhibit such diversity of form, size, and colouring. But another reason for their popularity may be found in the fact that few plants are so easy to cultivate, if placed in the care of a careful and earnest cultivator who applies the best methods which his own experience indicates and is willing to avail himself of the help which the experience of others has placed within his reach.

Upwards of fifty years’ continuous experience with Orchids have necessarily presented to us much evidence as to the right or the wrong methods of carrying out the numerous operations connected with their culture. Nevertheless, it may be said that common sense is one of the most important factors in cultivation, and the grower who carefully thinks over the various problems as they arise, and, profiting by experience, does his best to avoid former failures, will obtain a measure of success far exceeding his expectations. To those who know anything about the ordinary processes of growth and flower the plants tell their own tale. They show when actively growing the period when a reasonable amount of heat and moisture is required, and, on the completion of growth of the deciduous species and the turning yellow of the leaves, they tell just as plainly when the resting period has arrived. It is so in all the important stages of their existence.

The extent of the present work having been determined by others in the same series, the object has been to get as much useful information into it as possible, to confine the matter to practical subjects and to avoid repetition. It has therefore been arranged in a series of chapters, each dealing with an important matter, and available for reference when any question on the subject crops up in another portion of the book. Short notes follow on the principal genera known in gardens, but the cultural remarks may be supplemented by reference to the cultural chapters. Anything like an enumeration of the more important species could not be attempted. So also in the matter of hybrid Orchids, the question is discussed in two chapters dealing with the practical question of raising seedlings, but only slight reference could be made to the species used in hybridising or to the numerous hybrids themselves. The amateur who engages in Orchid culture and in the raising of seedlings will find that “practice makes master.” It is in indicating the lines on which the practice may be best pursued that, it is hoped, this book may serve a useful purpose.