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 all over the world. At the same time, the popularization of Orchid culture is only now in its very commencement. Amateurs are but just beginning to realize 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.
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 specialize in these plants. He was secretary of the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, and in he was included in the first sixty horticulturists who were selected to receive the Victoria Medal of honor in commemoration of the Queen's Jubilee.