The great advances which have been made within the last few years in the
introduction and the cultivation of Exotic Orchids, have suggested the
desirability of devoting a monthly publication to the illustration of
the best forms of these singular and captivating aristocratic plants,
and also to the explanation of the most successful methods of growing
them, its object being to supply such information concerning them as the
Orchid Grower may be likely to find useful in directing his purchases,
and in suggesting the various points of discreet and masterly
management. Moreover, we have found that figures of the better varieties
of Orchids are much in request.
These considerations have induced us to commence the publication of the
Orchid Album, in the confident expectation that we shall meet with
sufficient support and encouragement to enable us to continue it, and,
so far as our experience goes, we have no reason to feel disappointed,
for we find that Orchid growers, both amateur and professional, are
taking a marked interest not only in the plates but also in the cultural
notes.
In regard to the subjects for illustration, we hope in due course to
figure not only the typical form of all the more popular and interesting
species, but also the leading varieties, when they prove sufficiently
distinct and meritorious. It is for these that we anticipate our
subscribers and readers will most anxiously look.
Being of Royal Quarto size, the pages of the Album are sufficiently
large to enable the artist to produce ample and intelligible portraits
of the plants without their becoming cumbersome; and, as they will be
drawn and coloured in the best style, we confidently hope they will
prove to be acceptable to the lovers and growers of Orchids generally.
Thus we trust we may be permitted to lay before our patrons an
acceptable Annual Album of Floral Pictures, which will be, at once,
welcomed both to the Drawing-room and the Library.
The work has been commenced in deference to the urgent representations
of many of the leading cultivators of these remarkable and fascinating
plants, who have pointed out to us the want which we are now
endeavouring to meet. The great advantage and pleasure which Orchid
Growers have derived from the publication of such illustrated works as
the _Select Orchidaceous Plants_, and such practical instructions as are
given in the _Orchid Grower’s Manual_, lead us to believe that there
exists a desire and a taste for further Orchidic literature, which we
trust the Orchid Album may in some considerable degree supply. Our chief
aim will be to give authentic information as to the nomenclature of the
plants, and to disseminate correct instructions in regard to their
cultural requirements. The finer new Orchids, as well as the older
meritorious species and varieties, will be figured with equal fidelity,
and described with equal accuracy. We shall at all times feel grateful
to those Amateurs or Trade growers who may give us information as to the
flowering either of novelties or of remarkably fine forms of the older
kinds, especially if they are such as will be suitable for figuring.
The Annual Volumes will consist of the twelve Monthly Parts issued up to
June in each year, when the volume will be completed by the publication
of a Title Page and Index.