Orchid Grower’s Manual
B.S. Williams
The "Orchid Growers Manual" by B.S. Williams is a comprehensive guide, first published in 1852, aimed at both novice and experienced orchid enthusiasts. The book provides detailed descriptions of a wide variety of orchid species and varieties that were considered the best in cultivation at the time.
Key aspects covered in the manual include:
- Detailed description of each plant’s appearance - both flowers and foliage.
- Flowering months for each species.
- Best cultural practice for each species to help the hobbyist and commercial grower.
Over seven editions, the manual has expanded to include even more species and updated cultivation advice based on the knowledge of the time. It served as an invaluable resource for orchid growers, offering both identification assistance and practical guidance for successful orchid cultivation. Even today, it offers a historical perspective on orchid growing practices and the popular species of the era.
Adventures of an Orchid Hunter
Albert Millican
Albert Millican plunges the reader into the thrilling and often perilous world of Victorian-era plant exploration. Driven by a passion for the exotic beauty and significant commercial value of orchids, Millican recounts his daring expeditions into the remote and largely uncharted rainforests of South America, primarily focusing on the Andes regions of Colombia and Ecuador.
The book vividly details the arduous journeys through dense jungles, across treacherous mountain paths, and down winding rivers. Millican paints a picture of both the breathtaking splendor of the natural world and the numerous hardships faced by a lone European venturing into these wild territories. He encounters a diverse range of indigenous peoples, often relying on their knowledge and sometimes navigating complex cultural differences.
Beyond the physical challenges of the environment – including harsh weather, dangerous wildlife, and debilitating diseases – Millican's narrative highlights the intense competition among orchid collectors. He describes the constant race to discover new and rare species, the secrecy surrounding valuable finds, and the sometimes unscrupulous tactics employed by rivals in the lucrative orchid trade.
The Orchid World
1911 to 1916 Gurney Wilson
This brief but significant monthly illustrated journal was dedicated entirely to the subject of orchids and catered to the growing interest among both amateur and professional horticulturists.
It contained:
- A wide range of topics including botany, cultivation, and hybridization.
- Visuals including rare photographs and illustrations of orchid species and hybrids.
- Cultivation advice including suggested growing techniques, propagation methods as well as pest and disease management.
- Newly discovered species and the latest in breeding results.
- Historical significance and valuable insight into the trends, interests and knowledge of the late Victorian and early 20th century.
- Awards given at the monthly meetings and the big shows.
Every issue contained a feature article on an accomplished grower in England including the specifics of the operation as well as rare photographs of the plants and greenhouses. It ended with the beginning of World War I.