CYPEIPEDIUM. * 315 



must be a space of an inch or more from the rim to the soil, 

 to allow of a sufficient quantity of water being given at one 

 time. The soil best adapted for their growth is a mixture of 

 good fibrous loam, turfy peat, and silver sand, adding more or 

 less of each, according to the peculiar habitat of the particular 

 plant to be potted. They must all have good drainage, and 

 the addition of lumps of sandstone to the soil will have a 

 beneficial effect, serving to keep the soil open, and the roots 

 cool and moist. They are mostly i 11 propagated by division 

 of the roots, just as the fresh growth commences ; and though 

 they all require a season of rest, they must never be allowed 

 to become dry at the roots, nor must the temperature be 

 allowed to be lower in winter than from 35° to 40° ; not but 

 some of the kinds will withstand some few degrees of frost, 

 but I believe they will all thrive far better if not subjected to 

 such extremes. In the growing season, abundance of water 

 should be poured round and about them, to keep a moist and 

 cool atmosphere, in which they delight. 



Cypripedium. 



C. acaule. — A pretty stemless species. The leaves are 

 produced in pairs, oblong, slightly hairy, and light green ; the 

 large and beautiful flowers are borne singly upon short stems 

 from the centre of the plant, and are in colour rose and 

 purple ; it flowers in May, and retains its beauty for a 

 considerable time. Native of North America. 



C. Calceolus. — This, though a British species, is so rare 

 and beautiful, that it well deserves a place in any and every 

 collection ; it grows about a foot high. The leaves are smooth 

 and dark green ; the flowers yellow and brown. Native of 

 Europe. 



C. candiclum. — An elegant little species which at present 

 is rather rare in cultivation. Leaves somewhat lanceolate- 



p2 



