156 ORCHIDS. 
indeed, there are a great many more names than there are 
distinct kinds. However, this is the case with all races of 
plants which have become popular in gardens. One has only 
to consider what has been done to improve the genus Cypri- 
pedium in a garden sense, the variety of form and colour 
added, the improvement in constitution and floriferousness, 
for which we are indebted to hybridisers and specialists, and 
we can afford to look beyond the fault of over-numerous 
names. The Cypripediums may be considered an established 
and valuable addition to horticultural plants, in this respect 
taking rank with such favourites as Gloxinias, Begonias, 
Anthuriums, &c. 
It will be obvious that Cypripediums have an exceptional 
claim to consideration in a work intended for amateurs. 
To enumerate here all the named sorts would be going 
to unnecessary length; but all that are distinct and inte- 
resting enough to cultivators are included. The number 
of true species named by botanists is about 110; of named 
hybrids there are more than 100; whilst the varieties of 
species and hybrids which have names number over 150. 
This gives a total of above 350 named kinds of Cypripedium 
known in gardens at the present time. There are several 
private gardens in England, and at least one in France, 
where almost every one of these named kinds is culti- 
vated. Such collections represent several thousands of 
pounds in value. 
The hybrid kinds are arranged together at the end of 
the present chapter, and the hardy species will be found 
included in the chapter on Hardy Orchids. 
C. Argus.—Habit of C. barbatum. Leaves 6in. to 8in. 
long, 1in. broad, variegated with dark green on a yellowish- 
green ground. Flower-scape central, 1ft. high, single- 
flowered; dorsal sepal large, white, striped with green and 
