FERNS FOR THE PARLOR. 433 



soil open, and secure good drainage ; given full light, and 

 be kept warm, and in not a very dry atmosphere. 



Those that we have found to succeed best are, 



Cypripedium insigne and O. venustum. Two East In- 

 dian species of Lady's Slipper, which grow freely and 

 bloom profusely, the flowers remaining long in perfection. 



Lycaste Skinneri. A choice and showy plant, with large 

 white and purple flowers. 



Odontoglossum grande. The largest flowered of the 

 Odontoglots, which grows and blooms freely at a low tem- 

 perature. Flowers rich yellow, veined with chocolate- 

 brown. 



In the volume on " Window Gardening," we have given 

 full directions for the culture of these showy flowers. 



FERNS FOR THE PARLOR. 



Some ferns succeed well in the parlor, if the room is 

 light and airy. 



They should be potted in a compost of peat, loam, and 

 sand, with good drainage. Over-watering must be avoided, 

 and full exposure to sunshine. If there is plenty of light, 

 they grow well on a centre-table. The best species for 

 parlor culture are, 



Adiantum cuneatum. A lovely species of maiden-hair, 

 28 



