1 86 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



perfection. A compost of one part fibrous yellow loam and the remain- 

 ing portion made up of fibrous peat, dried cow manure, sphagnum 

 moss, and rough sand or broken crocks is required. The plants should 

 have ample pot room, and, being strong rooting, should not be disturbed 

 oftener than is really necessary. They must have ample drainage, re- 

 quire a liberal supply of moisture during the active season of growth, 

 and must never be allowed to suffer from want of moisture at the roots. 

 A cool, moist atmosphere suits them best during the summer months of 

 the year. 



Cypripediums (Lady's Slippers). There is not a more varied and 

 easily cultivated class of Orchids than the cool and intermediate-house 

 Cypripediums of the eastern section. The geographical distribution of 

 the various species is confined to a limited space within the Indian 

 monsoon region, where they sometimes follow mountainous chains, on 

 which the species occur in groups of twos or threes, or are isolated at 

 great distances from each other. Others are confined to islands or 

 groups of islands. In the former case they usually occur at consider- 

 able elevation, where the rainfall is copious and frequent and the dry 

 seasons are of short duration. On these elevated situations they are 

 found growing chiefly on the ledges, and in crevices of limestone rocks, 

 and in similar positions where there is a small accumulation of decayed 

 vegetable matter, generally in the shelter of overhanging trees. 



The kinds that are confined to islands grow at a much lower eleva- 

 tion. These naturally require higher temperatures than the mountain 

 species. It is therefore to the cool-growing section that the beginner's 

 attention is directed. The majority of these lend themselves readily to 

 artificial conditions, and with a few exceptions, the cool-growing kinds, 

 not only retain their normal vigour, but the cultural effect is apparent 

 by increased size, substance, and more highly-coloured markings of the 

 foliage. The flowers also are in many cases larger, and the usual one- 

 flowered scape occasionally becomes twin-flowered. This, no doubt, is 

 caused by the more liberal and regular treatment that can be afforded 

 the plants when cultivated in our glass-houses. 



The intermediate-house section requires a temperature of 55 degrees. 

 The following species and hybrids will be found suitable : G. barbatum, 

 C. callosum, C. bellatulum, C. venustum, C. exul, C. Charlesworthi, Q. 

 niveum, C. concolor, and the natural hybrid C. Godefroyx, G. Druryi^ 

 C. hirsutissimum, C. spicerianum, and the hybrids that have been 

 derived from the intercrossing of the above-mentioned species, also 

 those derived from the influence of one of the hot or the cool-house 

 section. 



The potting material required differs according to the locality. In 

 districts where the atmosphere is pure and free from the poisonous gases 

 such as prevail during the winter months in the neighbourhood of large 

 towns, the compost may be two parts fibrous peat to one of sphagnum 

 moss. To this may be added a liberal sprinkling of fibrous loam and 

 sufficient rough sand, or finely broken crock, to retain an open and 

 porous condition. In town districts the use of loam must be avoided. 

 (7. bellatulum and its allies may be potted only in lime rubble, or the 



