Cypripedia. 7 



these basaltic rocks, it is not found in tliree to four hundred miles all 

 around." 



There is a genus among the orchids, called Uropedium, which naturalists 

 consider closely allied to, and even perhaps a monstrosity of, Cypripediiim. 

 It is found in Colombia ; and as yet but one species has been described, — 

 U. Lindeni. The flowers are produced two on a stem, white and green, with 

 red lines, the petals being prolonged into tails eighteen inches or more in 

 length. I have a plant of this very curious flower with one strong, healthy 

 shoot, which I trust will blossom this spring. 



The proper soil for all the exotic species of Cypripedia is turfy peat, or 

 any fresh loam mixed with vegetable fibre. Most if not all of them will 

 succeed under cool treatment ; and being compact in habit, and easy of 

 cultivation, may be grown by persons fond of orchids who have not much 

 room, nor the convenience of a hot-house. There is certainly no more 

 charming class of plants in the whole floral catalogue. They present great 

 diversity of aspect, and unusual duration of bloom ; remaining in flower six 

 or eight weeks, and even longer. None of the orchid race are so exempt 

 from diseases, so free from the depredations of insects, as the Cypripedium. 



Of the exotic species of the Cypripedium, only three are commonly found 

 at the florists' ; viz. : — 



C. venusium, C. insigne, C. barbaium. 



They all are easily cultivated, and increase rapidly. But I have also 

 other species and varieties, as follows : — 



C. caudatum, C. caudatiim roseum, C. Fairieanum, C. barbaium superbum, 

 C. Veiichii, C. Hookerce, C. yavanicum, C. Lowi, C. Schlimi, C. Stonei, 

 C. villosum, C. Maulei, C. concolor, C. Dayanum, C. hirsutissimum, C. 

 Bullenianum, C. Icevigatum, C. Pearcei. 



The following are now in flower : — 



C. insigne, C. venustum, C. barbaium, C. concolor, C. Bullenianum, C. vil- 

 losum, C. HookercR, C. yavanicum, C. barbaium superbum. 



C. Fairieanum, having a flower of great elegance and grace, bloomed in 

 December. It has narrow, short leaves, and a crisp, pretty habit. 



C. Icevigaium is the latest discovered, the rarest of the genus, and is said 

 to be the finest. But few plants of it have as yet been introduced into 

 Europe. It was originally found in the Philippine Islands. At the Inter- 



