1 40 Parlor-Plants. 



potting, give a good watering, and set the pots in a warm, shady place, or 

 even in the cellar, until the shoots appear above ground ; then remove to 

 a sunny window, and give water freely. About the first of March, if the 

 bulbs have been planted in November, the plants will show bloom, and will 

 continue to expand their orange-red flowers for about six weeks. After 

 blooming, the plants should be gradually dried off by withholding water as 

 the leaves wither ; and, when the foliage turns yellow, they may become 

 wholly dry. The pots should then be placed in a dry place until the next 

 autumn, when the bulbs should be shaken out and replanted. Tliis plant 

 is very common, and may be procured of any florist : dry bulbs can be 

 sent by mail at any time between May and November. As it increases 

 rapidly, a dozen roots will soon give a large stock. By a little interval in 

 the time of planting, a succession of bloom may be had from February to 

 May. Many other species of Ixia and Iriloiiia, as well as of their near 

 allies the Sparaxis and Babiana, do well with window-culture ; but they 

 are not very common, and are generally expensive. 



We all know the pretty lady's-slipper of our woods ; but very few know 

 that there is an Indian species, which, for ease of culture and durability of 

 bloom, will take first rank as a parlor-plant. 



Perhaps we are somewhat rash in venturing to add a word of commenda- 

 tion in behalf of any member of a family {Cypripedice) which has been so 

 fully described in the pages of this magazine as have the lady's-slippers, 

 by our friend Mr. Warren ; but vire would call especial attention to this 

 plant, Cypripedium insigne, as showy and of easy culture. 



The foliage is long and coriaceous ; the flowers of horny texture, and 

 beautifully marked with purple, orange, yellow, and black. 



Although an orchid, and generally grown in a stove, the plant thrives 

 much better in a more moderate temperature, and blooms freely with win- 

 dow-culture. 



It thrives best in a peaty, sandy soil, not too finely pulverized, and with 

 good drainage. 



No special care is required beyond keeping the plant clean, and avoid- 

 ing rotting the roots by over-watering. The blooming season is from De- 

 cember to April, and individual flowers often remain in perfection three 

 months. After blooming, the plants begin to grow, and should then have 



