DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 215 



flowers in winter, resembles Count. There are several 

 varieties of it in the lists, such as album, white ; 

 purpureuntj deep purple ; and Whittalli, white to pink. 

 Europaeum is a pretty species with purplish-red flowers, 

 which are borne in autumn and winter. It is a lime- 

 lover. Repandum of the plant catalogues is probably 

 the same as vernum, which is a spring bloomer with 

 purpHsh-red flowers, and marbled leaves. It must 

 have a sheltered place, or the foliage will suffer severely 

 from cold winds. 



CYPRIPEDIUM (Lady's Slipper).— These lovely 

 Orchids are among the most precious plants of the rock 

 garden. They are denizens of the woods, and are 

 hardy enough to thrive in our climate. That they do 

 not always succeed is probably due to dry soil. Their 

 great value Ues in their suitability for adorning moist 

 bays in the rock garden. Here, with shelter from 

 boisterous winds and abundant moisture, they are quite 

 at home. We have no other flowers in any way like 

 the Lady's Slippers, and certainly none more beautiful. 

 Alike in form, colour, and habit they are delightful. 



In most places it will be desirable to prepare a special 

 compost. Close, dry soil is unsuitable. What they 

 enjoy best is a mixture of peat and leaf mould, and the 

 grower should not hesitate to provide it in case of doubt. 

 He should also see that it is kept moist. Partial shade 

 is desirable, but not absolutely essential so long as the 

 soil is moist and flaky. The plants are propagated by 

 division, but frequent disturbance is bad. Care should 

 be taken to keep the roots cool and moist at all times 

 when they are being planted or propagated. 



