opportunities for crossing various forms and colours from different localities; while 
by growing them together, and getting them into flower at the same time, the 
operation can be performed with a greater prospect of securing good results. We, 
therefore, hope that this useful and interesting work will be carried on with spirit 
by our amateur orchidophilists. 
There is no class of Orchids more useful than that which forms the subject of 
our plate. The flowers of the Cypripediums in most cases will last a long time, and 
the plants are, moreover, of easy cultivation, requiring but little room, and most of 
them possessing perennial beauty in their nicely variegated foliage. The hybrid we 
now figure was raised by R. Warner, Esq., Broomfield, Chelmsford, from whom we 
have procured the stock. It was raised in company with several others, which 
have proved to be most beautiful and free-blooming subjects, but of which the 
parentage has not been noted. 
Cypripedium Meirax was named by Professor Reichenbach. It isa small- 
growing form, as will be seen by our plate, but it produces good showy flowers, 
the dorsal sepal being broad, white, with green and purple veins, the petals purplish- 
crimson with green nerves, and the lip veined and barred with purple. It blossoms 
during the winter and spring months, according as it completes its growth, and the 
flowers last six weeks or more in perfection. 
The plants require the same treatment as those of the C. barbatum section. 
The most suitable material for growing them in is rough fibrous peat, having a small 
quantity of charcoal interspersed; they must have good drainage, as they need a 
good supply of water during the growing season, which follows the blooming period, 
and while they are making their growths they require more water. They will thrive 
either in the Cattleya house or the cool end of the East India house, near the 
light; but they must be shaded from the hot sun in summer. A little sun _ heat, 
however, will not injure them. 
The Cypripediums of this character are propagated by dividing the plants 
when they begin to grow, leaving one or two old growths at the back. The 
divided parts should be potted in small pots until they are rooted, and then, should 
they require it, larger ones may be given to them. 
Insects should be kept under. Sometimes the red thrips will attack the young 
leaves; this should be well sought after, for if it gets ahead the leaves will svon 
turn brown, and get very much disfigured, the plant, moreover, getting injured. A 
little tobacco powder applied to the leaves is a good remedy. When the insects 
are found to be destroyed it can easily be washed off, — 
