of the sitting-room, or any other position in the dwelling-house, without injury to 
either foliage or flower, whilst in the conservatory or greenhouse few plants can 
surpass it in beauty at this particular season of the year. The happy possessor of 
several plants of this variety may, by judiciously retarding some by keeping them 
eooler and shaded, maintain a succession of its charming flowers for some months, 
as its blooms last a long time in perfection. 
The flowers of Cypripediums are invaluable for cutting, as they last for several 
weeks when placed in water or moist sand; indeed, some flowers of these plants 
which we cut upon the first day of the present year, and placed in water with 
other blooms, were quite presentable in the last days of February. For the oppor- 
tunity of illustrating this beautiful variety we are indebted to the kindness of 
R. H. Measures, Esq., of the Woodlands, Streatham, whose collection is extremely 
rich in this now popular family of Lady’s Slipper Orchids, this particular specimen 
being by far the finest of its kind which has hitherto come to our notice. 
Cypripedium insigne punctatum violacewm is an evergreen, and in growth and 
foliage resembles the typical plant. The showy flowers rise some few inches above 
the leaves and are very persistent. The dorsal or upper sepal is large and broad, 
the white portion being also broad, which renders it very conspicuous, whilst the 
purple spotting is bold and effective, adding materially to the beauty of the flower ; 
the petals are purplish green with lighter veins, suffused with yellow. — The lip 8 
dark chestnut-brown. This handsome variety produces its flowers during the winter 
months. pee 
All the members of this genus enjoy a large share of light at all times BO : 
the year; so situated, they make good, strong growths and flower freely ; shading 
should only be resorted to during the very hottest part of the day. This fom 
still remains comparatively scarce, and upon this account it has been nursed in the oe 
warm house. We are not so sure, however, that this treatment has been — ne 
to it, as C. insigne and its other varieties enjoy the atmosphere of a C00 house, oe 
full particulars of which will be found in the fourth volume of this work, under fa 
Plate 155. oo 
This variety may be increased easily by dividing the plants a ns ar 
finished flowering, provided that they are in vigorous health; the growt 
‘n small well- 
separated should have roots attached to them, -and be placed at first be ce ke 
drained pots, using’ good, rough turfy loam—the same as recommen  aady OO 
plants. When first potted, these small plants require to be kept hyp pee ee 
up till the time root action commences; until this occurs just nih a 
be given them to keep their foliage from shrivelling, but as new moe re ihe 
they should be gradually inured to stronger light and a larger supply a 
until they are sufficiently strong to be treated as established plants. 
