ORCHIDS. Sues a 
CYPRIPEDIUM NIVEUM. 
VENUS’ Slipper, Svowy White, is the name (when translated 
into our vernacular) given this variety, which is represented in 
Plate No. XXII. It presents us with a plant of unusual and 
curious structure,—we are tempted to say of unapproachable 
beauty, — having blossoms of pure white, dotted minutely in 
violet. Its origin is in the Malayan Peninsula. It blooms in 
November and in later months, and is as yet a somewhat rare 
variety. 
A look at this exquisite floral gem well suggests the 
devout sentiment of Mrs. Sigourney :— 
“Who hung thy beauty on such slender stalk, 
Thou glorious Flower.” 
Though orchid collections are growing by immediate and 
natural increase, florists of many countries, especially of England, 
are sending abroad trained collectors, and sparing no expense, 
in searching through Brazil, Mexico, the highlands of New 
Granada, Ceylon, and even Australia, in the hope of discover- 
ing some new and hitherto unknown orchid plants of value. 
Nor are florists content with this, but are now turning at 
tention to processes of hybridizing, — among the most promi 
nent and successful of whom are to be named Messrs. Seden, 
Dominy, and Mitchell of England, and Monsieur Bleu of 
France. 
Thus far, florists have not succeeded in raising orchids from 
