152 ORCHIDS 



Cypripedium. 



The Iiiteriiicdiatc section includes such fine species as 

 C. Charlcsivortltii, C. bcllatitliiin and its allies, C. niveujn 

 and C. coiicolor. the natural hybrid C. Godcfroya\ C. Druryi, 

 C. E.xul, C. /lirsiitissiminii, C. Spicerianuni, the hybrids 

 that have been derived from the intercrossing of these, as 

 well as those produced b\' crossing them with certain 

 members of the Warm- or of the Cool-house sections. The 

 potting material here ma)' differ according to localities. 

 In the districts where the atmosphere is pure and free 

 from the poisonous gases or the smoke and fog-laden 

 atmosphere of large towns, a little fibrous loam ma_\' be 

 added to the compost with advantage ; but unless 

 perfectly free from fogs, the compost should be as advised 

 for the Warm-house section. The section that comprises 

 C. bcllatiiluiii , C. iih'ciii/i, and a few others are not the 

 easiest to keep in good condition for man}' years. 

 They usualh' grow freel)' for a few years, and then suddenly 

 decline. We find that they do best \\'hen potted up in 

 broken pieces of lime-rubble and tufa-stone, and placed close 

 to the glass, maintaining the plants in a dr)- condition at the 

 roots during the dull winter months of the 3'ear. The 

 h3-brids also that ha\e been deri\-ed from the influence 

 of the members of this section, as one of the parents, 

 we find do best suspended from the roof-glass, where 

 the)' obtain the maximum amoimt of light, and the air is 

 in constant circulation about them. 



The Cool-hoiisc sc-ctioti is perhaps more interesting 

 than the whole of the previous sections put together, because 

 it comprises the once despised, but now general favourite 

 amongst market-growers — C. iiisigur, in its remarkable 

 and varied forms, the lovel)- C. I'll/osi/ui, and C. Boxallii. 

 These, combined with the numerous forms of C. Sallicri 

 and C. nitivis, are the most useful and easil)- accommo- 

 dated of the whole genus. Their requirements are such 

 as can be afforded b)' anyone in possession of a green- 

 house in which the temperature previoush' given for 

 this division can be maintained. The potting compost, 

 as in the case of the Intermediate section, must be 

 governed by the prevailing conditions in the particular 

 localit)^ Where fibrous loam is used, a liberal sprinkling 

 of sand, charcoal, or broken crocks should be added to 

 keep the material in an open and porous condition. 



