178 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
C. spectabile.—Showy Lady’s Slipper.—This is one of 
the most splendid of this curious genus, indigenous and 
perennial like the others. It is so highly prized in Eng- 
land that a single plant is often sold for one guinea. It 
is a stout plant, about two feet high, the stem and leaves 
hairy; leaves oval-lanceolate, plaited. Flowers two or 
three, large variegated, with stripes of purple and white ; 
found in some parts of Maine, Canada, and Vermont; 
flowers in July. 
C. arietinum.—Ram’s Head.—Stem six or eight inches 
high, with a few alternate lanceolate leaves. Flower 
much smaller than in any of the foregoing species. 
Sepals greenish-brown, lip small, inflated, acute, reticulated 
with red and whiter It has been compared in shape to a 
ram’s head, the lateral petals representing the horns. 
Found in Maine and northward; flowers in May. 
Any attempt to cultivate this beautiful genus of plants, 
will be vain and futile unless they have a peat or leafy 
soil, and a shady border. The genus is most interesting 
to botanists, and well worthy a place‘in the flower-garden, 
provided a suitable soil and locality are alloted to it. 
DAHLIA. 
[Named after Andrew Dahil, a Swedish botanist and pupil of Linnzus.] 
There is fashion among amateurs of the floral kingdom, 
as well as in matters of: dress, and style of living among 
those who lead in fashionable circles of society. Thus, 
when anew flower of fancied merit is introduced, it be- 
comes all the rage, for the time being. It is admired, ex- 
tolled, sold at extravagant prices, cultivated, improved, 
and disseminated among the multitude. The leaders in 
floral novelties have seen it in its highest state of perfec- 
