HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 171 



The Ctpripedium. 



This well-known genus of terrestrial orchids, 

 commonly called Lady's Slipper, find their congenial 

 home in a Rhododendron-bed ; and only in such soil 

 can they be cultivated in perfection. 



The different species are among the most beauti- 

 ful of our native plants ; while their easy culture, the 

 one requirement of soil being attended to, should 

 place them among the most popular of garden 

 flowers. 



Yet they are very seldom grown, and outside of 

 our own garden we know of none where all the 

 indigenous hardy species can be found in cultivation. 



The most common eastern species is 0. acaule or 

 humile, usually found wild in dry sandy woods, pro- 

 ducing its showy pink or purplish flowers in May. 

 This species is rather difficult to domesticate ; but 

 we have succeeded, by giving it a more sandy soil 

 than the other species, removing it from the woods 

 both in early spring just as growth was beginning, 

 and in autumn when the plant was at rest. 



A variety with white flowers is rarely found. 



C. arietinum^ the Ram's Head, is the rarest spe- 

 cies, so rare, indeed, that many amateurs have never 

 seen it in bloom. It is a small plant, with flowers 

 which need close examination to reveal their beau- 

 ties: the lip is veined red and white, the petals 

 greenish-brown. It is a native of cold bogs, and if 

 allowed to dry up in cultivation seldom survives. 



A shady spot in rich, damp soil is the place for it. 



