FEBRUARY, Ig15.| THE ORCHID REVIEW. 43. 
AS A PARENT. ) 
To this species chiefly we are indebted for the fine race of winter- 
flowering Cypripediums we now have in cultivation. It has been crossed 
with the majority of the species, many hybrids, and the varieties have even 
been crossed with each other, in some cases with excellent results. 
Space forbids me giving even an outline of the many beautiful hybrids. 
Suffice to show the diversity of colour to state that the progeny varies from 
the almost pure white C. Boltoni, to the deepest hue. 
An attempt to describe the numerous varieties would demand much 
more space than that at my disposal. I will only mention one or two of 
the best, because these demand no more space or skill in culture than the 
inferior ones, and they should, therefore, be given the preference. At the 
present day C. insigne must be divided into two sections, namely, those 
which produce yellow flowers, and those which produce spotted ones. 
Among the former C. insigne Sanderz is still incomparably the best, 
followed closely by C. i. Sanderianum, C. i. Gladys, and C. i. Glorie 
d’Anderghem. Among the spotted varieties the large C. insigne 
Harefield Hall variety is much the best, judged either for size or colour ; 
but it is followed closely by C. i. superbum and C. i. Chantini. 
NOTES ON CULTIVATION. 
As a plant in universal request, it is, as I have previously stated, grown 
under various conditions; but to achieve the finest results some definite 
routine of management is imperative. I am well aware that there are 
other modes of cultivation quite as successful as the one here laid down, 
but the line of practice is the one adopted by myself, and, if I may be 
allowed to say so, with the most gratifying results. It is the practical 
outcome of many years’ experience. 
. The majority of the varieties are extremely vigorous of constitution, and 
so far defy bad and indifferent treatment as to render them suitable for 
amateurs who have not too much time to bestow upon the plants, but who 
love them nevertheless. An up-to-date collection of C. insigne is so varied 
that there must be differences in respect of their requirements. It will also 
be observed that there is considerable diversity in the width and strength 
of the foliage, as well as in the rooting systems of the plants. Such 
details must be carefully noted when potting the plants, the feeble rooters 
never being placed in large pots, while the strong growers may have a 
material shift as regards the size of pot. 
C. insigne is often recommended as a Cool-house Orchid, but I have 
never seen a satisfactory specimen produced under these conditions, and I do 
not, therefore, advise that it should be treated as such. The flowers on the 
half-starved plants grown in a Cool house are midgets compared to those 
yielded under more favourable conditions. The plants succeed best in a 
