60 THE ORCHID REVIENV’ 
parts is the best compost; use pots perfectly drained to one half their 
depth, and be careful not to over-water. 
ANGULOAS AND LycasTEs should be re-potted as soon as new growth 
appears. Be careful not to knock off the tiny flower buds which come in 
clusters round the new growth. After flowering is usually the correct time 
to re-pot most Orchids, but this is an exception, for if left until then the 
growth is too far advanced. Use compost as advised for Cypripediums. 
THE FUTURE OF THE CYPRIPEDE. 
“‘T see no reason why the Cypripede should not hecome a first-rate 
florist’s flower, like the Chrysanthemum and the Rose.” 
Thus writes a correspondent, and we fully agree with him. When one 
remembers how many good points the plant naturally possesses, and the 
improvements already affected by the hybridist, it is not difficult to foresee 
that the comparative absence of brilliant colouring, which some Orchidists 
urge against it, will soon be remedied. And whatever may have been said 
about them in the past, they are not all studies in browns and greens at the 
present day. | 
Some of them are beautiful enough to be grown for their foliage alone, 
to say nothing of the annual crop of flowers, which are far more beautiful 
than those of many foliage plants. 
In the matter of culture and floriferousness they compare very favour- 
ably with most other Orchids, and the flowers are very lasting when cut. A 
well selected collection will also give a succession of flowers throughout the 
year. The dull season is completely eliminated. 
It is during the winter, perhaps, that they make the bravest show, for 
the winter-blooming kinds have been crossed together to such an extent, 
and with such successful results, that to-day their name is legion, and the 
cry now is for greater selection. 
Colour, as already remarked, is still the great desideratum, and we would 
suggest that all the best kinds which are deficient in this respect should be 
crossed with the most highly coloured sorts, in the hope of combining the 
two characters. 
Much has already been done and our own impression is that the next few 
years will witness:a further great advance. 
What a wonderful flower the Cypripede is to last; I think it is one of 
the finest Orchids we ‘grow. Here are flowers of C. X Leeanum magni- 
ficum and C. X Francisii which have been out since November, and though 
somewhat past their best, are in the latter part of January still good. 
