64 THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



of brick or crocks being added to keep the soil free and 

 porous. It is important that the drainage be quite 

 free. It should be afforded by the use of clean broken 

 crocks with which the pots should be filled to one-half 

 or even to two-thirds of their depth, according to the size 

 and strength of the plants. As the roots of Cypri- 

 pediums grow vigorously, ample provision should be 

 made for their development. When repotting, it is 

 not necessary to raise the plants above the rim of 

 the pot, and the compost should therefore be kept 

 just below it so as to render watering easy. After the 

 plants are repotted, their immediate surroundings should 

 be kept constantly moist, and one thorough watering 

 given them. Then, for a few weeks, water should be 

 given very sparingly, just sufficient being afforded as 

 will entice the sphagnum to grow. When well rooted 

 in the new compost, they may be almost deluged with 

 water the whole year round, and they must at all times 

 be carefully protected from strong sunshine, this advice 

 being especially applicable to those species with variegated 

 foliage. Such dwarf growing species as C. niveum, C. 

 bellatulum, C. concolor, C. Godefroya, and its variety leuco- 

 chilum, are general favourites, especially when in flower, 

 their well-formed flowers being suitable for button-holes 

 or bouquets. Many cultivators find these species more 

 difficult than most Cypripediums to grow well. I feel 

 sure that no grower will go so far*wrong if he acts as 

 follows : the pan or pot used must be well drained, and 

 the drainage secured by a layer of turf, placing the 

 grassy side downwards. The compost should consist of 

 two-thirds yellow loam, one-sixth pieces of chalk or 

 limestone, and one-sixth coarse leaf soil. About four 

 inches depth of this compost pressed firm by the hand, 

 but not rammed in, will be suitable for the plants to root 

 into. Abundance of water must be given the whole year 

 round. Choose a position in the hottest house, where 



