248 
CYPRIPEDIUM CALCEOLUS. 
up all the roots he could see, conducted us to the spot where it used to grow, which 
is a limestone hank near the head of the western branch of the little valley which 
penetrates the hills just behind Helmesly ; no trace of the Cypripedium remained, 
except the hole from which the last specimen was dug- on the 15th of May, 1828, when 
it was in full bloom, and he had taken up five roots. We threatened him with an act of 
Parliament made expressly to hang him, but he did not appear so much alarmed as 
we could have wished*." It is certainly one of the most beautiful and interesting of 
the British Orchideae, as will be seen in the accompanying drawing, which is a 
faithful representation ; although a native, it is attended with some trouble in 
cultivation. Sweet observes that they thrive best in a frame in peat soil, or in a 
shady border. 
The generic name is taken from KvTrpvs, Venus, and tvo^lov a slipper, alluding to 
the slipper-like form of the labellum. 
The genus contains ten species, most of which except the C. calceolus, are 
natives of North America and Nepal. 
* Companion to Curtis' s Botanical Magazine for May, 1836. 
