18 
THE FLOBIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[January 
wliicliare sliglitly curved, of tlie deep colour of Ne Plus Ultra, and carrying a fine 
bloom. Wlien cooked, the peas are of excellent quality, and of a dark green 
colour, the ripe seed being of a pale olive-green. This sort is noted by the 
Gardeners' Chronicle reporter, from personal inspection, as likely to become 
jDopular both for marketing and garden use. It is to be let out for the first time 
this season, and we believe is in the hands of the Messrs. Carter and Co., and 
Messrs. Hurst and Son. To the former of these gentlemen we are indebted for 
our woodcut representation.—M. 
THE LADY^S SLIPPEES.— Chapter I. 
HE species comprising the orchidaceous genus Cypripediwn are universal 
favourites with plant-growers on account of their neat habit, and the 
pleasing combination of colours in their flowers, while the very peculiar 
calceiform lip, whence the genus is popularly known by the name of 
Lady’s Slipper, forms an exceedingly interesting portion of their structure. 
Cppripediums differ from the majority of ornamental orchids in not having 
pseudobulbs. They are all of dwarf compact habit, and remarkably handsome 
when in flower ; while, in addition to their floral beauty, many of them have 
variegated leaves of a remarkably ornamental character, which renders them 
attractive even when destitute of blossoms. The species are found in the East 
Indies and in the Eastern Islands, in South America, in North America, and in 
Europe. The European and North American species are deciduous, and remain 
dormant during the winter months, whilst the Indian and South American 
species are evergreen. These have been divided by some botanists into two 
genera, under the respective names of Cijpripedinni and Selenipedium, but others 
regard the differences between the two groups as insufficient to warrant the 
separation, and in the few remarks here offered I shall adopt the latter view, and 
treat of them all as Cppripediums. 
The ease with which these plants may be grown, combined with the little 
space they require, and the long time their flowers retain their full beauty, are 
considerations which specially recommend them to the notice of amateurs who 
have but little stove accommodation. Even those who do not grow a collection 
of orchids should introduce some few of these plants into their mixed collections, 
for I may add that Cppripediums succeed better when grown with a miscellaneous 
collection of plants, than perhaps any other genus of their order. Those of them 
which are natives of Moulmein and the Indian Islands require an abundance of 
heat and a moist atmosphere, in order to induce vigorous growth such as may enable 
them to fully develop their beauties ; they should, therefore, be grown in the 
East Indian orchid-house, or in a stove with other plants requiring a similar 
temperature. Those, on the other hand, which come from the more northern 
parts of the Indian mainland, and also the South American kinds, will thrive in 
a much cooler house ; indeed, some of them succeed admirably in a close green- 
