The _Cypripedia_ are of easy cultivation. They may, moreover, be freely hybridized, and are more readily produced from seed than many other subjects, as may be seen from the number which have been brought before the public, by those who make it their study to raise them in this way. Some persons are more successful in this branch of culture than others. There is no doubt that it requires a good deal of skill and tact to find out the best sorts for crossing, and also to effect the best crosses; moreover, it occupies a good deal of time, but we do not know of anything more delightful than this self-imposed task of improving the beauties of nature, and where one can devote attention to it, there must be a great deal of pleasure in watching the progress of one’s pets and noting the results of one’s labours when they put forth their blossoms. _Cypripedium melanophthalmum_ is an evergreen plant, having light yellowish green foliage with dark reticulations and blotches. The flower stems grow about six inches high, bearing the interesting flower at the top; the dorsal sepal is white flushed with purple at the base, and veined with green; the petals are bright reddish crimson, with darker veins and black hairy blotches or wart-like spots on the edge; the pouch is bright crimson with a green base, netted with green and reddish brown. It requires the same treatment as _C. barbatum_—that is, it should be potted in rough fibrous peat, with good drainage, and the plant should be well elevated above the pot-rim, so that the roots can run over and also into the soil. These plants require a good deal of water, nearly all the year round, as they have no thick fleshy bulbs to support them. It must always be borne in mind that they must be kept free from insects to ensure successful and satisfactory progress. Aërides Lawrenciæ.—At Stevens’ Auction Rooms, on the 19th day of September last, there was a magnificent new _Aërides_ offered for sale, which realized the large sum of 235 guineas (£246 15_s._), the purchaser being Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P. It is encouraging to see that Orchids are more esteemed than ever they were, and that in spite of the enormous importations which are continually being received, good things are realising higher prices than ever. This new _Aërides_ resembles in habit a large growing form of _A. quinquevulnerum_: the flower-spike measures two feet in length, and bears thirty-two of its lovely blossoms, which seem to be intermediate between those of _A. odoratum_ and _A. quinquevulnerum_, possessing the strong aroma of the first-named plant. The flowers are very large, the sepals and petals white tipped with rosy-purple, the lip white marked with rich amethyst. It has just been named in compliment to Lady Lawrence.—H. W. [Illustration: PL. 110. MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA MINIATA.] MASDEVALLIA HARRYANA MINIATA. [Plate 110.] Native of New Grenada.