Cyprepedium, from Greek words, Venus, and a slipper, in allusion to the elegant slipper-like form of the labellum. Handsome indigenous plants, that thrive only in a shady border and peat soil.

The most common species is C. humile, or Two-leaved Ladies' Slipper, or Whip-poor-will Shoe. It is found in rich and somewhat shady woods, with two broad-plaited leaves, from which rises a leafless scape, producing a solitary white and purple flower, six or eight inches high. There are six species to be found in the United States, with white, yellow, and purple and white, or green flowers, ail of them singular in shape.