56 ORCHIS SPECTABILIS. SHOWY ORCHIS. 



out the parent's life. On this Darwin, in his " Botanic Garden," 

 has the following exj^ressive lines : — 



'With blushes bright as morn fair Orchis charms, 

 And lulls her infant in her fondlins: arms ; 

 Soft plays affection round her bosom's throne, 

 And guards his life, forgetful of her own." 



Our illustration is from a Pennsylvania specimen. 



A useful starchy product is obtained from the roots of some 

 of the European species of Orchis; but our species is of no 

 known value to man, unless, as some good thinkers will have it, 

 mere beauty is as essential as the more material things of life. 



