1885.] NOTES ON BRITISH ORCHIDS. 47 



growing in good, strong, rather damp loam, with a southern or 

 eastern exposure, but this latter is not of special importance where 

 partial shade is secured. The colouring in the leaves of this orchid 

 varies very much, three distinct kinds being generally recognised — 

 (1) perfectly green; (2) thickly marked with small purple spots ; (3) 

 heavily blotched with purple. This variation of leaf has been attri- 

 buted to several causes, notably the presence of lime or potash in the 

 soil, but careful observations and experiments in this way have now 

 fully convinced me that such is not the case. The colour of the 

 flower is not in the least affected by this variation, and is of all 

 shades, from a rich, deep purple to nearly white : the latter colour is, 

 however, rare, and probably due to some constitutional defect of the 

 plant ; indeed, I have never noticed a white-flowered specimen of this 

 orchid with such healthy foliage, nor attaining to so large a size as 

 the normal form. The flower is remarkably variable as regards 

 odour, being at one time faintly fragrant, while at another it is 

 so offensive as to be unbearable in a room. The root of this orchid, 

 if examined during the growing season, is found to consist of two 

 oval tubers, one of which is destined to be the successor of the other. 

 The newly-formed tuber may be readily detected by its plump, 

 vigorous appearance and light colour, the one supporting the present 

 plant being wrinkled and withered and of a dull brown or tawny 

 colour. It is usually found embedded in the soil at a depth of from 

 3 to 4 inches, and when starting into growth sends out from the 

 top or bud end a few thick, fleshy fibres, which spread in an almost 

 horizontal direction for about 3 inches. 



The tuberous roots of this, as well as several others of our native 

 orchids, abound in glutinous matter which is perfectly wholesome 

 and very nutritious, making the salep of the Turks. I have fre- 

 quently met with this orchid 20 inches in height, and with a flower 

 spike, when fully expanded, 6 inches in length. This is, however, 

 exceptional, the average size, under ordinary circumstances, seldom 

 exceeding 15 inches. The reproduction of this orchid is a rather 

 slow process, for on examining the roots of several hundred speci- 

 mens it was rarely that more than one new tuber was present at 

 each, which naturally leads us to believe that it is propagated in 

 greatest cj^uantity from seed. These also require several years to 

 produce flowering plants, the exact number I have, however, not yet 

 been able to determine by actual experiment. At an early date I 

 hope to be able to speak on this subject with a greater amount of 

 certainty. 



On low rock-w^ork amongst Alpine plants, or even in the open 

 border, few spring-flowering bulbs can equal this orchid when well 

 grown, either for beauty of foliage and flowers or lasting qualities ; 



