1885.] NOTES ON BRITISH ORCHIDS. 51 



lower leaves being longest and pointed. Of the intermediate forms 

 between these plants, I have particularly noted the following : — 1. 

 That in which the habit of the plant remains nnchanged, but the 

 leaves are faintly spotted, and the flower of a paler and less desirable 

 hue than the species. 2. 0. riiaculata siqocrha, wliich is usually 

 more robust than the typical 0. latifolia, and, although the general 

 habit remains to a great extent unchanged, the leaves are distinctly 

 marked with small purple spots, and the flower-spike larger, but 

 wanting in the deep, rich colour that is so characteristic a feature of 

 the normal form. 3. Larger than the latter with the leaves spotted 

 or blotched, and only sub-erect, but far more so than in 0. inaculaM, 

 and, like that species, with a pyramidal head of flowers rather 

 loosely placed on the stem. These three forms occur sparingly 

 along with 0. latifolia in wet, marshy ground, growing amongst 

 rushes and other semi-aquatic herbage, but never, that I have seen, 

 at a great elevation. In this county I have frequently met with 

 the plants, sometimes in quantity, so that ample opportunities have 

 been offered for studying them under different circumstances as 

 regards soil and situation. 



As a garden plant, 0. latifolia is rather difficult to manage, for 

 destruction or injury to the least rootlet may be relied upon as 

 destruction to the plant as well — at least such is my experience. 

 It is, however, a lovely plant, with a peculiar fresh green tint of 

 foliage that is wanting in any other species. The flower is also 

 beautiful in the extreme, and cannot but induce any one who has 

 seen it in its native haunts to cultivate the plant. 



0. pyraonidalis (the pyramidal orchis). — Tubers oval or globose. Leaves of a 

 bright, unspotted green, lanceolate, nari'ow, and acute. Flower-spike short, very 

 dense, pyramidal, and of a rich rose or crimson colour. Spur slender and longer 

 than the ovary. Lip divided into three equal-sized lobes. 



Too much can hardly be said in favour of this plant, as for ease 

 of culture, beauty of flowers, and lasting qualities when in a cut 

 state, it is perhaps unsurpassed by any other^ The flowers cut when 

 just expanding and placed in water with a few pieces of charcoal, 

 will create a feeling of both delight and surprise, as well by their rich 

 crimson colour as by their lasting qualities, frequently remaining 

 good in a cut state for more than a fortnight. 



It is usually, though not always, confined to limestone districts, 

 and seems partial to a fine red loamy soil such as is usually met 

 with on dry banks or pastures. The whole plant seldom exceeds 

 a foot in height, and has a peculiar silky or glossy appearance 

 which is most noticeable when the flowers are becoming developed. 

 Occasionally the flowers are scented, but, strange to say, this is not 

 the case in all specimens. 



