1885.] NOTES ON BRITISH ORCHIDS. 253 



two species of Ojykrys is that 0. a/pifcra blooms in July, whereas the 

 present plant is usually in full flower as early as April or ]\Iay. 



Another spicier Ophrys that has been raised by some botanists to 

 a distinct species under the name of 0. arachnites, occurs sparingly 

 in a few English counties, notably Kent and Surrey. It is a more 

 ornamental plant than the latter, with dark-red and blue flowers ; but 

 forms intermediate between this and 0. aranifcra are also found, 

 which has induced some of our later botanists to rank it as a sub- 

 species. 



In northern Ital}', where 0. apifa'a., 0. aranifcra, and 0. arachnites 

 are found tolerably abundant, Air. Moggridge has pointed out that 

 these tliree, together with 0. sealopax (an Italian species), are con- 

 nected by so many and such close intermediate links that all seem 

 but forms of one species. 



Linnreus, who devoted considerable attention to this genus, was 

 also under the belief that they were but forms, and grouped them all 

 together under the name of Ophrys inscctifcra. Although in 

 Britain tlie external appearances of these three species are somewhat 

 similar, still the main points of difference are always recognisable. 

 To me the continental plant under the name of 0. arachnites, from 

 living specimens and coloured drawings sent for my inspection, 

 appeared quite distinct from our 0. aranifcra, and certainly 

 warranted the specific distinction with which it was endowed. 



0. 7nv.scifera (fly Ophrys). — Stem 9 to 15 inches in length, rather feeble, with 

 usually three leaves near the base, and naked further up. Leaves spear-shaped 

 or linear- oblong, much narrower than in any of the other S25ecies, and of a pale 

 shining green faintly overlaid with a silvery hue. Flowers few, usually only 

 three or four, placed distant on the stem, and having a striking resemblance to 

 some kind of fly. Lip three-lobed, the side ones short and entire, the middle one 

 largest and divided by a deep angular notch into two smaller lobes. The lij) is 

 purplish brown and very distinctly marked with a bluish naked spot on the 

 centre. 



In Britain this species is more abundant than any of the others, 

 especially in many of the eastern and south-eastern counties of 

 England, as well as in various parts of Wales. It has been found, 

 but very rarely, in mid-Ireland. 



Dry meadows and downs in chalky and limestone districts seem 

 its favourite haunts, although it has been found in damp clayey 

 woods, and alongside heathy ditches in a peaty soil. 



In several parts of Anglesey this Ophrys is pretty abundant, and 

 is usually found growing on the banks or mounds that had been left 

 where peats for fuel were at one time procured, growing with 

 unusual luxuriance, and although seldom in great numbers, it can 

 hardly be considered as a rare plant. I have not been able to 

 cultivate this plant in a successful manner, although fine specimens 



