306 NOTES ON BRITISH ORCHIDS. [Sept. 



reproducing its species, all attempts have hitherto proved of no avail. 

 Under favourable circumstances the stem of this orchid attains a 

 height of from twelve to fifteen inches, is thickest and strongest at 

 the base, with a gradual taper upwards. Usually about one-third 

 of the stem is covered with flowers, the whole forming a cylindrical 

 spike, compact above but rather diffuse or irregular at the base, 

 and of the same dull brown as all the other parts of the plant. 

 This stem becomes stiff and pliable as it advances in growth, and 

 continues in a perfect state for a long time after the seeds are shed 

 — not unfrequently till the following spring. The popular name of 

 bird's nest orchid is derived from the appearance of the root, the 

 fibres of which are so crossed and entangled as to resemble in 

 miniature a crow's nest. 



Genus 10. — Listcra. — Herbs with two sub-opposite leaves and small green 

 flowers in a slender raceme. Anther two-celled, fixed by its base in a cavity at 

 the top of the column. Pollen masses two, powdery, or the pollen very loosely 

 cohering in the pollen masses. 



There are two species, L. ovata and L. conhita. 



L. ovata (two-blade Lhtera). — Eoot composed of numerous long, slender, 

 cylindrical fibres massed together. Stem from one to two feet in height, bearing 

 two large ovate-elliptical ribbed leaves placed opposite, and usually at some 

 distance from the ground. Flowers in an elongated raceme, with minute bracts. 

 Sepals deep green, ovate, and acute ; petals lighter green. Lip yellowish-green, 

 twice as long as the petals, and divided into two linear lobes. 



Unlike the generality of our native orchids, the root of this plant 

 is not formed of bulbs, but of a number of brownish clustered fibres 

 that spread in a somewhat horizontal direction for three or four 

 inches. The plant is very widely distributed, and in some places is 

 so abundant as to become quite a nuisance. It seems to prefer 

 rather damp woods, meadows, or pasture land, and usuall}^ a shady 

 situation— the soil best suited to its perfect development being 

 strong, damp loam. In this county it is very abundant, more so 

 than any other species ; the lawn at Penrhyn Castle being in some 

 places, during the season, perfectly studded with its by no means 

 beautiful flowers. The woodlands on the same estate are also well 

 supplied with specimens, and I have noticed it in meadows and 

 fields up to 500 feet elevation. 



Generally this orchid does not exceed twelve or fifteen inches in 

 height, although, under favourable circumstances as regards soil and 

 situation, I have often met with it over two feet in height, one un- 

 usually large specimen measuring two and a quarter feet. The leaves 

 are broadly ovate, from three to four inches in length by rather more 

 than half that in width, placed opposite on the stem, and usually at a 

 distance of half a foot from the ground. From the leaves downwards 

 the stem is usually of a pale green or yellow, with a few sheathing 



