368 NOTES ON BRITISH ORCHIDS. [Oct. 



Kegarding its right to specific distinction, the first and greatest point 

 of difference between these plants is, that the rootstoek of B. oralis 

 is shortly creeping, the new buds or eyes being formed one close to 

 the parent stem and the other at a distance of nsually 2 inches ; 

 whereas in U. latifolia the new plant is always formed close to the 

 old stem and never at the termination of a rootlet. It is also 

 strange that, if the plant is but a form of E. latifolia, in the half- 

 a-dozen British stations from which it has been recorded there exists 

 little or no difference either in the stature or general appearance of 

 the plants. Again, when transferred from the bare, parched rocks 

 on which it is always found to the better soil and more sheltered 

 situation of a garden, the habit is not in the least changed nor do 

 any of the characteristics of E. latifolia become developed, which one 

 would naturally expect if the plant be but a form of that species 

 that has become altered by a combination of soil and general 

 surroundings. I have grown and flowered the plant for a number 

 of years. 



E. palustris (Marsh Epipactis). — Rootstoek widely creeping. This is a smaller 

 plant than E. latifolia, with a more slender, wiry stem, and narrower unplaited 

 leaves, the lowermost only inclining to ovate, and tapering to a point. Flowei's 

 slightly drooping, much larger and handsomer than those of E. latifolia, and the 

 bracts shorter than flowers. Sepals and petals ovate and pointed internally, 

 dirty white streaked with pink or pm-ple. Lip crenate, obtuse, white, variegated 

 with crimson or pink. 



This handsome plant is a native of wet, marshy ground in various 

 parts of Britain, more especially in the vicinity of chalk or lime- 

 stone, and within the influence of the sea. Although by no means 

 common, yet in particular spots it is very abundant and increases 

 rapidly. The stem is usually about a foot in height, purplish, and 

 with a few ovate-lanceolate leaves, largest at the base and gradually 

 tapering upwards. The root of this plant, although described by 

 all botanists as similar to E. latifolia, is widely different from that 

 species, and forms an unerring guide as to the plant's identity. It 

 elongates each season, the thickened fibre forming at its termination 

 an eye or bud. 



Strong, healthy specimens will not unfrequently produce two 

 or three young plants during the same season. Under cultiva- 

 tion it is easily managed by planting the root in a wet, boggy 

 part of the garden, and where it will at all times receive an 

 abundant supply of moisture. Once thoroughly established, it soon 

 increases. It Howers in July. 



Genus 15. — Cephalanthera. — Habit and general appearance of Epipactis, but 

 differing in the flowers being erect, sessile, and usually much Jarger. The lip 

 has no protuberanc3 at the base of the upper portion as in Epipactis. 



Included in this genera there are three species — C. pallens, C. ensifolia, and 

 C. rubra. 



