RAMBLE AMONG AVILD FLOWERS. 



which always attract by their rich color and delicate fragrance. Many species are com 

 mon, varying in color, but in other respects similar. 



Orchis spectabilis, (Gay Orchis.) In woods a little later we may find this species, one 

 of the most delicate of the family, p"oducing spikes of pink flowers about six inches 

 high. 



CypripediuM, (Moccasin Flower.) In the same soil, some in the deep forest, and some 

 in its borders, are found the different species of this most beautiful genus. The rich shades 

 of their colors, and delicacy of their markings, are only equaled by their graceful and cu- 

 rious forms, and the most careless rambler would stop to admire them. Yet few plants 

 are as tenacious of their own rights to a congenial soil, and so difficult of cultivation. The 

 spactabik is the only species which is found in open grounds, and from its rugged appear- 

 ance, gives some hope that it may succeed in the garden. 



Convallaria, (Solomon's Seal.) We shall find several species of this genus at this sea- 

 son, but none of them equal the one cultivated, (Lily of the Valley,) which belongs to the 

 south. 



These may form our boquet of spring flowers; no less beautiful will be those of summer. 



Sisyrinchium anceps, (Blue-eyed Grass.) As we wander in the low grassy meadows, 

 this little blue-eye looks up at us on its grass-like stem, and seeks our notice. 



Corydalis glauca. We must again turn to the woods, and in their rocky border we 

 may find this delicate biennial; whose singular foliage, of a bluish tinge, and long succes- 

 sion of small yellow and pink flowers, should render it an especial favorite. This and the 

 following species, are much improved by cultivation, both in the size and number of their 

 flowers. 



C. fungosa. The deepest and wildest recesses of the forest must be searched for 

 this species. It is a delicate vine, and there I have seen it spreading over the rocks in the 

 greatest profusion. Its airy foliage and curious flower, is similar to the preceding. 

 Another species still, is found in similar localities. 



Sarracenia purpurea, (Side-saddle Flower, Pitcher plant.) In our search for summer 

 flowers, we must not neglect to visit yonder peat bog, for cold and forbidding as it looks, 

 some of its productions exceed the bounds of the most erratic fanc}'. The purple flower 

 of the pitcher plant, with the termination of its pistil expanded so as to cover nearly the 

 whole flower, excites our admiration, but not equally with its cup-shaped leaves; these are 

 rigid, upright, shaped like a sack contracted towards the top, and often holding a gill of 

 water. Here we see a provision made by Providence for maintaining a supply of this ne- 

 cessary element, in addition to that which the roots may obtain. 



Calopogon pulchellum, (Grass Pink.) We must not leave the swamp until we have 

 discovered other treasures. The grass pink has a slender stalk of a foot or more in height, 

 and near the top several large purple flowers, which possess the curious forms belonging 

 to the Orchis family'-. 



Pogonia ophioglossoides, (Snake-mouth Arethusa.) Belonging to the same tribe, and 

 standing at its side, we find the arethusa. It has a single purple flower, at the top of a stem 

 rarely one foot in height. Language fails to give anjMdea of the curious forms this family 

 exhibit. 



Pontederia cordata, (Pickerel Weed.) Before leaving the marsh we must visit this lit- 

 tle lake, for the bright sun has warmed it, and emerging from its shallow borders are seen 

 the pale blue spikes of the pickerel weed, rising about two feet in height. 



Calla palustris, (^Water Arum.) This plant, though much inferior to the exot 

 cies, is not devoid of beauty. It is found in slugglish streams, or shallow lakes, w 



