FLORA AND THALIA. 87 



ORCHIS. 



( Orchis.) 



This plant, which is common in meadows, is a 

 perennial, flowering in April and May. 



There are no less than fifty different species of the 

 Orchis; which, seeming to spurn culture and art, 

 are not capable of essential changes, except in the 

 colour of the flowers; and they require to be ex- 

 amined to see all their beauty. For this purpose we 

 should seek for them abroad in the meadows; and 

 one of the great advantages of botany is, that- we 

 must add exercise to study, as we cannot learn it 

 from books, sitting in our easy chair by the fire-side. 

 The root is gelatinous, and possesses the same quali- 

 ties as gum arable. The saloop, which is imported 

 here from the east, and was formerly held in great 

 estimation, is now well known to be a preparation of 

 the Orchis roots. 



Mr, Mault has recommended a method of pre- 

 paring them ; and his specimens of salep were equal, 

 if not superior, to that brought from the Levant: it 

 is as follows : — 



