78 FLOWERS OF FIELD, HILL, AND SWAMP 



inches tall, at first leafless, except for 2 or 3 sheathing bracts at 

 its base. From the upper bract, later, the linear leaf grows. 



Why it should be "dedicated to the nymph Arethusa"can 

 hardly be explained. Diana changed the nymph into a fountain, 

 in order to save her from the pursuit of a too ardent lover. Does 

 the arethusa bury itself in swamps for self-protection against its 

 fond admirers, who love it and pursue it almost to its extinction, 

 when once its retreat is discovered } 



86, Small, Pale-green Orchis 



Habenaria virescens. — Family, Orchis. Color, green. 

 Leaves, the lower, ovate to lance-shaped; the upper, linear; 

 all acute at apex. Time, June, July. 



Many species of habenaria are found in the Eastern States, in- 

 cluding the handsome fringed orchids. Most of them grow in 

 wet soil and swampy ground. The flowers are arranged in bracted 

 spikes, often long and full. They have a long, narrow^ spur, which 

 contains the nectar for the visiting insect. 



H. virescens has green flowers, small, spurred, on leafy or 

 bracted stems. At first the bracts are longer than the flowers, 

 but later the flower-stalks lengthen beyond the bracts, i to 2 feet 

 high. 



87. Tall, Leafy, Green Orchis 



H. hyperbhrea is found in peaty swamps. Growing to a 

 limit of 2 feet, its green flowers make a long, thick spike, 

 sometimes covering the stem below the middle. Lip narrow, 

 entire. Leaves lance-shaped. 



88. Tall, V^hite Bog Orchis 



H. dilatata has white flowers, with long, narrow leaves. 

 Stem, I to 2 feet high. 



8g. Small, Northern Bog Orchis 



A I - leafed species is H. obtushta. The roundish leaf 



