ORCHID ACEJS. 323 



Elburton : I have seen it near Saltram, Oreston, Radford, 

 Plymstock, and Elburton. It would probably be now more 

 plentiful at Saltram, and some of the other spots, but for the 

 ravages of thoughtless plant collectors. A single plant near 

 the workings of Bottle Hill Mine, near Newnham ; not on 

 limestone ; July, 1869. 

 VI. On both a grassy bank and a hedge-bank on the Kingston side of 

 the Erme estuary, ^^th flowers varying from purplish-white to 

 rosy-crimson ; in plenty in the latter situation, 1875. In a 

 turfy spot on sand by Meadowfoot Cove, below Mothecombe 

 \illage, also here and there on the cliflf above, 1873. 

 A strikingly local species. Some authors suppose that when growing 



in sand, as in District vi., it obtains calcareous matter from the com- 



mmuted shells of marine molluscs. 



676. O. Morio, L. Green-winged Meadow Orchis. 



Native ; in rocky, bushy, and old turfy pastures ; mostly on lime- 

 stone. Very rare. May to part of July. 

 D. IV. In a bushy spot, and also in an old pasture near Elburton ; in 

 considerable numbers, 1866 ; reduced by extended cultivation 

 of the ground, but still m fair quantity, 1878. Near Radford, 

 1872, and previously. 3Iount Batten, rather sparingly, 1878. 

 Two or three plants m a peaty pasture at Hemerdon, 1870 ; 

 half-a-dozen flowering plants and a few others in another 

 pasture m that locality ; the blossoms of the two with open 

 flowers of a very light purplish-rose or flesh-colour, 1878. 

 First record : Briggs, 1866. 



677. O. mascu'la, L. Early Purple Orchis. 



Native ; on hedge-banks, ^n open spots in woods, and in old 

 pasture land. Very common. Part of April, May. Area 

 general. 



The commonest species of the Order, extending over all the enclosed 

 and wooded tracts. A plant with white flowers between Tregantle and 

 Crafthole ; one with light and leaves spotless, very near others, on a bank 

 near Sheviock (District i.); three with white, with many others, in a 

 pasture near Denham Bridge (in.), 1S71 ; one with purplish- white or 

 light lilac flowers, and spotless leaves, in a lane near Orcherton (vi.), 

 growing only two or three feet from another with the ordinary deep 

 purple flowers, but with spotless leaves ; this latter still nearer a plant 

 with flowers of similar colour, though with the leaves spotted, May, 1876. 

 The form or variety with spotless leaves is rather frequent. In addition 

 to the two Districts named it has been noted for iv. and v. 



The flowers of this species are sometimes called ' cuckoos ' by children. 



