1 66 Bog-Trotting for Orchids 



blue walls of the Palisades along the Hudson. The 

 blossoming wood, waving with pink and white dog- 

 wood branches, the western slope of the rock itself, 

 banked with rosy pinks, nodding lily -bells, and colum- 

 bine, form a scene the impression of which never can 

 fade from the mind. 



Passing the station of Mosholu, we followed the path 

 along the railroad southwardly near the marsh. Here, 

 during July, three rare species of Habenaria will bloom 

 And in the meadows farther northward, the Ladies' 

 Tresses — genus Gyrostachys of the Orchid Famil}^ — and 

 the Blue Fringed Gentians {Gentiana crinita) will un- 

 fold in September and October. Soon we came to the 

 end of the swampy path, and entered the broad meadows 

 of Van Courtlandt Farm. In the distance the antique 

 Colonial Mansion of Revolutionary fame stood out 

 among the ancient trees. Over these fields the first 

 bobolinks of the season were carolling. I found one 

 of their eggs among the grasses. It is a risky nesting- 

 ground for birds. The parades of the militia form 

 upon these fields, the regiments' camp being located 

 east of the mansion. The trees along the lanes here- 

 about are English species, planted years ago by the 

 owner of the mansion. Many are crumbling and de- 

 caying as the mills to the left. Another half centur}^ 

 will do away with such as these. To the right flows 

 Spuyten Duyvil Creek, — a small, elusive stream ; and 

 as it glides into the swamp beyond, it covers much 

 marshland, where sedges and cat-tails flourish and no 

 one dares to wade. 



