EPIPACTIS VIRIDIFLORA 171 



petal assumes a form strongly suggesting the Moccasin 

 of her beautiful and distinguished sisters. This 

 embryo Moccasin sometimes shows a suggestion of 

 pink, but it is so small and the colour so mild that it 

 lacks attractiveness. The Epipactis is distinguished 

 from the other plain members of the family by the 

 absence of a spur on the twisted petal and by a 

 microscopic box and lid for holding the pollen. 



There is a little depression running down the side 

 of a steep, tree-covered hill by the Don valley where 

 the Epipactis grows. This small, transverse ravine 

 guides a rushing stream for a few days when the 

 snow is melting in the spring and the absorbent earth 

 is hard with frost, but all summer it is dry. Oak and 

 Maple leaves gather in it farther up the bank, and 

 these are gradually washed down in their slow return 

 to the soil. On the southern slope just above the 

 damp levels and under the open shade of a few small 

 Hemlocks is the scattered bed of these rare Orchids. 

 More than a dozen have opened their quiet, unat- 

 tractive flowers and are ripening their oval seed pods. 

 The first thought on discovering them is of the havoc 

 that would ensue if the botanist found a clue to their 

 whereabouts. But Orchids, like all the good things 

 of life, are for those who appreciate. Ownership and 

 possession are but trifling considerations, and they 

 who have the appreciation should be satisfied without 

 seeking more. 



