PLATE XXIV 



SHOWY LADY'S SLIPPER, C. reginae (C. spectabile). 

 Root. As above. Stem. Stout, leafy, i-2 high. 

 Leaves. Elliptic, deeply veined. Flowers. 1-4, large, 

 showy, terminal, white and pink. Perianth. With 

 roundish, white sepals, the two lower joined and narrower. 

 Petals white. Lip large, veiny, white or deeply stained 

 with rose or wine-color above. Column (r). Much as 

 in C. hirsutum. Anthers (a). Stigma 0). Ovary (o). 



This plant ranges from Nova Scotia south to Georgia 

 and west to Minnesota from June to September. It is 

 by far the most beautiful of our native orchids ; perhaps, 

 if one could fill that place, the most beautiful of all our 

 wild flowers. I have only had the good fortune to see it 

 once or twice, and never in its native haunts ; but even so, 

 I was well repaid. The botanists have done well to crown 

 this beauty, for a queen she is indeed. But unfor- 

 tunately a queen in exile, for her admirers have been so 

 busy stripping her of her favors that she is forced to 

 hide in remote swamps and deep woods, and even there 

 she is in danger from their too assiduous devotion. 



Oh, good friend, if you find her, stop and make 

 obeisance, but do not tear her from her retreat ! If you 

 must pluck a few blossoms, leave many behind for the 

 sake of the future of this most charming American 

 beauty. 



