I64f WILD FLOWEBS OF STTMMEB. 



The dwarf Dark- winged Orchis (Orchis ustulata) haunts 

 the chalky pastures, where its low and close growth, 

 dingy rusty purple flowers, with rough-looking spots, 

 distinguish it. The Pyramidical Orchis (Orchis pyra- 

 midalis) haunts the chalky meadows in summer-time. 

 It is much handsomer than the foregoing. Its spike 

 of rose purple flowers is somewhat egg-shaped, and 

 shines like a mass of amethysts amongst the emerald 

 green grass. The pinkish-coloured Marsh Orchis (0. 

 latifolia) loves the half-drained meadow. The spotted 

 Palmate Orchis (0. maculata) is more fond of the 

 heathy pastures, and its white or pale purple flowers 

 are more or less streaked with a darker tint. The Fly 

 Orchis (Ofihrys muscifera) presents the appearance of 

 a number of flies creeping up the stem, and the Bee 

 Orchis (0. apifera) has the same general resemblance 

 to a cluster of bees. They are not uncommon in the 

 South-eastern districts of England. The uses of the 

 Orchis tribe are not many. The roots of the early 

 purple variety were the staple of the once popular 

 London morning beverage " saloop," and they are sup- 

 posed to be the " long purples " of which Shakespeare 

 speaks, though the " long purples " of to-day is the 

 brilliant Purple Loosestrife (Lysimackia). 



