I48 POGONIA OPIIIOGLOSSOIDES. SNAKE— MOUTH. 



present species in this connection, says : " The flowers of Pogo- 

 nia ophioglossoidcs, as described by Mr. Scudder, resemble those 

 of CepJialanthera (a Mediterranean species) in not having a 

 rostellum (that is to say, a beak), and in the pollen masses not 

 being furnished with caudicles. The pollen consists of powdery 

 masses, not united by threads. Self-fertilization seems to be 

 effectually prevented, and the flowers on distinct plants must 

 intercross, for each plant bears generally but a single flower." 

 It will be observed, however, that Mr. Darwin argues only from 

 the facts to be derived from a study of the structure of the 

 flower, so that there is yet room for the student to make 

 original observations, based upon its actual behavior. It is 

 worthy of note that, with all the supposed advantages of cross- 

 fertilization, there are not many families of Orchids in this 

 country, nor indeed arc the plants spread over wide districts. 

 Of the genus Pogonia, there arc not many species, and its only 

 close allies in America are Calopogou and Arcthusa, of which 

 there are fewer species than of Pogcmia itself. If these flowers 

 are so beautifully colored for the especial purpose of attracting 

 insects to their charms, they seem to profit so little by the 

 arrangement that one might be pardoned for suggesting they 

 would have been better off in an humbler garment. The lines 

 of Paulding seem very applicable to them : — 



" Be thine to live and never know 

 Sweet sympathy in joy or woe ; 

 To see Time rob thee, one by one, 

 Of every charm thou e'er hast known ; 

 To see the moth that round thee came 

 Flit to some newer, brighter flame, 

 And never know thy destined fate 

 Till to retrieve it is too late ! " 



The Snake-mouth is found from Canada West to Wisconsin, 

 and southward to Florida. It flowers in June. There is noth- 

 ing recorded of its value in the arts. 



