77 WAYSIDE AND WOODLAND BLOSSOMS. 



In addition to the species figured and those briefly described, 

 we would call attention to a few others that may come under 

 the rambler's notice. In boggy ground and sphagnum beds he 

 may be so fortunate as to find the rare Bog Orchis (Malaxis 

 paludosa), a small plant with tiny yellow-green flowers (July to 

 September), and the scanty leaves producing bulbils from their 

 edges which grow into new plants. In similar situations in 

 the eastern counties he may even find the larger but much 

 rarer Fen Orchis (Liparis loeselii}. 



A singular species, to be found chiefly in beechwoods through- 

 out the country, is the Birds'-nest Orchis (Neottia nidus-avis], 

 so called from the peculiar character of its roots, which are 

 stout and juicy, and woven into a resemblance to a nest. The 

 whole plant is of a pretty uniform brown tint both stem and 

 flowers. There are no leaves, for the plant lives upon decaying 

 vegetable matter, and has no necessity to bother about chloro- 

 phyll. It is botanically known as a saprophyte. Flowers June 

 and July. 



The very distinct Twayblade (Listera ovata) is sure to be 

 encountered in woods and pastures. Its two leaves are very 

 broad, and appear to be opposite, but are not really so. The 

 flowers are small and greenish ; they appear in May. There 

 is a singular fact in connection with the fertilization of this 

 plant that should be noted. The pollen-masses are dry and 

 friable, and would not be likely to adhere to insects. But if 

 the rostellum be touched ever so lightly, it instantly exudes a 

 gummy fluid, which enables the pollen to stick tightly to the 

 insect causing the irritation. Examine the flower with your 

 lens, irritate the rostellum by prodding it with the point of a 

 hair from your own head, and note what you observe. 



At the end of Summer in dry pastures there may be found a 

 slender plant with a twisted spike of fragrant white flowers. 

 These flowers are very small, enclosed each in a hood-like 

 bract. It is the Autumnal Lady's-tresses (Spiranthes autitm- 



