i82 Bo^-Trotting for Orchids 



the pools. I found the path near the pond, which led 

 through luxuriant ferns to the shades of pines beyond. 

 Here the ground was carpeted with fragrant needles 

 and cones. Bullfrogs croaked hoarsely in the swamp 

 beneath the lily-pads, and over the hillside crept yards 

 of the evergreens known as Ground-Pine (^Lycopoditim 

 obscurum) and Club-Moss {Lycopodhun Selago), known 

 to the Greeks as Wolf's-Claw. This moss takes hold 

 of the earth with its small roots, like the claws of a 

 wolf. 



This corner of Etchowog was the home of the mos- 

 quito, and I was obliged to use a bough of sweet-fern 

 to keep the pests from devouring me. 



" Fair insect ! that, with threadlike legs spread out. 

 And blood-extracting bill, and filmy wing, 

 Does murmur, as thou slowly sail'st about. 



Thou 'rt welcome to the town — but why come here ? " ' 

 ' Bryant, To a Mosquito. 



