White to Green and Brown Flowers 109 



ment is tried in vain, for few of the orchids will nourish 

 so far from their native soil. 



Words fail to truly describe these plants of almost un- 

 earthly beauty. From their dainty petals 



" Odours ascend, 



Spreading themselves through the serener air 

 Where gentle breezes strive to bless, 

 And all God's world knows happiness." 



Those who find them will always love and treasure them. 



Habenaria bracteata, or Long-bracted Rein Orchis, is one 

 of the conspicuous green orchids which grow in great pro- 

 fusion in the mountain regions. It has a stout juicy stem, 

 broad leaves, and many long pointed bracts on its flower- 

 spike. Usually found in wet places, this Orchis may always 

 be distinguished by the long bracts, from which it derives 

 its name. 



Habenaria obtusata, or Northern Rein Orchis, is a deli- 

 cate green and white Orchis that may always be known by 

 its single basal leaf. It is very like a white and green Lily- 

 of -the- Valley, and its flowers grow widely separated on the 

 slender stalks. 



Habenaria hyperborea, or Leafy Rein Orchis, somewhat 

 resembles H. obtnsata, but may easily be distinguished by 

 the fact that it has several leaves growing up on and clasp- 

 ing its stem, which is also decidedly stouter than the 

 stem of the preceding species. The Leafy Rein Orchis 

 grows in the open woods, preferring a moist spot. It has 

 many flowers on each stalk, and they grow closely set 

 together. 



Habenaria gracilis, or Graceful Rein Orchis, has a tall 

 slender stem and long narrow leaves which are gradually 

 reduced as they grow upwards and eventually pass into the 



