64 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 



while apparently simple, is devised in the same profound man- 

 ner that the family have chosen to aid them in securing the ser- 

 vices of insects for cross-fertilization. In most orchids the 

 perianth is in two sets, of three divisions each ; the outer set 

 answers to sepals, and the inner set, to petals. The sepals are 

 highly coloured and harmonize with the petals. By a peculiar 

 twist of the ovary, what would naturally be the upper petal is 

 brought down and forms the lower one, or lip. It is the start- 

 ling feature of the flower ; and is rich in blandishments for 

 Master Bee. In some varieties it appeals to his artistic sense 

 by a delicate fringe, or a superb colour, and again it supplies 

 him with a substantial meal of nectar. The internal structure 

 consists of one stamen, formed like a column, and supported by 

 the style or broad, glutinous stigma. In the cypripediums 

 there are two. stamens. Just above the stigma at either side 

 are placed the two anther cells. Here the pollen grains are 

 concentrated in little quantities, which are readily carried off by 

 insects to other flowers. 



The divergent anther cells of H. grandiflora suggest the two 

 eyes of a moth, or butterfly, whose appearance the flower has 

 tried to imitate. 



SMALL PURPLE=FRINGED ORCHIS. (Plate XXV.} 



Habenaria psycbdes. 



The small purple-fringed orchis is more faithful to the swamps 

 than the larger one, which strays sometimes to the moist mea- 

 dows. It comes into bloom a little later in the season, and is 

 not so handsome a variety ; but it has a delicate perfume. 



FRINGELESS PURPLE ORCHIS. 



Habenaria peramoena. 



Another more severe type of a purple orchis, which rarely 

 comes further north than Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is 

 found in wet meadows, or seeking moisture by following the 

 mountains. In size it is between that of the two preceding 



