MOUNTAIN FLOWERS 



113 



This green Orchis somewhat resembles H. obtiisata, but 

 may easily be distinguished by the fact that it has several 

 leaves growing up on and clasping its stem, w^hich is also 

 decidedly stouter than the stem of the preceding species. 

 The Leafy Orchis grows in the open woods, preferring a 

 moist spot. It has many flowers on each stalk, and they 

 grow closely set together. 



WHITE BOG ORCHIS 



Habenaria dilataia. Orchid Family 



Stems : thick, fleshy, one to two feet high. Leaves : lanceolate, obtuse. 

 Flowers : spike long, white, very fragrant, bracted ; sepals ovate, obtuse ; 

 lip entire, dilated; anther-sacs parallel; glands close together; stigma 

 with a trowel-shaped beak. 



To walk through the woods, deep and dark, where the 

 trees and shrubs grow densely side by side and flowers are 

 few and far between ; and then to suddenly emerge into the 

 open, where the sun's light is flooding across the marsh-lands, 

 carpeted by myriads of tall White Bog Orchis, is a pleasure 

 so dazzling that, once experienced, it will never be forgotten. 

 Fragrant as hyacinths, these exquisite snowy orchids grow 

 to a great height in the mountain marshes, and so beautiful 

 and wonderfully delicate are their blossoms that travellers long 

 to transplant them to some lowland garden, in order to see their 

 velvety spikes grow and grace civilization with a woodland 

 loveliness. But as a rule this experiment is tried in vain, for 

 few of the orchids will flourish so far from their native soil. 



Words fail to truly describe these plants of almost uneaithly 

 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. 



