152 MYSTERIES OF THE FLOWERS 



he brings pollen on his back he can place it upon 

 the stigma where it will adhere, but only as he re- 

 treats will he open the lid of the pollen-box and 

 carry away to another flower some of its contents. 

 Other pogonias have the same spring-lids upon 

 their anthers, and, consequently, comport them- 

 selves in the manner described. Our 

 sketches show a flower with the bee 

 entering; a sectional view with the bee 

 making his exit, and unconsciously open- 

 ing the pollen box and carrying away 

 some pollen; and a section of a flower 

 where the bee is entering 

 and is rubbing off some 

 of his pollen-burden upon 

 the stigmatic surface on 



WHORLED POGONIA 



the under side of the column. 



Whorled Pogonia — Pogonia ver- 

 ticillata {May-Jtine) 



This orchid is quite common, 

 yet less easy to find, because its 

 discreet colours of green and 

 dark purplish brown melt into 

 the surroundings and almost 

 hide it from view. Its three 

 long, dark streamers give it an 



