13 



leaves do not persist unless there is fruit, but with the capsule all 

 five leaves are present occasionally. 



In the City of Hartford, in Keney Park, Cypripedimn acaiile 

 is abundant in one section, Peraniiuin puhescens still persists, and 

 until recently Ibidiwn ceniunin was growing in an open tract, near 

 the southern border, which has since been "improved." 



This paper is in no sense a revision of the Orchid flora of Con- 

 necticut. It is the record of a study in distribution and abundance. 

 Incidentally, information has been obtained in regard to periodicity 

 and natural causes of disappearance. In any season there are many 

 more blossoming plants than fertile capsules but some species do 

 not depend chiefly on the seeds for propagation. Like Malaxis 

 paludosa they have other methods. 



To sum up, it is evident that the orchid fauiily is not in danger 

 of extermination in Connecticut. Some inconspicuous species are 

 reduced in numbers and distribution; more showy ones are pro- 

 tected by public opinion or by statute ; others, like Habenaria clavel- 

 lata or either Liparis, are not likely to be noticed by the casual 

 wanderer in the woods. By many the whorled pogonia would be 

 supposed to be Medeola and Ibidium gracile would not even be seen. 



New London County calls for fuller investigation. So do 

 Windham and Litchfield Counties. The hopes have not died which 

 dream of finding within our borders Cypripedimn arietinimi and 

 Habenaria obtusata. 



Hartford, Conn., May, 1940. 



Great Britain is faced with a shortage in the crude drug market 

 of such items as deadly nightshade {Atropa belladonna), thorn 

 apple {Datura stramonium), henbane (Hyoscyanius niger), fox- 

 glove) (Digitalis purpurea) , lavender (Lavendula vera), and rose- 

 mary {Rosemarinus officinalis). Several large drug farms exist 

 in England and production is being increased. Test plots of the 

 drug items mentioned have been maintained in this country and if 

 necessary suitable acreage can be developed for any demand that 

 might be made. Economic plants that yield essential oils will be 

 needed in this country for a shortage already exists. 



