262 STRUCTURE OF LATHRA SQUAMARIA. 
nutriment from them. The fact that the roots of plants of this 
kind are so few in number and diminutive in length, as in Neottia, 
g,as in Epipogium and Corallorhiza, 18 very 
markable in connection with this. These plants are concealed in 
the nutrient substratum till the time of flowering, and may act 
possesses the power of supporting itself by means of its scale- 
leaves 
That saprophytes do act on organic matter by their whole 
surface was very clearly shown in one instance, where a plant of 
Lathrea had come in contact with the dead root of an elm that had 
ome soft, but yet retained its outline, and into which some 
Ps : i removed, 
depressions corresponding to their shape, while two other branches 
light friable loam, the soil immediately surrounding the Lathrea 
was saturated with moisture, while all beside could be crumbled 
apart with the fingers.” 
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beers: Soe. Nation, Sci. Nat. Cherbourg, xxiv. (1884), pp. 5—40. 3 pls. 
