MAY FLOWERS. 49 
the naturalist? Nearly two-thirds of Darwin’s work on 
‘“‘Insectivorous Plants” is devoted to the common sun- 
dew (Drosera rotundifolia, L.). Probably no plant has 
been subjected to a greater variety of experiments, with 
the results noted more carefully, or the deductions drawn 
with greater deliberation. Is it a question of the won- 
derful contrivances by which orchids are fertilized by 
insects? Our native species, thirty-two in number, sev- 
eral blooming in May, exhibit many of them. No one 
can study their structure at all thoughtfully without 
recognizing in it a miracle of design. Our Habenaria 
Hlookeri, Torr. and Arethusa bulbosa, L. and Pogonia 
verticillata, Nutt. are among the most interesting of 
these. 
Weeds, with a few exceptions, do not bloom in 
May. They start early enough, but feeling that they 
have all summer and autumn to ripen in do not hurry 
to bloom. It may be they realize they are safer from 
harm by lying low until the more useful vegetation has 
attained a sufficient growth to overshadow and protect 
them. The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, Weber) 
has a habit of growth which would seem, in the animal 
kingdom, to imply a great deal of instinct or inherited 
memory or whatever we may choose to call it. It 
blooms early on a short scape or flower-stem which 
lengthens during blossoming. After all the flowers 
have been expanded long enough to ensure fertilization, 
7 
