©rcbis ifamilp. 



Lady's Tresses. Spiranilies Romanzoffiana. 



Found during July and August beside meadow runnels, and on 

 moist banks. 



The round little flower-stem is twisted and smooth ; about 8 or 10 

 inches high ; and of a pale green color, pink at the foot. 



The long narrow leaf, with its sharp-pointed tip, is not large, and 

 contracts to a mere sheath near the flower ; its texture is thick, and sur- 

 face smooth ; it clasps the stem. The arrangement is alternate, and the 

 color is a dull, but pale, green. 



The small flower is indeterminate in shape, with an oblong down-bent 

 lip, all the other parts being erect and holding their tips together ; the 

 throat is round and hollow; the texture is waxen and the color white, or 

 sometimes tinged with faint dull yellow. The flowers, set down in the 

 hold of enfolding, green sheath-like bracts whose pointed tips curve over 

 the blossoms, are arranged in rows to form a close spike. 



The twisting of the flower-stem causes the ranks of blossoms to 

 appeal' to be placed in a spiral arrangement. The flowers have a cloy- 

 ing perfume. 



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