The Pyramid Orchis 



opened flowers are round the bottom and, tapering 

 upwards, are all stages of flowers to the youngest 

 buds at the top, and all are rose-red, for the bracts 

 that wrap up the actual rose-red petals in the buds 

 are themselves warm-tinted. This pyramid forma- 

 tion at once declares this orchid, and hence its name. 

 Later, however, when the top buds open and the 

 spike lengthens, something of this characteristic 

 shape is lost. 



It seems rather a reflection upon our boasted 

 modern catholicity in garden matters that this 

 plant, albeit wUd, is not more frequently cultivated 

 in our gardens. It is easy to grow if it be given a 

 somewhat chalky soil and a fairly open situation. 

 It multiplies quickly, and gives brilliant touches of 

 colour in June, July, and even August. Moreover, 

 it is a joy for the purpose of gathering, for the spikes 

 will deck a room a fortnight or more if they are 

 put into water with a piece of charcoal to keep it 

 sweet. Very occasionally a plant will be found 

 which bears white flowers. 



6i 



