106 NEOTTE^aS. Chap. IV. 



and anther,— and in some other respects, we haTe a 

 clear affinity with Spiranthes. In the anther having 

 a broad filament we see a relation to Cephalanthera. 

 In the structure of the rostellum, with the exception 

 of the sloping sides, and in the shape of the labellum, 

 G-oodyera resembles Epipactis. Goodyera probably 

 shows us the state of the organs in a group of Orchids, 

 now mostly extinct, but the parents of many living 

 descendants. 



Spiranthes autumnalis. — This Orchid with its pretty 

 name of Ladies'-tresses, presents some interesting 

 peculiarities.* The rostellum is a long, thin, flat pro- 

 jection, joined by sloping shoulders to the summit of 

 the stigma. In the middle of the rostellum a narrow 

 vertical brown object (fig. 17, C) may be seen, bordered 

 and covered by transparent membrane. This brown 

 object I will call "the boat-formed disc." It forms 

 the middle portion of the posterior surface of the 

 rostellum, and consists of a narrow strip of the exterior 

 membrane in a modified condition. When removed 

 from its attachment, its summit (fig. E) is seen to be 

 pointed, with the lower end rounded; it is slightly 

 bowed, so as altogether to resemble a boat or canoe. 

 It is rather more than -j-f-g- of an inch in length, 

 and less than -j-J-g- in breadth. It is nearly rigid, and 

 appears fibrous, but is really formed of elongated 

 and thickened cells, partially confluent. 



This boat, standing vertically up on its stern, is filled 

 with thick, milky, extremely adhesive fluid, which, 

 when exposed to the air, rapidly turns brown, and in 

 about one minute sets quite hard. An object is well 

 glued to the boat in four or five seconds, and when the 



* I am indebted to UrBattersby me specimens. I subsequently 

 of Torquay, and to Mr. A. G. examined many growing plants.' 

 More of Bembridge, for sending 



