76 FLOWERS OF FIELD, HILL, AND SWAMP 



The orchids, which are seen in such variety of form and color 

 in our green-houses, are represented by several of our dearest 

 native wild flowers. Their structure is complicated, but can well 

 be understood by studying some of the larger members of the 

 family. It is especially designed for insect fertilization. The 

 perianth is composed of 6 divisions, the 3 outer sepals col- 

 ored and harmonizing with the 3 inner petals. One of the 

 petals is large, and generally hangs down. This is called the 

 lip, and affords a standing - place for insects, whose visits are 

 thus invited. The internal structure consists of a column made 

 up of I stamen (except in cypripediums, where there are 2), 

 united with, or supported by,' the style or stigma. The pollen 

 lies in masses, called pollinia, and these cling to the proboscis of 

 an insect and are carried by it to another flower. The stigma is 

 a broad, glutinous surface, to which the pollinia, when they are 

 brought into contact with it, adhere. 



In this species (adder's-mouth) the flowers are very small, 

 greenish, in a raceme. Whole plant low, 5 or 6 inches high, with 

 a single broad leaf and one or more scales at the base of the stem. 

 The lip is slender, as are the other two petals. The flower-pedi- 

 cels are short. Root a bulb. 



82. Green Adder's-mouth 



In M. ophioglossdides, another species, its leaf occurs about 

 the middle of the single fiower-stem, oval or roundish, clasp- 

 ing, and the flowers make a short, blunt raceme, i to 3 inches 

 long. 5 to 10 inches high. 



83. Calopogon. Grass-pink 



Calopogon pulchellus (or Limodhrum tuberbsuni). — Family, 

 Orchid. Color, magenta. Leaf, i, long and narrow, grass- 

 like. Time, June, July. 



Among our loveliest bog-orchids is the beautiful calopogon. 

 A scape, bearing a single leaf, issuing from a sheathing base, 

 produces a few rose-colored flowers, the lowest in bloom while 

 the upper ones are still in bud. The lip appears above in the 

 upper part of the flower, broadened at terminus, and bearded 

 with white, yellow, and crimson hairs. This is the normal posi- 



