54 Orchis tridentata. 



been more strictly scrutinized by Mr. R. Brown in the last edition 

 of the Hortus Kewensis. He excludes from orchis, all species which 

 are without a simple pouch containing the bases of both the masses 

 of pollen together. These are separate, each with its own pouch in 

 Ophrys, and separate without any pouch, which, so arranged, becomes 

 a large and very natural genus. The North American species are 

 above twenty in number. The present one is not very common in 

 this state, nor very abundant where found. It has been made a 

 variety of O. clavellata by Michaux ; but certainly has legitimate 

 claims to a distinct specific place. Like most of the orchidean plants, 

 it grows naturally in rich, boggy soils, formed by the decomposition 

 of vegetable substances. Moisture and shade seem necessary to it: 

 at least it thrives best in situations commanding both 



Fig. 1. The whole upper part of the plant, separated. 



2. The lower part and root. 



3. Front view of a flower, with bract and germ appended. 



4. Back view of the same. 



5. Petals and lip, shewing the three teeth. 



(All the size of nature.) 



