1891.] A Few Native Orchids. 251 
- approach, had left behind their dainty footgear. And dainty 
indeed must be the feet for such slippers! Into the largest one 
could scarcely insert the tip of a baby’s finger. Pure white, with 
the gleam of the golden stamens within the tiny sac, the whole 
plant scarce five inches high, I know of no flower more instinct 
with mystery and grace. 
I have mentioned in this sketch only those orchids with which 
I am personally familiar. A friend tells me of finding the 
Rattlesnake Plantain, whose leaves are curiously netted and 
banded with white, as if its ugly namesake had dragged over 
them his loathsome length. I think it very probable that this list 
may be extended, and I am rarely in swamp or marsh that I do 
not find myself peering curiously"around for some strange freak 
of growth in petal or calyx which shall announce “a new orchid.” 
