(Sra^ Ifocrbanum 



B. L. ROBINSON, Curator 



CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A. 



Sept. 14, 1£22 



"ear I.Ir . "eane : - 



The specimens of Spiranthes were not in very 



condition when they readied me, but so far as I can make out, 

 they are good enough 8 . cernua , with one exception, ihat has 

 the flowers in a single rank; but Ames states that tiiis con- 

 dition occurs sometimes in plants which are o;:.erwise, as this 

 one is, good S. cernua. It is a variable species in habit, 

 size, numoer of leaves, etc., out I can see no variation in 

 essential floral characters --shape of lip, shape and size of 

 callosities, etc.-- in your specimens. 



S.» M o man i o f f i ana is, I suppose, best recognized by the 

 marked constriction above the middle of the lip. Also, in 

 southern new England at least, it flowers distinctly earlier 

 than o_. cernua , from 1; te July to mid-'ugust. It also varies 

 rnucn in trie size and thickness of the spiles and the width of 

 the leaves. fae floral characters seem to be the only reliable 

 one e . 



,'e are out of the regular Herbarium stationery and don't 

 want to order any more till Dr. Hooinson comes back, so we are 

 making a raid on his private stock. 



ith cordial regards to f.liss 3rown and all good wishes for 

 the rest of your stay, 



Sincerely yours, 



