?6 
DON'T PLUCK IT 
rarity, almost as much so as the flower-lover who can 
find it and leave it unmolested* The Yellow Lady's 
Slipper is still found, but so rare as to appeal, too 
often in vain, for mercy* The Showy and the Pink 
Lady's Slippers are comparatively safe away in the 
sphagnum swamps, as are the Arethusa and the 
Snake's Mouth, but even there they are now pursued 
with threatening persistency* The more familiar 
the woods and flowers, the less desire is there to 
profane the treasures by bringing them into the 
uncongenial atmosphere of the city* Let all lovers of 
flowers learn the generous selfishness of renunciation* 
