i6g 
EPIPACTIS VIRIDIFLORA 
Even in the world of flowers, rarity has a peculiar 
charm, and dull, insignificant, colourless blossoms 
may be the object of many a long and eager search. 
This erect but unassuming member of the Orchid 
family, not sufficiently familiar to enjoy a pet name, 
has appeared in the vicinity of Toronto, Syracuse, 
and Buffalo, but nowhere else on the continent. The 
weakness of prising rarity for its own sake lends to 
every discovery a peculiar delight. This is enhanced 
by the attendant weakness of honouring the common 
and insignificant on account of distinguished family 
connections. The Orchid family must be accorded a 
place above all others in the floral world. The richest 
blooms of the tropics make the name distinguished 
and revered. Strange habits and ways, perching on 
trees, breathing nutriment from the air — all these 
tend to give the Orchid an honoured place and some- 
times to surround it with an air of modern fashionable 
mystery. An indulgent public has even been treated 
to stories of wonderful extensions of the parasitic 
habit, and weird tales have drifted about of un- 
fortunate travellers falling victims to the relentless 
tendrils of the devouring Orchid. 
Naturally we respect and prize every member of 
