EPIPACTIS VIRIDIFLORA 171 
petal assumes a form strongly suggesting the Moccasin 
of her beautiful and distinguished sisters. This 
embryo Moccasin sometimes shows a suggestion of 
pink, but it is so small and the colour so mild that it 
lacks attractiveness. The Epipactis is distinguished 
from the other plain members of the family by the 
absence of a spur on the twisted petal and by a 
microscopic box and lid for holding the pollen. 
There is a little depression running down the side 
of a steep, tree-covered hill by the Don valley where 
the Epipactis grows. This small, transverse ravine 
guides a rushing stream for a few days when the 
snow is melting in the spring and the absorbent earth 
is hard with frost, but all summer it is dry. Oak and 
Maple leaves gather in it farther up the bank, and 
these are gradually washed down in their slow return 
to the soil. On the southern slope just above the 
damp levels and under the open shade of a few small 
Hemlocks is the scattered bed of these rare Orchids. 
More than a dozen have opened their quiet, unat- 
tractive flowers and are ripening their oval seed pods. 
The first thought on discovering them is of the havoc 
that would ensue if the botanist found a clue to their 
whereabouts. But Orchids, like all the good things 
of life, are for those who appreciate. Ownership and 
possession are but trifling considerations, and they 
who have the appreciation should be satisfied without 
seeking more. 
