nly, in common with other Orchids, an interesting species,
but a handsome and durable flower.

It blooms at different heights, from 9in. to 2ft.; the spike, as implied
by the name, is leafy up to and among the flowered portion, which is
from 3in. to 9in. long; the flowers are a cheerful purple colour, each
3/4in. in diameter; the sepals are erect, cupped, and paler in colour than
the other parts of the flower; petals small; lip large, three lobed, the
middle one somewhat pointed; leaves oblong and smooth, lessening and
becoming more subulate near the top of the stem. When well grown, this
plant has a noble appearance, and when closely viewed is seen to be a
flower of a high order, as, in fact, all the Orchids are.

Fortunately, it is not so particular either as regards soil or
atmosphere as most of its relations, and it may frequently be met with
in cottage gardens in splendid form. Good sandy loam, in a moist
situation, suits it well, and I have seen it with fine spikes of bloom
both in partial shade and fully exposed. Its position should be
correctly noted, otherwise, when the tops have died down, the roots may
suffer damage; they should be well guarded against disturbance. When
increase is desirable the roots may be divided, but if they can be left
alone it will be much to the advantage of the specimens.

Flowering period, June and July.

Orchis Fusca.

BROWN ORCHIS; _Nat. Ord._ ORCHIDACEAE.

A rare and noble British species, terrestrial, and having a tuberous
root of moderate size; the specific name does not always apply, as this
species varies considerably in the colour of its flowers--certainly all
are not brown. According to Gray, the flowers are "large,
greenish-brown, brownish-purple, or pale ash grey;" the specimen from
which our illustration (Fig. 69) was drawn may be said to be
"brownish-purple," from its great number of brown spots; it is also
slightly tinged with green. According to Linnaeus, it is synonymous with
_O. Militaris_, the Soldier, or Brown Man Orchis. Of the native kinds
of Orchis, many of which are now getting very scarce, it is desirable to
know what's what. But, as a garden flower, the one now under
consideration has many points of merit. The plant is bold and portly,
and the foliage ample compared with many of the genus. The head of
flowers is large, numerous, and well lifted up, while, far from their
least good quality, is that of their fine aromatic perfume.

[Illustration