another group whose structure is
distinctly adjusted to the _tongues_ of insects--adaptations not merely
of position of pollen masses, but even to the extent of a special
modification in the entrance to the flower and the shape of the sticky
gland, by which it may more securely adhere to that sipping member.

In the common pretty Purple-fringed Orchid, whose dense cylindrical
spikes of plumy blossoms occasionally empurple whole marshes, we have an
arrangement quite similar to the _H. orbicularis_ just described, with
the exception that the pollen-pouches are almost parallel, and not
noticeably spread at the base (Fig. 11). In this case the eyes of
sipping butterflies occasionally get their decoration of a tiny golden
club, but more frequently their tongues.

[Illustration: Fig. 11]

If, however, the butterfly should approach directly in front of the
flower, as in a larger blossom he would be most apt to do, he might sip
the nectar indefinitely and withdraw his tongue without bringing it in
contact with the viscid pollen discs. But in the dense crowding of the
flowers, over which the insect flutters indiscriminately, the approach
is oftenest made obliquely, and thus the tongue brushes the disc on the
side approached, and the pollen mass is withdrawn. But an examination of
this orchid affords no pronounced evidence of any specific intention.
There is no unmistakable sign to demonstrate which approach is
preferred or designed by the flower, and this dependence on the insect's
tongue or eye would seem to be left to chance.

In another closely allied species, however, we have a distinct provision
which insures the proper approach of the tongue--one of many similar
devices by which the tongue is conducted directly to one or the other of
the pollen discs.

[Illustration: Fig. 12]

This is the Ragged Orchid, a near relative of the foregoing, _H.
psycodes_, but far less fortunate in its attributes of beauty, its long
scattered spike of greenish-white flowers being so inconspicuous in its
sedgy haunt as often to conceal the fact of its frequency. Its
individual flower is shown enlarged at Fig. 12--the lip here cut with a
lacerated fringe (_H. lacera_). The pollen-pouches approach slightly at
the base, directly opposite the nectary, where the two viscid
pollen-glands stand on guard. Now were the opening of the nectary at
this point unimpeded, the same condition would exist as in the _H.
psycodes_--the tongue might be inser