The large and rounding leaf is 3 or 4 inches broad, and not greatly longer; it has many parallel ribs marking it underneath, a thick and leathery texture, and a smooth, very glossy surface. The color is a strong dark green, the underside being covered with a pale bloom. The two leaves are opposite each other, lying upon the ground. The flower is rather noticeable in shape, for the lip is wide at the base, with a pointed and much curving tip; the upright petals are very sharp-pointed (like a scimetar), and their needle-like tips cross each other; the spur is a trifle longer than the foot-stem, and very slender; the broad upright part of the calyx behind the upper petals curves forward over them, and nearly meets the upward curve of the lip (thus increasing a resemblance to a pair of nippers); the side calyx-parts are oblong, with fine tips, which turn back. In color all parts of the flower are green, the lip tending somewhat toward yellow. The flowers are set, on twisted foot-stems, alternately, and a certain space apart, in a spike; they each spring from the angle of a sharp-pointed little leaf (or bract) which is longer than the foot-stems. One of the most interesting features of this Orchid is the peculiar varnished appearance of the underside of the foot-leaf. [Illustration: ---- H. Hookeri.] *Fringed Green Orchid.* _Habenaria lacera._ *Ragged Orchis.* Found, during July and August, on moist banks, and beside running water. The round smooth stalk grows to be 8 or 12 inches high; it is nearly white at the foot, gaining to a dull, but pale, green near the flowers. The few leaves are lance-shaped, large near the ground and lessening to a mere sheath above, of a tough texture, and smooth surface. They are alternately placed, and clasp the stalk with a marked fold on the midrib. The color is a faded yellow-green. The lip of the small flower is fan-shaped, with a very narrow base, 3-cleft, and spreading; the other petals are erect and fringy; the spur is long and curved; the calyx is small, the side-parts flaring, the third part erect behind the petals; it is colored a pale yellow-green. The foot-stem is slightly twisted, as long as the spur, and pale. The blossoms are placed alternately, rising from the angles of small enfolding leaves (bracts), in a scattering terminal spike. There is a monotony of hue about this plant, and a general dinginess of aspect, that render it rather uninteresting; the lip more nearly approaches clarity of tone than any other part of the flower. [Illustration: FRINGED GREEN ORCHID: H. lacera.] *----* _Habenaria hyperborea._ Found in cold dark bogs, and deep woods, in July and August. The rigidly erect stalk, in height 10 to 18 inches, is round and smooth at the foot, but becomes angular or grooved, and twisted, above; pale green in color.