The lower leaves are oblong, and round-pointed, the upper leaves longer and sharp-pointed; they are folded on the midrib, and leathery in texture; in color dark green, the underside pale, shining, and moist. They are placed alternately, and clasp the stalk like a sheath. Three or 4 large leaves occur at the foot; the change to the pointed shape is very abrupt. The flower is small; the lip is sharp-pointed and flaring, the other petals smaller and narrow, their tips overlapping, under the erect calyx-part, while the two side calyx-parts curve downwards; the spur is blunt, short, and curved. The seed-box is very noticeable, shaped like a large dangled bag, with a very small neck, from which the blossom spreads. All parts of the flowers are tinted alike, a dull green. They are set tight to the stalk each in the clasp of a small sharp-tipped pale-green leafy bract, in a close club-shaped spike. The stamens just show their brown tips under the hooded petals, thus increasing the fantastic likeness to a little old woman which is given to the flower by its big seed-box. Reports from Iceland and Greenland show that this Orchid ventures far into the arctic regions. [Illustration: ---- H. hyperborea.] *Rattlesnake Plantain.* _Goodyera pubescens._ Found in rich woods, usually near evergreens, and blossoming in July and August. This leaf is oval, with a short, wide foot-stem; its entire margin is ruffled a little, it is thick, silky-soft to the touch, and of a gray-green color finely netted with whitey-green markings. The leaves are set in a cluster, close to the ground. The small greenish-white flower has a lip like a short pouch, with a sharp, narrow tip, the outer parts being folded loosely about it; it is waxen in texture, and placed on the top of the green, downy seed-box. The flowers are set closely in a spike, whose stem rises from the middle of the leaf-tuft to the height of 6 or more inches. The foliage of this Orchid is more striking than its flower, and usually lasts very late into the fall. [Illustration: RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN: Goodyera pubescens.] *Lady’s Tresses.* _Spiranthes Romanzoffiana._ Found during July and August beside meadow runnels, and on moist banks. The round little flower-stem is twisted and smooth; about 8 or 10 inches high; and of a pale green color, pink at the foot. The long narrow leaf, with its sharp-pointed tip, is not large, and contracts to a mere sheath near the flower; its texture is thick, and surface smooth; it clasps the stem. The arrangement is alternate, and the color is a dull, but pale, green.