Spiranthes autumnalis

Abstract

IN NATURE of September 16, p, 79, I reported the occurrence of this orchis, new to Scotland, in Lower Strathspey. As I can find no record of the species growing on soil other than cretaceous, and as there is no lime in the soil where I found the plants, I suspect that I may have been deceived by the superficial resemblance between Spiranthes and Goodyera repens. The point, of course, might have been decided at once by lifting a root; but, being very unwilling to disturb rare plants, I refrained from doing so. I hope to return to the place next summer to verify the species; until then I must ask botanists to dismiss my note as non avenue. If it should prove that I have erred, I have done so in good company, for was not Sir Joseph Hooker deceived by the decussate, scale-like leaves of Veronica cupressoides into pronouncing that plant to be coniferous from specimens sent from New Zealand?