[Enclosure]

Epipactis palustris

(1) When an insect visits this flower, does it alight on the Labellum? & in entering flower does it depress the terminal portion & does this spring up again after the insect has entered?

(2) Especially, when the insect departs does it crawl back by the labellum, or does it crawl out at the top of the flower?

(3) If you see one crawl out, please observe whether the yellow pollen-masses are sticking to its Head or back: this would occur only in a lately-opened flower. Observe whether it enters another flower, & whether it does not there leave the pollen-masses sticking to the stigma, or at least some of the yellow pollen-grains, which would be easily visible.

(4) What kind of insect visits these flowers; if you sh^d. see several, please catch one by crushing flower in which it is in & send it.—

(5) As the labellum in some foreign Orchids is irritable, tickle on calm day with bit of grass the middle part of Labellum near the joint of terminal part & see whether it excites any movement slow or quick.— The best time to watch this Orchid would be a fine day after one or two cold & gloomy days.—

M^r Oxenden of Broom Park is going to watch this flower for me, & I made these notes for his sake,³ & then I thought I would send you a copy.— If by any extraordinary chance the labellum sh^d. be irritable will you observe carefully what part must be touched.