been taken on account of M. Ziegler s statements. One of the particles
of cinder caused some inflection in 8 hrs. 45 m., as did after 23 hrs.
the other particle of cinder, the bit of thread, and both bits of cork.
Three glands were touched half a dozen times with a needle; one of the
tentacles became well inflected in 17 m., and re-expanded after 24
hrs.; the two others never moved. The homogeneous fluid within the
cells of the tentacles undergoes aggregation after these have become
inflected; especially if given a solution of carbonate of ammonia; and
I observed the usual movements in the masses of protoplasm. In one
case, aggregation ensued in 1 hr. 10 m. after a tentacle had carried a
bit of meat to the centre. From these facts it is clear that the
tentacles of Drosera anglica behave like those of Drosera rotundifolia.
If an insect is placed on the central glands, or has been naturally
caught there, the apex of the leaf curls inwards. For instance, dead
flies were placed on three leaves near their bases, and after 24 hrs.
the previously straight apices were curled completely over, so as to
embrace and conceal the flies; they had therefore moved through an
angle of 180o. After three days the apex of one leaf, together with the
tentacles, began to re-expand. But as far as I have seen and I made
many trials the sides of the leaf are never inflected, and this is the
one functional difference between this species and Drosera
rotundifolia.
Drosera intermedia (Hayne). This species is quite as common in some
parts of England as Drosera rotundifolia. It differs from Drosera
anglica, as far as the leaves are concerned, only in their smaller
size, and in their tips being generally a little reflexed. They capture
a large number of insects. The tentacles are excited into movement by
all the causes above specified; and aggregation ensues, with movement
of the protoplasmic masses. I have seen, through a lens, a tentacle
beginning to bend in less than a minute after a particle of raw meat
had been placed on the gland. The apex of the leaf curls over an
exciting object as in the case of Drosera anglica. Acid secretion is
copiously poured over captured insects. A leaf which had embraced a fly
with all its tentacles re-expanded after nearly three days.
Drosera capensis. This species, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was
sent to me by Dr. Hooker. The leaves are elongated, slightly concave
along the middle and taper towards the apex, [page 280] which is
247