dissolved, as was likewise the case with Drosera. The secretion, when
containing animal matter in solution, whether derived from solids or
from liquids, such as an infusion of raw meat, milk, or a weak solution
of carbonate of ammonia, is quickly absorbed; and the glands, which
were before limpid and of a greenish colour, become brownish and
contain masses of aggregated granular matter. This matter, from its
spontaneous movements, no doubt consists of protoplasm. No such effect
is produced by the action of non-nitrogenous fluids. After the glands
have been excited to secrete freely, they cease for a time to secrete,
but begin again in the course of a few days.
Glands in contact with pollen, the leaves of other plants, and various
kinds of seeds, pour forth much acid secretion, and afterwards absorb
matter probably of an albuminous nature from them. Nor can the benefit
thus derived be insignificant, for a considerable [page 390] amount of
pollen must be blown from the many wind-fertilised carices, grasses,
&c., growing where Pinguicula lives, on to the leaves thickly covered
with viscid glands and forming large rosettes. Even a few grains of
pollen on a single gland causes it to secrete copiously. We have also
seen how frequently the small leaves of Erica tetralix and of other
plants, as well as various kinds of seeds and fruits, especially of
Carex, adhere to the leaves. One leaf of the Pinguicula had caught ten
of the little leaves of the Erica; and three leaves on the same plant
had each caught a seed. Seeds subjected to the action of the secretion
are sometimes killed, or the seedlings injured. We may, therefore,
conclude that Pinguicula vulgaris, with its small roots, is not only
supported to a large extent by the extraordinary number of insects
which it habitually captures, but likewise draws some nourishment from
the pollen, leaves, and seeds of other plants which often adhere to its
leaves. It is therefore partly a vegetable as well as an animal feeder.
PINGUICULA GRANDIFLORA.
This species is so closely allied to the last that it is ranked by Dr.
Hooker as a sub-species. It differs chiefly in the larger size of its
leaves, and in the glandular hairs near the basal part of the midrib
being longer. But it likewise differs in constitution; I hear from Mr.
Ralfs, who was so kind as to send me plants from Cornwall, that it
grows in rather different sites; and Dr. Moore, of the Glasnevin
336