decay of the animals which they capture, namely, Utricularia and its
close allies; and from the excellent observations of Dr. Mellichamp and
Dr. Canby, there can scarcely be a doubt that Sarracenia and
Darlingtonia may be added to this class, though the fact can hardly be
considered as yet fully proved. There is a third class of plants which
feed, as is now generally admitted, on the products of the decay of
vegetable matter, such as the bird s-nest orchis (Neottia), &c. Lastly,
there is the well-known fourth class of parasites (such as the
mistletoe), which are nourished by the juices of living plants. Most,
however, of the plants belonging to these four classes obtain part of
their carbon, like ordinary species, from the atmosphere. Such are the
diversified means, as far as at present known, by which higher plants
gain their subsistence.
INDEX.
A.
Absorption by Dionaea, 295
by Drosera, 17
by Drosophyllum, 337
by Pinguicula, 381
by glandular hairs, 344
by glands of Utricularia, 416, 421
by quadrifids of Utricularia, 413, 421
by Utricularia montana, 437
Acid, nature of, in digestive secretion of Drosera, 88 present in
digestive fluid of various species of Drosera, Dionaea, Drosophyllum,
and Pinguicula, 278, 301, 339, 381
Acids, various, action of, on Drosera, 188 of the acetic series
replacing hydrochloric in digestion, 89 , arsenious and chromic,
action on Drosera, 185 , diluted, inducing negative osmose, 197
Adder s poison, action on Drosera, 206
384