304 DION^EA MUSCIFULA. CHAP. XJll 



opposite end with the albumen; but no further observations 

 were made. 



Experiment 13. A globule of chemically prepared casein, 

 about ^ of an inch in diameter, was placed on a leaf, which 

 spontaneously opened after eight clays. The casein now con- 

 sisted of a soft sticky mass, very little, if at all, reduced in size, 

 but bathed in acid secretion. 



These experiments are sufficient to show that the 

 secretion from the glands of Dionoea dissolves albu- 

 men, gelatine, and meat, if too large pieces are 

 not given. Globules of fat and fibre-elastic tissue 

 are not digested. The secretion, with its dissolved 

 matter, if not in excess, is subsequently absorbed. On 

 the other hand, although chemically prepared casein 

 and cheese (as in the case of Drosera) excite much 

 acid secretion, owing, I presume, to the absorption of 

 some included albuminous matter, these substances 

 are not digested, and are not appreciably, if at all, 

 reduced in bulk. 



Effects of the Vapours of Chloroform, Sulphuric Ether, and Hydro- 

 cyanic Acid. A plant bearing one leaf was introduced into a 

 large bottle with a drachm (3'549 ml.) of chloroform, the mouth 

 being imperfectly closed with cotton-wool. The vapour caused 

 in 1 m. the lobes to begin moving at an imperceptibly slow rate ; 

 but in 3 m. the spikes crossed, and the leaf was soon com- 

 pletely shut. The dose, however, was much too large, for in 

 between 2 and 3 hrs. the leaf appeared as if burnt, and soon 

 died. 



Two leaves were exposed for 30 m. in a 2-oz. vessel to the 

 vapour of 30 minims (1-774 ml.) of sulphuric ether. One leaf 

 closed after a time, as did the other whilst being removed from 

 the vessel without being touched. Both leaves were greatly 

 injured. Another leaf, exposed for 20 m. to 15 minims of ether, 

 closed its lobes to a certain extent, and the sensitive filaments 

 were now quite insensible. After 24 hrs. this leaf recovered 

 its sensibility, but was still rather torpid. A leaf exposed 

 in a large bottle for only 3 m. to ten drops was rendered 

 insensible. After 52 m. it recovered its sensibility, and when 

 of the filaments was touched, the lobes closed. It boj;aa 



