USES OF LEAVES. 1 49 



anomalies which excite the attention of the most indiffer- 

 ent observers. It is tubular, and the lid which is attach- 

 ed to its dilated margin, is covered with rigid hairs, uni- 

 formly projecting towards its base. If we examine the 

 interior of this leaf, we shall find it partially filled with 

 water, and stored with insects, which having been en- 

 tangled by its marginal hairs, were precipitated into 

 the cavity, where they perished. What is the design of 

 this singular arrangement 1 By Catesby who resided 

 several years in South Carolina, it was said to furnish 

 insects and flies with a secure retreat against the at- 

 tacks of birds and reptiles, but unfortunately for his 

 hypothesis, it was rather a fatal than a safe retreat. 

 By Linnaeus it was supposed to preserve a supply of 

 water in its cavity, till a dry season rendered its ex- 

 penditure necessary for the growth of the plant. It 

 has been replied to this, that the old leaves which re- 

 quire the least water, are furnished with the largest 

 supply, and that even in the dryest season, this quanti- 

 ty is never entirely exhausted. 



Abandoning the opinions of Catesby and Linnasus, 

 Dr. Smith has adopted another which seems to have 

 been founded on a single observation, made in the 

 Botanic garden at Liverpool. An insect was observed 

 by the gardener, drawing the flies which he could 

 manage, into the tube of the leaf, where he supposed 

 they were deposited as food for the aggressor, for it 

 was found that the other leaves were also partially fill- 

 ed with water, and contained several dead or drowning 

 flies. In most cases I am persuaded they are not forced 

 into their hollow tomb, but having ventured too far 



Side Saddle flower, is occasionally found in the low marshy 

 grounds of New-England. 



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