94 THE LEAF. 
The ascidia thus formed are always full of water, in which insects are drowned, 
being prevented from escaping by the deflexed hairs at the mouth. 
246. The Nepenthes is a native of the East Indies. Its proper leaves are ses- 
sile and lanceolate. The midvein extends beyond the apex, like a tendril, to the 
length of six or eight inches. The extremity of this tendril is inflated into a hol- 
low vessel similar to a pitcher, and usually contains about half a pint of pure 
water. It is furnished with a leafy lid, connected to it by a ligament which ex- 
pands or contracts according to the state of the atmosphere, so that the cup is 
open in damp weather to receive moisture from the air, and closed in dry weather 
to prevent its evaporation. 
FIG. 34.—Ascidia. 1, Sarracenia purpurea; 2, Nepenthes distillatoria ; 3, Dischidia Raf- 
flesiana. 
247. Another wonderful provision of this kind is observed in a plant growing 
in the forests of India, called Dischidia. It is a twining plant, ascending the tall 
trees to the distance of 100 feet from its roots, and destitute of leaves except near 
its top. These cannot, therefore, it would seem, derive much nourishment from 
the earth. The pitchers seem formed of a leaf with its edges rolled towards each 
other, and adherent, and its upper end, or mouth, is open to receive whatever 
moisture may descend into it, of which there is always a considerable quantity. 
But the greatest marvel in its structure is yet to be described. Several bundles 
of absorbent fibres, resembling roots (142, 6), are sent out from the nearest parts 
of the stem and enter the pitchers and spread themselves through the cavity. 
The design of this apparatus scarcely needs be mentioned. 
248. The leaf of Venus’ fly-trap (Dionza muscipula), native at the south, is 
also of a very curious construction. At the extremity of each leaf are two lobes. 
bordered with spines. In the cavity between the lobes are several sharp points 
projecting upwards, and a gland which secretes a liquor attractive to insects. But 
when an unlucky fly, in search of food, alights upon it, the irritable lobes instantly 
close and impale him in their fatal embrace. 
249. Sriputes are certain leaf-like expansions situated on 
each side of the petiole, at its base. They are membranous, 
leathery, or spiny. They do not occur in every plant, but are 
pretty uniformly present in each plant of the same natural order. 
Ex. pea, rose, Viola tricolor. 
250. Stipules are generally supposed to be accessory leaves, although their 
