276 



SAGACITY AND MORALITY OF PLANTS. 



attracted by it crawl farther and farther down, and 

 cannot return, owing to the recurved hooks, hairs, 

 and overhanging rim. These hooks are often strong 

 enough to catch small birds which come to drink 

 at the water usually to be found in the pitcher, 

 and then they suffer the same fate as the flies. 



Fig. 99. — Nepenthes, or Pitcher-plant. 



The larger and peculiarly - constructed Nepenthes, 

 therefore, may be ornithivorous as well as insecti- 

 vorous. One species. Nepenthes bicalcaratuSy derives 

 its specific name from the two long pointed hooks 

 which are directed downwards towards the mouth of 

 the pitcher, and these cannot fail to prevent large 

 insects or even small birds from getting out after 

 they have once got in. 



