SIDE-SADDLE FLOWERS. 91 



no obstacles to downward precipitation. The inner 

 lining of these pitchers consists of four zones, the 

 lowest present hairs, in considerable numbers, point- 

 ing downwards, so that insects which have once fallen 

 down are unable to get out again, in fact, they become 

 veritable traps. Fluid accumulates at the bottom of 

 these vessels, in which imprisoned insects are drowned, 

 whether or not it is intoxicating in its properties mat- 

 ters but little. The whole structure and adaptation 

 is that of a " fly-catcher." Numerous insects have 

 constantly been found at the bottom of the pitchers. 

 Thus far, although the evidence is circumstantial, it 

 seems to indicate insectivorous propensities, but no 

 experiments yet instituted have demonstrated the 

 presence of an acid secretion, which should aid in the 

 digestion of the captured insects. That the plant has 

 the power of catching insects will not be denied, but 

 as yet there is no proof that it has the power of 

 digesting them. As Mr. W. H. Gilburt has said, 

 " The pitchers contain fluid, but nothing correspond- 

 ing to a digestive fluid has been detected in them ; 

 so that if the insects which perish in the pitcher are 

 of any value to the plant, and afford any nutriment, 

 it must be simply by maceration, and the glands can 

 be regarded as absorbent only."- Unfortunately, 

 however, the evidence of absorbent glands is faulty. 



^ "Journal of Quekett Microscopical Club,'' vol. vi., p. 157. 



