362 The Flora of Wiltshire. 



the containing vessel shrivels and begins to open, and from the 

 shrinking and consequent erection of the stem, the whole apparatus 

 gradually assumes an upright position, in which the capsule, in- 

 stead of being shielded by the calyx, is supported by it. But 

 why, it may be asked, should not the seed fall at once from the 

 opening vessel, without being elevated to an upright and higher 

 position, where its timely dispersion appears to be a matter of greater 

 difficulty ? If we examine further into this beautiful contrivance, 

 we shall find from the gradual evaporation of moisture, the sides 

 of the valves shrink and roll up, and the sharp edges of each at 

 this stage pressing upon the contained seeds, bring them, though 

 previously arranged in a very irregular manner, into nearly a 

 straight line. Each seed is of an oblong shape and is hard, smooth 

 and shining, and hence, when the unfolding edge of the shrivelling 

 valve presses upon it and slides down behind it, the pressure throws 

 it out with a jerk to a distance, proportioned to its elevation above 

 the ground. Now may we see the reason why, previous to the 

 ecattering of the capsule's contents, that vessel is considerably ele- 

 vated, as by a mechanical agency contrived for the purpose. The 

 seeds projected from an increased elevation are dispersed through 

 a wider circuit, and thereby more effectually fulfil the object of 

 their formation. With such wonderful skill is the mechanism of 

 a single flower constructed, and with such admirable precision does 

 it accomplish all its purposes. 



ORDER. DROSERACE^E. (DE CAND.) 



Drosera, (Linn.) Sundew. 

 Linn. CI. v. Ord. vi. 



Name. From droseros, (Gr.) dewy, from drosos, dew, the pellu- 

 cid drops which are secreted by its glandular hairs, appearing like 

 drops of dew, and continue in spite of the sun which is fatal to the 

 true dew. In Latin of the middle ages, (for it was unnoticed by 

 the ancients,) it is called Bos solis, a mere translation of the com- 

 mon name. Nearly all the species stain with a purple colour the 

 •■-- -t in which they are placed. 



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