226 WITH THE FLOWERS AND TREES 



Avernus the insect proceeds, until suddenly he 

 drops into a well of clear liquid that fills the lower 

 part of the hollow and is secreted by the plant for 

 the express purpose of entrapping him and his like. 

 Once in this he drowns miserably and becomes meat 

 for his captor 's consumption. Leaf-tubes six inches 

 deep in decaying insects, and smelling accordingly, 

 have been collected; and Mr. Henry Edwards, an 

 entomologist who some years ago recorded the re- 

 sults of his researches, stated that he felt convinced 

 that every insect order in California was repre- 

 sented in the seething-pots of a Darlingtonia 

 kitchen. Even snails are sometimes caught. 



Since the leaves grow in clusters, the plant is very 

 noticeable at a considerable distance, resembling as 

 it does, so many erect snakes with mottled-hooded 

 heads. It was this showy sort of advertisement that 

 was responsible for its first discovery. One day in 

 October, 1841, J. D. Brackenridge, a botanist of the 

 Wilkes Exploring Expedition, was collecting plants 

 a few miles south of Mount Shasta peak on the 

 boggy borders of a tributary of the upper Sacra- 

 mento River, when he came unexpectedly upon some 

 Indians whose looks he thought hostile. Believing 

 prudence the better part to play, he set out at a run 

 to overtake his companions, and as he went he 

 caught sight of this strange plant at which he made 



