198 INSECTIVOROUS PLANTS. 



tending from the base of the leaf to the top, and 

 this is another reason I have for thinking that 

 our Northern species must have some similar con- 

 trivance but in a lesser degree to lure insects 

 into its cups. 



The leaves of this Southern species are straight 

 tubes, somewhat trumpet-shaped, standing erect, 

 and are from twelve to fifteen inches in length. 

 A hood or arch covers the top so that it is almost 

 impossible for water to enter them. The flowers 

 are yellow, but shaped like our purple ones. It 

 captures great numbers of insects, which are at- 

 tracted by the sweet, sugary secretion which ex- 

 tends along the entire length of the leaf and 

 around the upper edge of the opening or mouth 

 of the tube. As far as I have observed, the in- 

 sects which partake of this secretion always go 

 inside of the tube or pitcher and never return. 



There is a difference of opinion among observers 

 with regard to the action of the sweet secretion on 

 the insects which partake of it. I have given my 

 observations and experiments quite fully in "Home 

 Studies in Nature," 1 and have no reason to modify 

 in the least my views as therein stated. 



1 " Home Studies in Nature/' By Mary Treat. Harper & Brothers. 

 1871. 



