Vegetal Evolution. 143 



Then follow the pitcher-plants of America, East 

 India, and China, with mechanisms which entice un- 

 wary insects into their reservoirs, then drown and 

 absorb them. 



The aquatic bladderwort {iitricularia) has cunningly 

 devised bladders attached to its leaves for entrapping 

 inquisitive insects. The entrance to the bladder is 

 guarded by bristles and fitted with a valve or trap- 

 door opening only inwards and sloping downwards 

 into the well. Once an insect forces its way in, the 

 trap-door closes, escape is impossible, the prisoner 

 drowns in the tank and another meal has been 

 earned. 



Another similar plant (genlisea), a native of Brazil, 

 has a long neck leading to the bladder provided with 

 sharp hairs pointing downwards, which invite the 

 animals to walk in, but effectually bar their passage 

 out. 



Omitting some intermediate insect-eaters, we come 

 to the celebrated sun-dew {drosera). This tiny plant 

 has six leaves spread open, upon which are stalks 

 projecting upwards, each tipped with a drop of viscid 

 fluid. On an insect touching one of these glistening 

 glands it sticks, more fluid is secreted, the animal 

 sinks down clogged, the leaves rise up and close upon 

 it, and the unlucky trespasser is slowly suffocated, 

 digested and absorbed. 



Lastly, the highest development of the vegetal 

 carnivora is reached in the Venus's fly-trap (dionea 

 muscipula). Here the leaves double up, and on their 



