SIDESADDLE, OR PITCHER PLANT. 255 



water it is true, and flies are induced to enter their living 

 sepulchre (if it may be so termed). This singularity of the 

 leaf, whatever may be the design of nature, appears 

 strange ; but it is generally supposed the pitcher shape leaf 

 is formed to supply the plant with water during the dry time 

 in the autumn. The inner parts of those hollow cylinder 

 shaped leaves are lined with hair, which points downwards, 

 and there is but little doubt that flies which enter (gene- 

 rally the Blue Bottle race), when once in, are prevented from 

 crawling out by the formation of tha inner side of ths 

 tubes ; and in all probability the water possesses some de- 

 leterious effects ; thus destroying the insects when once 

 within the convex of the leaf. 



The singularities of this plant exhibit one of the phencm- 

 enas in nature so remarkable and interesting in floriculture. 

 In its cultivation it must be treated as a swamp plant. Ths 

 soil should be taken from a swamp and kept, in its grow- 

 ing season, in a pan of water, and the plant itself surround- 

 ed with moss. It maybe increased by seed, or by division 

 of the root. If by seeds, they should be sown in the 

 spring and be kept moist. When the plants are of suffi- 

 cient size transplant into five inch pots, and treat them the 

 same as full grown plants ; if by division of the roots it 

 should be performed in the spring or fall. It will not thrive 

 in the sun ; the shade is indispensable to flower them to 

 perfection. 



