STRUCTURE AND USES OP PITCHERS. 161 



struction. The petiole, soon after it arises from the stem, 

 spreads into a broad leafy expansion, which seems to perform 

 the function of the true leaves ; it then contracts, and forms a 

 round tendril-like cord of several inches in length ; and it then 

 expands again, and is hollowed in its interior, so as to form a 

 very capacious and elegant receptacle. The mouth of this is 

 guarded by a separate little leafy cover, which is connected with 

 it by a distinct joint ; and this is regarded by botanists as the 

 true leaf. In one more variety, the pitchers of the Cephalotus 

 utricularis, or Monkey-cups of South America (so named, from 

 its being reported that the monkeys quench their thirst with the 

 fluid they contain,) the petiole seems to form the lid ; and the 

 pitcher itself is composed of the hollowed leaf, which hangs from 

 it by a kind of hinge. 



243. In regard to the functions of these curious organs, there 

 is some difference of opinion. It seems probable that the pitcher 

 of Sarracenia is a kind of fly-trap, which serves to catch insects, 

 the decay of which may furnish materials for its growth. Its in- 

 terior is beset with long bristly hairs, which point downwards ; 

 and at the bottom, there is poured forth from the plant, a honey- 

 like secretion, which is very attractive to insects. They expe- 

 rience little difficulty in reaching it ; but when they endeavour 

 to return, they are checked by the downward projection of the 

 hairs, and are caught like a rat in a trap. It has been observed 

 that the plant does not thrive so well, in a place from which 

 small insects are excluded ; and there is good reason to believe, 

 therefore, (especially since, as we shall presently see, a corre- 

 sponding instance certainly exists, . 246,) that they are in some 

 way beneficial to its growth, probably furnishing by their 

 decomposition, when dead, a sort of manure which is useful to 

 the plant. 



244. In regard to the Nepenthes, no very positive state- 

 ment can be given ; and it is certain that, of the fluid which is 

 found in the pitcher in the living plant, a part at least is poured 

 into it from the plant itself; since it has been found to contain 

 fluid, while quite immature, before the first opening of the lid. 

 The interior is covered with downy hair ; and it is probable that 



