376 ORDER DROSERACE.E, OR SUN-DEW TRIBE. 



same number of valves. In the persistence of the calyx, the 

 prevalence of the number 5 in the flowers, and in the slight 

 division of the ovary, it is evidently allied to the Cistacese. Of 

 the plants contained in it, few are natives of Asia ; and those 

 which inhabit South America differ from the rest, in being 

 shrubby instead of herbaceous. The roots of all the Yiolaceas 

 appear to be more or less emetic ; and those of South America 

 are particularly so, and are used in medicine under the same 

 circunstances as those in which Ipecacuanha is employed in 

 this country. 



540. Nearly allied to the violets is the little order DROSERACE^E, 

 or Sun-dew tribe ; so named from the peculiar appearance 

 (presently to be described) of the British species, by which it 

 may be illustrated. The little Sun-dew is a plant whose home 

 is in fens and morasses, where it takes possession of the small 

 hillocks elevated above the surrounding waters ; and it cannot 

 be made to flourish, if transplanted into any other situation. 

 The leaves of this little plant are the most conspicuous part of 

 it, whilst the fructification is the least so. When spread out, 

 they form small concave disks, covered with long shining red 

 hairs, that secrete from their point a clear fluid, which gives the 

 leaves the appearance of being covered with dew-drops. This 

 secretion is most abundant when the sun is at its highest, whilst 

 real dew is only seen on leaves in the early morning ; and it is 

 from this circumstance, as well as from the peculiar sparkling 

 appearance of the surface, that the name of the plant is derived. 

 The hairs, when examined with a high magnifying power, are 

 extremely beautiful microscopic objects ; they are seen to con- 

 sist of an immense number of minute cells, arranged with great 

 regularity ; and if illuminated by a strong reflected light, the 

 rays from below being cut off, they exhibit a most gorgeous 

 variety of brilliant colours. The fluid secreted from their points 

 has a slightly acrid taste, and it appears to retain insects which 

 settle upon it. The hairs themselves exhibit a considerable 

 degree of irritability ; slowly curving inwards, and entrapping 

 any unfortunate victim that may have come within their reach. 

 This irritability is manifested to a much greater degree in the: 



