PART L] MOUNTAIN VEGETATION IN AMERICA 145 



becomes densely lined with needle-like hairs, all pointing 

 down, so decidedly indeed that they almost lie against the 

 surface from which they spring. These hairs are very slender, 

 transparent, and about a quarter of an inch long, but have a 

 needle-like solidity, and are colourless. The poor flies, moths, 

 and ladybirds travel down these conveniently arranged stubbles, 

 but none seem to turn back. The pitcher, which may be a 

 couple of inches wide at the top, narrows very gradually, and 

 at its base is about a line in diameter. Here, and for some 

 little distance above this point, the vegetable needles of course 

 all converge, and the unhappy fly goes on till he finds his 

 head against the firm thick bottom of the cell, and his retreat 

 cut off by myriads of bayonets ; and in that position he dies. 

 Very small creatures fill up the narrow base, and above them 

 larger ones densely pack themselves to death. When held 

 with the top upwards, sometimes a reddish juice, with an 

 exceedingly offensive odour, drops from the pitchers. The 

 plant throws out runners rather freely, by which means it 

 increases. As to its culture, there can be no doubt about 

 that a soil of peat, or peat and chopped sphagnum, kept wet 

 not merely moist the pots or pans to be placed on a moist 

 bottom. Frame or cool house treatment is best in winter; 

 warm greenhouse or temperate stove in summer. It is hardy 

 in the south of England and Ireland. 



K 



