164 



THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



A large number belong to the group of Bladderworts. 



They live in water, 

 and have curious little 

 bladders, which in 

 springtime rise to the 

 surface, and there 

 float, acting as traps 

 for the unwary. Each 

 bladder has one tiny 

 opening, closed by 

 valves, and it can be 

 entered from outside, 

 but not quitted from 

 the inside. 



Small creatures, 

 such as the young of 

 gnats and worms, 

 force their way in 

 through protecting 

 bristles, perhaps out 

 of curiosity, perhaps 

 in search of food, 

 perhaps only to escape 

 pursuing foes and 

 once in they have to 

 stay, for the valves 

 cannot be opened 

 from within. They 

 may live in their 



prison for hours, or even for days, but in the end they 



die, and are digested. 



Then there are the remarkable Pitcher-plants of 



OTRICULARIA VULGARIS (Common 



Bladderwort). 



