SUNDEW 43 



by three bifid white stigmas. The ovary has a single cavity, the 

 numerous ovules being attached along three lines of the wall, 

 which correspond to the junctions of the three carpels. The 

 fruit is a capsule which when young is protected by the sur- 

 rounding parts of the flower, and ultimately opens by splitting 

 into three valves. The numerous minute seeds are readily dis- 

 persed by the wind. 



Besides the development of seedlings, the plant is perpetuated 

 and sometimes increased in number by the development of winter 

 buds. The apex of the main shoot forms a globular bud with 

 crowded leaves closely packed together, and similar buds may 

 form laterally. When the rest of the plant dies away the winter 

 bud persists, and in the spring forms roots while the leaves unfold. 



The chief interest of the plant lies in its insectivorous method 

 of obtaining food. The plant can obtain water and salts by its 

 roots, and can form food substances in its green leaves. But in 

 addition it is specially adapted to attract, catch, and digest insects 

 by means of the leaves. Small flies especially settle on the leaves 

 when expanded in the sunlight. They are held fast by the sticky 

 secretion on the tentacles, and their presence causes the long 

 marginal tentacles to bend over and surround the body of the 

 insect, applying the glands on all sides of the latter. These glands 

 now secrete a digestive juice similar to that formed in the stomach 

 of the higher animals. By means of this the substance of the 

 insect is rendered soluble and absorbed by the leaf. When the 

 leaf expands again only the indigestible remains of the insect are 

 present on its surface. The behaviour of the leaves on being 

 fed with minute particles of meat or white of egg can be studied 

 in plants kept in the house. 



The Common Butterwort is another insectivorous plant often 

 found growing along with the Sundew. Its appearance is shown 

 in Fig. 12, which will assist the student in identifying the plant 

 if he meets with it. Space will only permit of a very brief de- 

 scription. The plant consists of a short stem attached to the soil 

 by roots, and bearing closely crowded, oval, pale yellowish-green 

 leaves. The leaves, which are about an inch and a half in length 

 and three-quarters of an inch across, are pressed firmly against 

 the soil. The margins are usually slightly rolled in. The lower 



