THE NUTRITION OF PLANTS. 



155 



uiDon respiration, wliicli means the absorption of oxygen by 

 the protoplasm, the breaking down of protojjlasm, and the 

 giving oii of carbon dioxide and water as wastes. The im- 



Fia. 146. The common Northern pitcher plant. The hollow leaves, each with a hood 

 and a wing, form a rosette, from the center of which arise the flower stalks.— 

 After Kerner. 



portance of this process may be realized when it is remem- 

 bered that there is the same need in our own living, as it 

 is e.ssential for us also to " breathe in " oxygen, and a,s a 

 result we •• breathe out " carljon dioxide and water. This 

 breaking down or " oxidizing " of protoplasm releases the 



