SARRACENIA VARIOLARIS. 



195 



the hairs are clear and very transparent ; but very soon 

 after an insect is caught the hairs begin to absorb, and 

 granular matter may now be seen extending along their 

 entire length. When a small number of insects are 

 caught, they seem to be digested quickly, and no disa- 

 greeable odor is detected ; but, on the other hand, when 

 a large number are caught, which is usually the case, 

 a disgusting odor emanates from the tube. Yet this 



FIG. 21. — HAIRS ON THE SPACE ADJOINING THE OPENING IN THE MOUTH OP 

 THE TUBE. 



filthy. mass does not injure the inner surface of the 

 tube; it is evidently absorbed, and no doubt goes to 

 nourish the plant. So this Sarracenia, like the disgust- 

 ing buzzards in the animal kingdom, feeds on carrion, 

 and as it cannot go in search of food, a tempting bait 

 is set to lure insects into the fatal trap. 



On the lighter -colored smooth surface, immediately 



