196 VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY 
the higher animals, by the instrumentality of which the 
insoluble proteins of their prey are converted into pep- 
tones, and possibly partially into amuno- and amido-acids, 
prior to actual absorption. 
Among these Nepenthes may 
be mentioned. 
The pitchers of Nepenthes 
(fig. 94) are in the main 
siuilar to those of Sarra- 
cena. ‘They possess means of 
attracting insects to them, of 
seducing them mto the i- 
terior of the pitcher, and of 
preventing their subsequent 
escape, all of which are com- 
parable to those already de- 
scribed. The pitchers con- 
tain a watery liquid, which 
is secreted by their interior 
surfaces, and which has a 
faintly acid reaction. When 
an animal is captured and 
falls into the lquid, it sets 
up a further secretion, which 
is more strongly acid, and 
which contains a peculiar 
STEMI NCrerrerreernT 
| body known as an enzyie 
- 4 or ferment, the properties of 
Fie. 94.—Mopirinp Lear (Pireurr) 3 : é F 
Or Nepaniies: -(ktten Kemer) which will be discussed in a 
subsequent chapter. This 
ferment somewhat closely resembles the active principles of 
the gastrig and pancreatic Juices of the human body, and in 
the acid medium is capable of converting the proteins of the 
prey into peptone, leucin, and tyrosiu, products which are 
all soluble and ditfusible. This secretion is prepared by 
special glands, which are plentifully distributed over the 
lower portion of the internal face of the pitcher. 
