AMERICAN NATURALIST. 
Vol. VII.— DECEMBER, 1873.—No. 12. 
COP ORD ODT 
OBSERVATIONS ON THE SUNDEW. 
BY MRS. MARY TREAT. 
N the morning of July 7th, I started in search of Drosera 
Jiliformis and found my plant in Atlantic Co., New Jersey. It 
was in full bloom and growing as thick as it could well stand, on 
either side of an extensive cranberry plantation. This charming 
plant, with its pretty pink blossoms, together with the dew-like 
Substance exuding from the glands (the glands surmount the 
bristles or hairs which cover the long thread-like leaves), was one 
of the most beautiful sights I ever beheld. From former observa= 
tions I had supposed this plant caught only small insects, but 
now found I was mistaken; great Asilus flies were held firm pris- 
oners, innumerable moths and butterflies, many of them two 
inches across, were alike held captive until they died —the bright 
flowers, and brilliant, glistening dew luring them on to sure death. 
But what is the use of this wholesale destruction of insect life? 
Can the plants use them? Upon examination I find that after the 
death of the larger insects, they fall around the roots of the plants 
as if to fertilize them, but the smaller flies remain sticking to the 
leaves. 
Careful and repeated experiments during several days revealed 
the fact that on some days the plants work much better than on 
others. Whether it was the electrical condition, or amount of 
moisture in the atmosphere, is yet to be ascertained. 
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by ore PEABODY ACADEMY OF 
SCIENCE, in the Office of the ee on of bop at Washingto 
AMER. NATURALIST, VOL 45 (705) 
