1883.] Pitcher Plants. 289 
To still further test the qualities of this fluid, Dr. Mellichamp 
placed bits of venison in some of the Sarracenia secretion and 
some in pure water, and he found that in the former at the end of 
fifteen hours the meat was much more decomposed and gave out 
amuch more offensive odor than in the latter; thus proving that 
the secretion possessed powers of decomposition. 
Turning his attention then to the secretion on the hood of the 
pitchers, the observer found that it was best developed in warm 
weather, covering from a half to an inch of the surface. But he 
also found, what has not been found on any of the other species, 
“a continuation of the sugary exudation * * * glistening and 
somewhat viscid along the whole border or edging of the ‘wing’ 
—extending from the cleft in the lower lip even to the ground. 
There is, therefore, a honey-baited pathway leading directly from 
the ground itself up to the mouth, where it extends on each side 
as far as the ‘commissures’ of the lips, from which it. runs within 
and downward, as before stated, for at least half an inch.” 
This exudation is not, it must be understood, an exceptional 
thing, but it is invariably found on leaves which are sufficiently 
mature and favorably placed in regard to the sunlight and 
moisture. And as showing the extensive use of this baited path- 
Way, it is stated that ants, those prowling insects ever on the 
search for prey, are most frequently to be found in the pitchers. 
Further, it should be stated that this honey pathway does not 
seem at all to possess the anesthetic qualities of the secretion at 
the bottom of the tube, but it simply acts as a lure. The flies 
would eat along the pathway and then enter the tube, either along 
the inner face of the hood or at the lower side. “ After entering 
(which they usually do with great caution and circumspection 
appearently), they begin again to feed, but their foothold for some 
reason or other seems insecure, and they occasionally slip * * * 
upon this exquisitely soft and velvety ‘declining pubescence. 
> * I have seen them,” he continues, “regain their foot- 
hold after slipping, and continue to sip, but always moving slowly, 
and with appearent caution, as if aware that they were treading 
on wangerous ground.” When attempting to fly they either strike 
against the hood, or. the sides of the tube and keep falling lower 
and lower until they reach the liquid at the bottom where they 
“come asphyxiated and at last take the form of the liquid manure 
which is utilized by the plant. Other experiments seem to show 
