Experiment 16.—A row of large drops of a solution of one part of
phosphate of ammonia to 4375 of water (1 gr. to 10 oz.) was placed
along the margin of a leaf. No effect was produced, and after 8 hrs.
fresh drops were added along the same margin without the least effect.
We know that a solution of this [page 376] strength acts powerfully on
Drosera, and it is just possible that the solution was too strong. I
regret that I did not try a weaker solution.
Experiment 17.—As the pressure from bits of glass causes incurvation, I
scratched the margins of two leaves for some minutes with a blunt
needle, but no effect was produced. The surface of a leaf beneath a
drop of a strong infusion of raw meat was also rubbed for 10. m. with
the end of a bristle, so as to imitate the struggles of a captured
insect; but this part of the margin did not bend sooner than the other
parts with undisturbed drops of the infusion.]
We learn from the foregoing experiments that the margins of the leaves
curl inwards when excited by the mere pressure of objects not yielding
any soluble matter, by objects yielding such matter, and by some
fluids—namely an infusion of raw meat and a week solution of carbonate
of ammonia. A stronger solution of two grains of this salt to an ounce
of water, though exciting copious secretion, paralyses the leaf. Drops
of water and of a solution of sugar or gum did not cause any movement.
Scratching the surface of the leaf for some minutes produced no effect.
Therefore, as far as we at present know, only two causes—namely slight
continued pressure and the absorption of nitrogenous matter—excite
movement. It is only the margins of the leaf which bend, for the apex
never curves towards the base. The pedicels of the glandular hairs have
no power of movement. I observed on several occasions that the surface
of the leaf became slightly concave where bits of meat or large flies
had long lain, but this may have been due to injury from
over-stimulation.
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