From these several facts we may conclude that when vigorous
dark-coloured leaves are subjected to the action of carbonate of [page
48] ammonia, the fluid within the cells of the tentacles often
aggregates exteriorly into coherent viscid matter, forming a kind of
bag. Small spheres sometimes appear within this bag, and the whole
generally soon divides into two or more spheres, which repeatedly
coalesce and redivide. After a longer or shorter time the granules in
the colourless layer of protoplasm, which flows round the walls, are
drawn to and unite with the larger spheres, or form small independent
spheres; these latter being of a much paler colour, and more brittle
than the first aggregated masses. After the granules of protoplasm have
been thus attracted, the layer of flowing protoplasm can no longer be
distinguished, though a current of limpid fluid still flows round the
walls.
If a leaf is immersed in a very strong, almost concentrated, solution
of carbonate of ammonia, the glands are instantly blackened, and they
secrete copiously; but no movement of the tentacles ensues. Two leaves
thus treated became after 1 hr. flaccid, and seemed killed; all the
cells in their tentacles contained spheres of protoplasm, but these
were small and discoloured. Two other leaves were placed in a solution
not quite so strong, and there was well-marked aggregation in 30 m.
After 24 hrs. the spherical or more commonly oblong masses of
protoplasm became opaque and granular, instead of being as usual
translucent; and in the lower cells there were only innumerable minute
spherical granules. It was evident that the strength of the solution
had interfered with the completion of the process, as we shall see
likewise follows from too great heat.
All the foregoing observations relate to the exterior tentacles, which
are of a purple colour; but the green pedicels of the short central
tentacles are acted on by the carbonate, and by an infusion of raw
meat, in exactly the same manner, with the sole difference that the
aggregated masses are of a greenish colour; so that the process is in
no way dependent on the colour of the fluid within the cells.
Finally, the most remarkable fact with respect to this salt is the
extraordinary small amount which suffices to cause aggregation. Full
details will be given in the seventh chapter, and here it will be
enough to say that with a sensitive leaf the absorption by a gland of
1/134400 of a grain (.000482 mgr.) is enough to cause in the course of
one hour well-marked aggregation in the cells immediately beneath the
gland.