Insectivorous Plants

Abstract

I.

TO have predicted, after the publication of Mr. Darwin's works on the Fertilisation of Orchids and the Movements and Habits of Climbing Plants, that the same writer would hereafter produce a still more valuable contribution to botanical literature, characterised to an even greater extent by laborious industry and critical powers of observation, and solving or suggesting yet more important physiological problems, would have seemed the height of rashness. And yet, had such a prediction been made, it would have been amply justified by the present volume, one which would alone have established the reputation of any other author, and which will go far to redeem our country from the charge of sterility in physiological work. Much attention has been called recently to the singular subject of “carnivorous plants; “we have had records of useful original work from several quarters in England, the Continent, and America, together with much that has been superficial and worthless;' and even the newspapers have discussed the anti-vegetarian habits of some vegetables in the light, airy, and philistine manner in which they are wont to approach “mere scientific“subjects. During the whole of this time, for the last fifteen years, Mr. Darwin has been steadily and quietly at work, collecting materials and recording long series of observations; and now at length has given us their results, completely and finally settling some of the points that have been most in controversy, and raising others which suggest conclusions that will take by surprise even those whose minds have been most open to deviate from the old and narrow paths.

Insectivorous Plants.

By Charles Darwin, &c. With Illustrations. (London: J. Murray 1875.)