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Show moreDarwin writes to say he stupidly missed Utricularia bladders, which he assumed were with the leaves. Has now found true bladders on roots and has evidence of captive prey. Thinks bladders capture subterranean insects. Thinks the large bladder-like structures are water reservoirs. Nevill’s plant has given him a most enjoyable day of work. Transcription: "Sept 18" [1874] Down, Beckenham, Kent. Dear Lady Dorothy Neville I am so much obliged to you. I was so convinced that the bladders were with the leaves, that I never thought of [] the mop, + this was very stupid of me. The great solid bladder-like swelling almost on the surface are wonderful objects, but are not the true bladders. These I find on the roots near the surface + [] to a length of 2 inches in the sand. They are [] transparent as gloss, from 1/20 to 1/100 of inch in cise, + hollow. They hope all the important points of structure of the bladders of the floating English species, + I felt confident I shd find [] [] so I have my delights in two bladders with clear proof that they had absorbed foor from the decaying mass. For [] is a [] [] + not strictly carnivorous like []. The great solid bladder-like bodies, I believe are reserves of water like a camels' stomach. As soon as I have [] a few more observations, I mean to be so cruel as to give your plant no water + observe whether the [] bladders shrink + contain [] instead of water. I shall then, also, wash all each from all roots + see whether there are true bladders [] capturing subterranean insects down to the very bottom of the pot. Now shall you think me very greedy if I say that suffering the species is not very [] + you have several, will you give me one more plant, + if so please to send it to "Orpington "It" S.E.R." to be forwarded "by []". I have hardly ever enjoyed a day more in my life than this days' work; + this I owe to your Ladyship's great kindness. The seeds are my [] Masters; I fancy of some plant allied to Madicaps; but I will show them to Dr. Hooker. Your ladyship very gratefully Ch. Darwin" Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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