Sends his autograph

and is delighted DN was interested by part of his book [Insectivorous plants].

Would be pleased to see DN at Down.

Thanks DN for references.

The Apocyanaceae that catch Lepidoptera represent the most gratuitous case of cruelty in nature known to CD, since the captured butterfly is of no use to the plant.

Thanks DFN for her letter [see 9620].

Has nearly finished work on Dionaea.

Asks her to send a specimen of Drosera dichotoma.

Thanks her for specimen of Drosera. Asks for an epiphytic Utricularia.

Returns a Drosera, from which he cut a piece for microscopic examination.

Utricularia montana just arrived.

CD has never before seen the Utricularia DN has sent. Hooker had told him about it. Asks that her gardener observe young Utricularia: CD is interested in internal structure of little balls on bladders.

Sends photograph.

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. DN’s plant has given him a most enjoyable day of work.

CD thought he had already reported to DN on Utricularia. The large swellings in roots store water. The minute bladders are adapted to catch live animals and feed on decayed remains.

Will visit DN when in London this winter.

[Valediction and signature only.]

Cannot visit now because of work on Insectivorous plants.

Will call on addressee when he is next in London.

Received Darlingtonia; cannot explain its fructification.

Declines invitation.