Finding that the leaves of Drosera digest all the phosphate of lime out of bones and then remain clasped over the bones for a long time, CD wants to determine whether it is the phosphate of lime or the animal matter in the bones that keeps them clasped. He asks EF to send 2 or 3 grams of pure phosphate of lime for his testing. [See 9411.] Will experiment in the summer using EF’s suggestion that leaves might serve to test weak sewage. Results of Sanderson’s experiments with acids of great use.

Sends some phosphates of lime free of animal matter [see Insectivorous plants, p. 109].

Thanks for the pure phosphate of lime.

Requests permission to call briefly to discuss Drosera.

Bullfinches’ instinctive capacity for removing nectaries from cowslips.

Thanks for letter relating to domesticated bullfinches’ instinctively cutting off cowslips [see 9430]. Suggests observing whether the birds swallow any part of flower or particular parts.

Variation in bullfinches’ instinctive ability to remove nectaries and ovaries from cowslips.