ter;
thus, if a small stone or piece of wood be dropped into the trap, it
will instantly close, but as soon as it has found out its mistake--and
it only takes a few minutes--it begins to unfold its trap, and the
piece of wood or stone falls out. On the other hand, should a piece of
beef or a bluebottle fly be placed in it, it will remain firmly closed
until all the matter is absorbed through the leaf. It will then unfold
itself, and is ready for another meal.

[Illustration: AUSTRALIAN PITCHER PLANT.]

Another species is called the _Vegetable Whiskey Shop_, as it captures
its victims by intoxication. The entire shop is shaped after the
manner of a house, with the entrance projecting a little over the rim.
Half-way round the brim of the cavity there are an immense number of
honey glands, which the influence of the sun brings into active
operation. This sweet acts as a lure to passing insects, and they are
sure to alight on the outside edge and tap the nectar.

They, however, remain there but a brief period, as there is something
more substantial inside the cavity in the shape of an intoxicating
liquid, which is distilled by the plant. The way down to this beverage
is straight, as the entrance is paved with innumerable fine hairs, all
pointing to the bottom, and should the fly walk crooked its feet
become entangled in them.

[Illustration: AMERICAN SIDE-SADDLE FLOWER.]

When the fly has had its first sip, it does not stop and fly right
out, as it could do, but it indulges until it comes staggering up and
reaches that portion where the hairs begin; here its progress outward
is stopped, owing to the points of the hairs being placed against it.
The fly is now in a pitiable plight; it attempts to use its wings, but
in doing so only hasten its destruction. It inevitably gets immersed
in the liquid, and dies drunk.

_Australian Pitcher Plant_ is a beautiful little object. Its pitchers
are at the bottom of the principal stem of the plant.

One species distils an intoxicant of its own; but owing to its small
orifice, it excludes the majority of insects, and admits but a select
few. The individual pitchers somewhat resemble an inverted parrot's
bill, with a narrow leaf-like expansion running along the top. The
color is light green, beautifully shaded with crimson. The inside of
the pitcher is divided into three parts: The first, nearest the
entrance, is studded with minute honey glands, and is called the
attractive surfac