[107]

Oct. 2d. 1877

Melilotus officinalis Messanensis

Periodical movements of only circumnutation

Leaf with stem tied at right angles— youngish leaf on lateral branch.— The leaf stood projected so that mid-rib of terminal leaflet was almost horizontal, with the upper surface obliquely turned to light.— Bristle fixed along midrib & tracing made on vertical glass, by bringing end of bristle in line with point. The leaf from 8° 12 a.m to 9° 24' moved to light & then vertically down till 11° 6. — During this interval the sky from being very dull & foggy become bright— The movement was probably in relation to terminal leaflet in fact lateral. Then moved to light, but whether really to light is doubtful.

At 12° 13' began to rise. At 1° 40' 1.° 21' began to go back & expended — m force a 3° resumed old course & slow rose.

At — 5° 30 left glass, in becoming vertical & moving to one side. Next morning (Oct 3) at 6° 40' was much higher & sank, so that 7° 40' was near point where started on previous morning.

[in margin:] Day with nearly uniform light— slightly cloudy. Vertical glass almost at right angles to leaf.

Oct 3d same leaf with plant in same position traced. From 7° 40 given in (1) leaf fell considerably till 8° 30', when tracing (2) commenced at 8° 30. At 11° 30' lowest point. At 1° 13' went back & commenced zig-zags, so nearly at same time as yesterday. At 3° began to rise, ie at same time as yesterday & so continued rising & moving in direction of window, but probably not influenced by light. At 4° 35 was beyond limits of glass. Next morning at 7° 45' stood lower than the previous morning at same hour.