122

Melilotus officinalis

circumnutation & sleep of terminal leaflets

July 1878

A fine plant in flower. A young terminal leaflet leaf, together with petiole 1 inch in length — main petiole Stem secured to stick at base of petiole apex of leaflet 5 3/8 from vertical glass, observed under skylight. — A very glass filament fixed almost transversely across terminal leaflet. — with 2 triangular Sight [sketch]

(There is curious way in which leaf sleep—) on 2d night it did not sleep well especially on 2d night being apparently disturbed by being tied close close to base of petiole or owing to glass filament. See Tracing shows — On 2d day descended in morning, then ascended, again descended, & if it had slept slept well cd again have ascended, if sleep had occurred properly — we learn only that leaflet circumnutates independently of nocturnal movement.—

Temp. on 2d 17 1/2—18° C. on 3d 16 1/2 to 17 1/2. —

Circumnutation of leaf stem secured