(29g

Oxalis corniculata

(I think of no use)

A seedling about 48º old had filament affixed to one cotyledon, with the hypocotyl secured & its movement traced on a vertical glass, being feebly illuminated only from above. During the first day (Oct 18th), it moved from 8º 15' a.m downwards with two little rises in the course of the day; but in the evening it travelled to one side, owing apparently to the bowing & twisting of the growing hypocotyl. Next day 19th See Fr the hypocotyl was readjusted & now from 7º a.m to about 1º it again moved downwards afterwards upwards, in a zig-zag course till 6º P.m, when it fell, at first slightly & then greatly till 9º 40' after which it rose till 10º 30'.— During night moved to one side, & next morning from 6º 45' a.m. to 10º 15' rose, then fell slightly & afterwards greatly till 5º 45' after which rose till 10º 40' P.m. During the night & next morning till 8º a.m fell.

[in margin:] This wd be sufficient But it must be ascertained— whether everything false for want of illuminations False for want of illumination

From these observations it is evident that the cotyledon of this species, whilst from 2 to 5 days old circumnutate in a simple manner, & that the periods of circumnutation are not regulated by the alternation of day & night; ?? for on 2 evening did not rise till latest at night, & on one morning rose & on 2 other fell in the early morning. Moreover it shd →

[49v]

be especially observed that 2 seedlings of the above ages had not their cotyledons raised to angle of about 45º as occurs with older seedlings every night. Can structure & movements be a vestige of former condition when species slept well — I think not for if so then structure & movement wd have been best marked during the few first days of life. — More like incipient structure. But I do not positively know that they do not rise when very young if sufficiently illuminated.

Frank has described structure of the petiole at successive periods.—

I think that I traced movement of first day??

N. B This not rising at night may be due to insufficient illumination.—

N. B. Make statement about O. floribunda Cots. going to sleep by depression

Oxalis