The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1877.08.27-31. Arundo donax. CUL-DAR66.169. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 3.2023. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin.

The volume CUL-DAR66 contains notes on 'bloom'. Francis Darwin explained: "His researches into the meaning of the 'bloom,' or waxy coating found on many leaves, was one of those inquiries which remained unfinished at the time of his death. He amassed a quantity of notes on the subject". LL3: 339. See an Introduction to these folders by Christine Chua & John van Wyhe.

[169]

77/ Arundo donax. (2d trial)

Aug 27 5˚ 30 P.m. in water 3 leaves cleaned right side both surfaces. tepid sponges

Sept 20' one leaf yellower on right side the other on left —

The 3d equally yellow on both sides

Aralia

Aug 27. 5˚. 30— cleaned tepid sponge lower surfaces of all leaves on 2 pinnæ marked black wool (in water)

Aug 31 7˚ 30' A.m The cleaned leaves brighter green on upper surfaces which were not touched & manifestly feel dryer & are much more crumpled.

Sept I The most remarkable difference all the many bloomless leaflets dry & brittle & crackle, not so the others.

Very good case.

Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)