RECORD: Darwin, C. R. [1881]. First allude to bloom / Proof sheet of Earthworms. CUL-DAR66.45. 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.
[45]
(Outline) First allude to bloom— silvery greasy — matted Hairs give silvery appearance. —
General considerations — Dry countries — & close to sea-shore, former this looks like [illeg] evaporation —the latter to protect from sea-water — May see as a protection against insects, especially when very thick on stems — or, against parasitic fungi —
To repel water, one is strongly tempted at first to under this case, but as we shall see in the majority of cases, not of use use in this way.—
There are some considerations which wd make it doubtful whether of mere importanceto the plant — variability — [separation] or steady function.— single law do not suffice if of any use, must depend on all the leaves being protected.—
It is very remarkable how position of bloom differs in different species of the same genus, Trifolium — case of & T. resupinatum.—
Then perhaps go into details! — I may take function for [illeg] of insects first— Than fungi.─
[45v]
[Proof sheet of Earthworms, p. 5, published pp. 15-16.]
[45v]
[Proof sheet of Earthworms, p. 6, published pp. 15-16.]
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 5 July, 2023