RECORD: Darwin, C. R. [1877].05.23-07.07. Cabbage. CUL-DAR66.57. 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.
(6A
Cabbage
May 23d. 8˚ A.m. — 2 Plants further from walk.
3, leaves marked with black wool) their whole right upper sides (with base of leaf always to beholder) cleaned with damp sponge
(The bloom under highest power, look like thin crust formed by function of numerous little points, which I suppose exc secreted. Some rubs with damp sponge entirely remove every atom of this crust— I made took thin superficial slices from same leaf, before & after being rubbed. & compared carefully under highest powers.)
June 3d I can see no difference in above 3 leaves.
July 7th I could find only 1. & this utterly decayed.
(June 3d 9˚ A.m. marked 2 other leaves, cleaning right side, with black & white wool. —)
(July 7th. Right side of 1. very much more gnawed by some insect.
No 2. right-side rather more decayed, but not more gnawed.)
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 5 July, 2023