RECORD: Darwin, C. R. [ny].07.13-24. Limnanthes Plumiaris. CUL-DAR68.111. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 4.2023. 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-DAR68 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.
[111]
July 13th 8° A.m
Limnanthes Plumiaris
chose nice leaf & after long but gradually rubbing with pumice upper surface I removed bloom so that surface at last (continually trying) well wetted — The greasy surface (for no true bloom) much more easily removed from centre than broad margin of leaves — — Black wool
(July 15. This leaf, which has remained close to surface but covered with water now look slightly yellowish.)
(July 18th 8° A.m. now very yellow, only abraded in few points look to this when more decayed
July 18th 10. 30' white wool cleaned another youngish leaf with pumice: it is very difficult to remove by gently rubbing with pumice the repellent surface.
July 24th. now decidedly yellowish & dying.)
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 13 July, 2023