RECORD: Darwin, C. R. [ny].06.07-08. Hundreds of Myrmica on the bracken at Hollycomb. CUL-DAR68.26. 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.
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June 8th. Examined several fronds with several Myrmica on them & the glands were quite dry — Brushed off the ants, & in from 5 to 6 minutes distinct (under a weak lens) drops of secretion appeared; observation with a watch thrice repeated; so it is no wonder that the ants remain for a long time on or near the glands.— Day not at all warm or bright; on such a day secretion probably more rapid.— The gland on a side leaf or frond, when fully developed up to its tip, does not secrete any longer. —
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(Frank)
June 7th Hundreds of Myrmica on the bracken at Hollycomb. Gathered The glands on which were patiently seated (& not rarely at Dependene fighting) were dry: I gathered at 5° P.m. 2 such young fronds & put in water in House, in 20' small drops had appeared, — wiped them off & in 45' looked again fresh small drops had appeared on some; but the evening is dark & cold. — No drops or ants at the bases of the well-developed leaves, whilst on upper part of same plant both present.
Next morning fronds all drooping & no secretion. (over
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 11 July, 2023