The apparatus shown in the following diagram is Garreau's potometer designed to demonstrate unequal transpiration from the two surfaces of a dorsiventral leaf. Before keeping the leaf in between the cups, anhydrous calcium chloride
(CaCl2) contained in two small vials were weighed and placed in both the cups. The ends of the cups were closed with corks through which two mercury manometers were connected. After few hours,
CaCl2 vials were taken out and weighed again.
What is the purpose of keeping
CaCl2 vials inside the cup?