121 



considered fit for the table, is, as I have ascertained by microscopic 

 examination, to be regarded, as Dr. Lindley has suggested was pro- 

 bably the case, as an instance of true decomposition from chemical 

 causes ; while, on the other hand, I strongly suspect, that the rapid 

 decay which the orange, lemon, &c. frequently undergo, is the result 

 of the operation of minute Fungi. 



Some further Observations on the Decay of Fruit. 

 By Arthur Hill Hassall, Esq. 



Read April 19, 1843. 



In the first paper in which I introduced to the notice of the Society 

 the subject of decay in fruit, I endeavoured to explain the phenomena 

 of that form of decay to which fruit is so liable, without reference to 

 the Fungi which I regard as originating that peculiar form ; and I did 

 so, first, by a consideration of the well-known principle, that a body 

 in the act of decomposition is capable of communicating, by a kind of 

 induction, decomposition to other bodies with which it is in contact, 

 a principle which Liebig has elaborately illustrated, and adopted to 

 explain the various phenomena of fermentation and decomposition, 

 but which I considered to be inapplicable to the general form of de- 

 composition occurring in fruit, principally from the circumstance of 

 its attacking fruit when in a highly vital condition, and when, as a 

 consequence, it could not be supposed to be the subject of any spon- 

 taneous or chemical disorganization. 



Dr. Lankester, however, at the last meeting of the Society, seemed 

 to consider that Liebig's views did afford a sufficient explanation of 

 every example of decay occurring in fruit ; and he stated in support 

 of these views, that an apple, once removed from the tree, was no long- 

 er to be regarded as in a vital state, but that it immediately became 

 subject to a species of fermentation. Now I know not what may be 

 the authority for this statement, but I cannot help doubting its accu- 

 racy, since it is possible to preserve fruit free from all visible deterio- 

 ration, for many months after its removal from the tree. However, 

 for the sake of argument, supposing this, as well as Liebig's views, to 

 be correct, neither would account for decomposition induced by the 

 introduction of the filaments of the Fungi contained in decayed 

 matter, while the fruit maintained its connexion with the tree, and 

 respecting the vitality of which there could be no second opinion : 

 nor would they explain the reason why decay commences in a spot, 



K 2 



