FACTORS INFLUENCING DIASTASE FORMATION 237 



The samples of barley used in these experiments were random 

 samples. All unsound or broken grains, however, were eliminated. 



4. CONCLUSIONS 



1. Absorption of water by the barley grains is dependent on 

 the temperature. 



2. The coats of the barley grain are impervious to LiCl for 

 the period of experimentation. 



3. The rate of absorption of water from a saturated solution 

 of LiCl at 2-hour intervals decreases much more rapidly than 

 from distilled water. 



4. The osmotic pressure of the barley grain is much greater 

 than that of Xanthium seeds. 



5. The water content of barley grains after twelve hours im- 

 mersion at 30°C. in a saturated solution of LiCl and distilled 

 water respectively is as 1: 1.8. 



6. When suspended over solutions varying from a saturated 

 solution of CaCl 2 to distilled water, the amount of water ab- 

 sorbed increases in decreasing amounts, if the temperature re- 

 mains constant. 



7. At a constant temperature diastase formation increases 

 with the water content of the grains. 



8. Diastase formation in the barley grain is affected by tem- 

 perature though not to so great an extent as by the moisture 

 content of the grains. 



9. After twelve hours at 30°C. the diastase of the barley 

 grains in a saturated solution of LiCl and in distilled water re- 

 spectively is as 1: 2.17 while the water content is as 1: 1.8. 



I take pleasure at this time in acknowledging my indebtedness 

 to Professor Charles F. Hottes, for the invaluable assistance he 

 has given, both in the construction of apparatus and in the ex- 

 perimental procedure. 



THE PLANT WORLD, VOL. 22, NO. 



