Nov. 2, 1908.J Agricultural Gazette of N.S. W, 875 



The larger plants were stimulated into a vigorous growth by electric rays, under the Thwaite System 

 at the Royal Botanic Gardens. — Illustration from T/ie .Scitdtino 4 /iitTicaii. 



connected with a dynamo, from whence the electric current is conveyed to the 

 travelHng arc lamp. An electrostatic machine, wliich charges the atmosphere, 

 the plant and roots, is driven from the gas-engine crank shaft ; in fact, the 

 whole requirements of heating, feeding, and lighting are supplied by the 

 gas-engine. 



Excellent results have been obtained both with vegetables and flowers, 

 and from three to four seasons are attainable during the year. 



In regard to the cost of working a glass-house under the Thwaite system, 

 apart from the initial outlay it is said to be absurdly low ; indeed, it is 

 asserted that the whole expense of the apparatus and its working is about 

 one-third that of the ordinary glass-house process. 



Similar experiments to those of Mr, Thwaite have been made with a 

 A^ariety of plants at the Cornell University Agricultural Station in America. 

 These have shown that the system does not benefit all plants equally, but 

 that in regard to method of treatment they must be considered individually, 

 and classified accordingly. The cauliflower proved absolutely unresponsive 

 to the new stimulus under the conditions in this test ; while from the lettuce 

 most striking results were obtained, plants of the best quality being ready 

 for market ten days earlier than by the ordinary glass-house process. 



That electric light is a valuable aid in forcing and perfecting both market 

 garden and horticultural produce is so far recognised that many American 

 gardeners have already found its introduction distinctly profitable. 



