1919] Goodspeed: Germination of Tohacco Seed 455 



tion in darkness may be slow and scattering, Honing's conclusions 

 might have been different had he followed the progress of his germin- 

 ations in darkness over a longer period. 



In addition to the general conclusion that N. rustica and N. 

 Tahactcm varieties will germinate in darkness, another point of inter- 

 est is suggested by the results given in the above table. Thus it will 

 be noted that old and new seed will germinate equally well in darkness. 

 Of nine tests of seed from six to twelve years old only two showed a 

 smaller per cent of germination in darkness than in light. Similarly 

 of ten tests of two year old seed, eight are marked ''-(-" or "=. " A 

 confirmation of this apparent phenomenon and any attempt to com- 

 ment upon its significance must wait upon a more detailed investi- 

 gation. 



