298 CHAP. XXVII. ANAESTHETICS AND GEOTROPISM 



of the geotropic reaction under ether, two batches of 

 six similar petioles of Tropaeolum were taken and placed 

 horizontally ; of these, the first batch was placed in a 

 chamber containing air, the second batch being placed in 

 a chamber which contained a small quantity of ether 

 vapour. On examining the two batches after an hour, it 



Fig. 174. Effect of ether in enhancing geotropic response 



(petiole of Tropaeolum). 



was found that while a slight curvature was produced in 

 the specimens under normal conditions, those subjected 

 to vapour of ether had become highly erected, the tips 

 being even bent backwards. The striking difference 

 between the two will be seen in the reproduction from a 

 photograph of the normal and the etherised specimens 

 (fig. 175). The experiments on pulvinated and on growing 

 organs thus exhibit similar results — namely, an enhancement 

 of geotropic reaction. under moderate application of ether 



