-58- 

 The test was repeated with the following result : 



SOWN JUNE II. 



Epitome. — The two tests with radish seeds show marked differ- 

 ences, yet the totals of sprouting are not very widely dissimilar. 

 The results indicate that light has less influence upon radish seeds 

 than upon seeds of some other plants. 



Similar indiflferent results were obtained with onion seeds. 



CONCLUSIONS from the Test of the Influence of Light upon Sprouting. 



1. Very great differences in results may .sometimes be expected 

 between samples exposed to light during the process of sprouting, 

 and those kept in darkness. 



2. When such differences occur, they indicate that light retards 

 or even wholly prevents germination. 



3. In .some species this influence of light is greatly marked, 

 while in others it is not apparent. 



4. It is apparent that tho.se apparatu.ses which test seeds by 

 holding them on a porous plate above water, are to be looked up- 

 on with distrust, unless provided with an opaque covering ; and 

 even then they may prove uusatisfaclory, as the experience with 

 the larkspur .seeds indicates that best sproutings follow planting 

 in the soil. 



VI. WEIGHT OF SEED IN RELATION TO 



SPROUTING.* 



Many experiments have been conducted here this year upon the 

 relation of weight of seed to germination, but the figures are too 

 numerous to be recorded here. The general results of the tests 

 may be indicated, however. 



*Most of the work recorded in Sections VI and VII was performed, under 

 the direction of the writer, by Mr. B. R. Wakemau, of the class of 1889, in 

 preparation of a thesis for graduation. 



