148 G. MASSEE ON A NEW THEORY AS TO ORIGIN OF POTATO TUBERS. 



Bernard's theory is not confined to the production of potato 

 tubers only : he considers tubers generally as due to the influence 

 of different species of fungi. 



We sincerely trust the theory may prove to be true, and that 

 M. Bernard may succeed in tickling up the underground portions 

 of some common and hardy plant through the medium of an 

 equally universal and energetic fungus, and that the result may 

 be the production of a new edible tuber, equal to or better in 

 quality than that of the potato. In this attempt he has our best 

 wishes. 



This idea of the formation of sw^ellings on the roots of plants, 

 due to the irritation of fungi or bacteria, is not altogether new, 

 and in some instances is quite true, as in the case of the swellings 

 on the roots of leguminous plants, and the roots of alder, etc. ; 

 but in these instances it is either a case of true parasitism, or of 

 mutualism, where the plant benefits from a nutritive point of 

 view. There is no clearly demonstrated case where vegetative 

 reproductive bodies result from the action of an outside agent, 

 fungus or otherwise. 



Jo-urn. Quekett Microscopical Clv.h, Scr. 2, Vol. VIII. Ko. 49, November 1901. 



