AGRICULTURAL BOTANY. 731 



nonproteid compounds have been isolated. Along with these are doubtless 

 others not yet identified. 



The influence of oxygen upon the alcoholic fermentation in peas, L. 

 IWANOFF (Bcr. Dent. Bot. Gcsell, 29 {1911), No. 9, pp. 622-629).— This is a 

 study of the behavior of oxygen in connection with the evolution of carbon 

 dioxid in the case of peas, both living and when dried and pulverized, and under 

 conditions of its aerobic and anaerobic separation. 



It was found that not only in air but also in a vacuum after exijosure to air 

 for a time the amount of carbon dioxid was increased. Such increase also 

 followed the reduction of the dried peas to powder in air, a result ascribed to 

 expansion of the absorbing surface. Evolution of carbon dioxid under anaerobic 

 conditions after exposure to air was ascribed to the oxidation of incompletely 

 oxidized products of the anaerobic destruction of the fermenting body. 



The nutrition of green plants with formaldehyde and formaldehyde-, 

 yielding substances, T. Bokorny (Biochem. Ztschr., 36 {1911), No. 2-4, pp. 

 83-97; al)S. in Jour. Chem. 8oc. [London], 100 {1911), No. 589, II, pp. 1021, 

 1022). — The author shows in experiments with spirogj-ra, cress, celery, parsley, 

 and other plants that free formaldehyde in too concentrated solution is injurious 

 to plants. When sufficiently diluted, and especially in water cultures to which 

 monopotassium phosphate, calcium nitrate, and magnesium sulphate were added, 

 spirogyra was able to synthesize starch. 



The effect of some formaldehyde-yielding substances was investigated, and 

 with methylal starch formation took place in algte only when placed in the 

 light. Algfe were found able to synthesize starch from a sodium bisulphite 

 compound of formaldehyde, the light again playing an important role. 



The results with flowering plants were less conclusive. Methyl alcohol in 

 0.5 to 1 per cent solution was found to stimulate the germination and growth 

 of peas. 



On the influence of camphor, thymol, and menthol upon growing hya- 

 cinths and tulips, F. Kryz {Ztschr. Pflanzenkrank., 21 {1911), No. .'t, pp. 

 199-201. figs. 2).- — In view of the well-known stimulating effect exerted by the 

 vapors of ether and other anesthetics upon certain plants the author instituted 

 experiments to ascertain the effect of camphor, thymol, and menthol fumes 

 upon hyacinths and tulips in the stage of rapid development when just ready 

 to flower. The first series related to the influence of the vapors on the plants 

 through the parts above ground. The second tested the effects of the fumes 

 acting upon the underground parts. 



In the first series the plants kept for 10 hours daily under bell jars filled 

 with the vapors showed generally at first some acceleration of growth with 

 slight yellowing, soon followed by lowering of turgor and wilting, with increas- 

 ing transpiration associated with apparent loosening of structure. This showed 

 earliest and most markedly in the upper younger parts of the leaves and un- 

 opened flowers, their growth being quickly checked and remaining backward 

 or stationary. The tulips appeared to be the most easily influenced by the 

 vapors. 



In the second series the finely comminuted volatile bodies were intimately 

 mixed with the soil in which the plants were set. Little change was notice- 

 able at first, but after 10 or 12 days a progressive wilting set in and growth 

 was retarded or stopped. The roots appeared abnormal and the plants seemed 

 to be deficient In acids. Menthol gave the greatest retarding effect upon growth, 

 but all showed the injurious effect of the unfavorable medium after the first 

 brief period of slight stimulation had passed. 



