126 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



results, while with polonium no definite action has been obtained. If the air 

 is charged with emanations of radium, vegetation is retarded or entirely 

 destroyed. 



The presence of hydrocyanic acid in seeds and plants iProg. Agr. et Vit. 

 (Ed. I'Est), 21 (1906), No. 25, pp. 736-7Jil). — A compilation is given showing 

 the presence of hydrocyanic acid in plants, and its wide distribution is indicated 

 by the various plants which are reported to have been determined as containing 

 it. Among the plants reported as containing this substance are a number of 

 species of Phaseolus. lupines, vetches, lot-us, sorghum, flax, cassava, cherry 

 laurel, currants, etc. A brief list of publications relating to this topic is given. 



Hydrocyanic acid in Sambucus nigra, L. Guignard (Conipi. Roid. Acarl. Sci. 

 [Paris], I'll (lUO.'j), Ao.s'. 1, pp. 16-20; 26, pp. 1193-1201) ; and E. Boukquelot 

 and E. Dan.jou {Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris], IJ/l (1005), Nos. 1, pp. 59-61; 

 15, pp. 598-600). — Although working independently, the authors simultaneously 

 announce finding in the fresh green leaves of the common European elderberry a 

 glucosid, which under the action of an enzym yields hydrocyanic acid, as much 

 as 12G mg. of the acid being obtained from 1 kg. of fresh leaves. 



In the second paper by Bourquelot and Danjou the name sanibunigrin is given 

 the glucosid, and some of its properties are described. In subsequent investiga- 

 tions of Guignard the glucosid was found in the cortex, younger shoots, leaves, 

 and immature fruits, the amounts varying ai)preciably with the stages of growth 

 and disappearing entirely from the fruits when ripe. 



In addition to occurring in <S'. nigra, this glucosid was found in the related 

 species, S. racemosa and 8. chiiliis. It is said that the presence of the glucosid 

 is associated with chlorophyll activity, biit it is not to be considered a reserve 

 material. It is most abundant in the leaves, from whicli it is not transferred 

 toward the end of ihe growing season, but remains in the fallen leaves. 



On the presence of hydrocyanic acid in certain species of currants, L. Guig- 

 nard (Comp Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris], I4I (1905), \o. 10, pp. i)S--'/o2).— Fol- 

 lowing his investigations on the presence of hydrocyanic acid in the European 

 elderberry noted above, the author has examined the roots, stems, leaves, and 

 fruits of a number of other plants, and repoi'ts in the leaves of the common red 

 currant the presence of a glucosid which yields^hydrocyanic acid. 



The amount was found to vary with the stage of growth, being most abundant 

 in April and falling ofC with the ripening of the fruit, and at the end of August 

 the amount was found to be less than one-half that observed earlier in the 

 season. Several related species were also investigated. The tests failed to 

 show the presence of the glucosid in a number of instances, but it was observed 

 in Rihes nigrum, R. aureum, and R. tiva-crispa. 



The development of amylase during germination, ,1. Effront (Compt. 

 Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris]. IJ/l (1905). Xo. 16. pp. 626-628). — In making a study 

 of the amylase occuiTing in germinating seed, the author investigated its lique- 

 fying and saccharifj-ing power. The saccharifying power increases irregularly 

 with the duration of germination, attaining a maximum, after which it gradu- 

 ally diminishes. The liquefying power is attained more gradually but regularly 

 and, arriving at a maximum, maintains this for a considerable time. 



In the course of his investigations the author found that in the germination 

 of malt at a temperature of 15° C. the maximum diastatic action is attained in 

 10 or 11 days. The amylase which is developed during the course of germination 

 remains in the seed, its migration to the roots and leaves being very insignifi- 

 cant. 



The effect of a number of chemicals on gcrminntiim was also studied. Phos- 

 phates, lime water, and a very dilute solution of copper sulphate appeared to 



