426 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. 



uomic importance, as for each gi-am of dextrose consumed they fix 22, 18, and 

 ]1 mg. of nitrogen, respectively. AsprrfiiUufi iiifjcr and PcniciUiiitn glauctim 

 were also found to be able to fix free nitrogen, but in a much less degree. None 

 of the fungi investigated were found to require combined nitrogen for their 

 development. 



The role of lime in plants, V. Grafe and L. von Portheim {^itzber. K. 

 Akad. Wiss. [Vicnna^. Math. Naturw. Kl., 115 (1906), No. 6. pp. 1003-1031, 

 pis. 2). — Two series of exi)eriments were made with beau seedlings in Knop's 

 solution to determine tlie role of lime in tlie assimilation and metal)olism of 

 sugars, starch, etc. The seedlings were placed in cultures with and without 

 lime, and 1 per cent each of levulose, saccharose, and dextrose added to different 

 jars. The cultures were Ivept under observation in light and darkness and 

 their growth and general behavior noted, comparisons being made with seed- 

 lings grown in the normal solution. 



The development of hypocotyl and roots was best in the series grown in 

 normal solution to which 1 per cent levulose was added. Where lime was 

 omitted the growth was less in every series, and the roots were distorted, 

 brown, and insignificant. 



A second series of experiments was conducted at a somewluit lower tempera- 

 ture, but the results were quite similar to those obtained before. 



The authors found formaldehyde present in the green plants whether grown 

 with or without lime, but further experiments are said to be necessary to de- 

 termine whether the injurious action of formaldehyde is inhibited by the 

 presence of lime. 



Plants containing hydrocyanic acid, P. Guerin {Rev. ^ri. fPf/r/.s], 5. ser.. 

 S (1907), Nos. 3, pp. 6o-7-'i; '/, pp. 106-110). — The author presents a review of 

 some of the more important contributions to our knowledge regarding tlie occur- 

 rence and function of liydrocyanic acid in plants. ■• 



The latent life of seeds, P. Becquerel (.1/(/(. 8ci. Nat. Bot.. 9. set:, 5 {1907), 

 No. Jf-5, pp. 193-311). — The results of a i)rolonged study of a large number of 

 species of seeds are given, a preliminary account of some of the experiments 

 having already been noted (E. S. R., 18, p. 330). 



The author found that tlie integument of some seeds after a certain amount 

 of drying became impermeable, so that the seeds exhibited no swelling even 

 after a lapse of two years. Tender the prolonged action of water or water 

 vapor the integument of most seeds becomes permeable, allowing gases to 

 comply with tlie usual laws of dift"usion. Alcohol, ether, chloroform, and acids 

 had no effect on the vitality of seeds so long as the seed coats remained im- 

 permeable. When subjected to the extremely low tenii)eratures of liquid air 

 the influence of this medium was i)roportional to the amount of water in the 

 seeds. Tests of old seeds showed that they did not retain their vitality 

 indefinitely. 



The gaseous exchange in seeds kept in the dark for a month or two was 

 reduced to a minimum. On the contrai'y, it was considerably increased in seeds 

 kept in the light. Tlie permeability of the seed coats and the proportion of 

 deliydration of the seed was also found to influence it. The exchange of gases 

 in latent seeds is said to be due to simple chemical oxidation, and it can be 

 entirely suspended for a time without destroying the germinative power of the 

 seed. The dehydration of the seed was found essential to prolonged vitality. 



The author was unable to determine whether anaerobic life in seeds is due 

 to an actual suspension of the power of assimilation on the part of the pro- 

 toplasm or whether the protoplasm and nucleus of the cell are nourished by 

 the reserve material and the phenomena of life carried on, but in a very ^jreatly 

 reduced degree, 



