524 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



On the relative value of asparagin as a nutrient for phanero- 

 gams and fungi, T. Xakamura {Imp. Univ. Col. Agr. [Tokyo] Bui., 

 vol. 2, No. 7, pp. 165-470). — The author made quantitative compari- 

 sons of asparagin and ammonium succinate as sources of nitrogen for 

 barley, onions, and Aspergillus oryzw. In the case of the phanerogams 

 fully 50 per cent more growth was made where asparagin was added to 

 the nutrient media tban where the other compound was used. With 

 the fungus the growth of mycelium was far in excess where asparagin 

 was given the plant. In the series of experiments with the fungus, in 

 addition to asparagin and ammonium succinate, numerous other com- 

 pounds were also tried, with similar results. 



On the quantity of nitrates stored up in plants under different 

 conditions, T. Ishizuka (Imp. Univ. Col. Agr. [Tokyo] Bui, vol. 2, No. 

 7, pp. 471-471). — The effect of storage on the nitrates contained in 

 X>lauts was investigated, the determination of nitrates being made by 

 the Schulze-Tiemaun method. Fruits, fleshy roots, leaves, and stems 

 of quite a number of plants were investigated and in every case there 

 was a greater or less decrease in the quantity of nitrates present. In 

 many cases the decrease was about proportional to the duration of 

 the storage period. There was found in the case of radishes, carrots, 

 and kohlrabi an increase in asparagin coincident with the decrease in 

 nitrates. 



On the physiological behavior of maleic and fumaric acids, 

 T. Ishizuka (Imp. Univ. Col. Agr. [Tokyo] Bui., vol. 2, No. 7, pp. 484- 

 486). — The effect of these isomeric acids on fungi and animals shows that 

 while fumaric acid may be utilized, maleic acid is poisonous. The author 

 investigated their effect on some of the higher plants, using leaves, 

 whole plants, branches and seeds, alga', and some aquatic animals, such 

 as infusoria, rotatoria, etc. Neutral sodium salts of the acids were 

 used and in every case the solution containing maleic acid killed the 

 subject in a comparatively short time, while those in the culture media 

 containing the fumaric acid were either not injured or only after a 

 longer time of exposure. 



On the physiological action of amidosu) phonic acid, N. Maeno 

 (Imp. Univ. Col. Agr. [Tokyo] Bui., vol. 2, No. 7, pp. 187-493).— This acid 

 is said to occupy an exceptional position in that it is neither poisonous 

 to animals, fungi, or alg;e, but is to all phanerogams. Although not 

 poisonous to fungi it is not as available as a source of nitrogen as the 

 ammonium salts. 



Notes on the metabolism in the cherry tree, S. Aoyama (Imp. 

 Univ. Col. Agr. [Tokyo] Bui., vol 2, No. 7, pp. 499-502).— The author has 

 compared the reserve material in winter with the extent to which it is 

 consumed in the spring during the period of flowering and leafing. The 

 cherry trees of central and southern Japan are said to flower profusely 

 but seldom or never bear any fleshy fruit. This results in the deposi- 

 tion of a large amount of reserve material. There was found a very 



