BY R. GREIG SMITH. 



Molasses as a Source of Gum. 



243 



The experiments show that slime can be obtained from molasses, 

 although there are some constituents (probably dextrose and 

 salts) that are inimical to the full development of the bacteria. 

 These check the growth unless a mass-infection is given and give 

 from one-half to two-thirds the maximum yield of slime. It 

 also appears to be immaterial how much molasses is employed in 

 the medium within certain limits, although 4-5% seems to be an 

 optimum amount. 



Precaution in groiving slime upon artificial media. — One 

 observation was made in connection with the production of slime 

 in tubes of media. When a certain medium had been recently 

 prepared, slime was readily formed by the bacteria, but after the 



* Molasses varying quantity, tannin O'l, agar 2-0, water to 100. 



