AGRICULTURAL BOTANY. 725 



Recent studies on mitochondria in vegetable cells, E. Cabano (Ann. Bot. 

 lRo7ne], 12 (1914), No. 2, pp. 209-217).— This is a synthetic review of recent 

 articles by several authors, appearing from 1011 to 1913. 



The role of chlorin in plant nutrition, W. E. Tottingham (Abs. in Science, 

 n. ser., J,2 {1915), Ko. 1071, p. 68).— As the result of investigations the author 

 reports that -uater cultures of various plants have shown marked stimulative 

 effects of chlorids on root development. Sand cultures of mangels, supplied 

 sodium and chlorin separately and in combination, have developed most favor- 

 ably in the latter case. Soil cultures of sugar beets in the greenhouse, where 

 sodium chlorid was supplied, have exceeded ia yield the control unfertilized 

 cultures. The percentage of sucrose in the dry matter has also increased where 

 the chlorin was added. Plat experiments in the field with sugar beets at Madi- 

 son, "Wis., are said to show increased yields due to the application of sodium 

 chlorid, the increase amounting to as much as 500 lbs. per acre. 



The experiments are to be continued, a variety of plants being tested, in the 

 belief that in some plants at least chlorin may be found to function in specific 

 nutrient effects. 



Localization of manganese ions in roots as related to the formation of 

 proteid substance, G. D'Ippolito and A. Pxtgliese (Sfaz. Sper. Agr. Ital., 47 

 {1914), No. S, pp. 231-240, pis. 3). — The authors present some results of experi- 

 ments with wheat grown in aqueous or nutritive solutions containing man- 

 ganese compounds. The claims of Acqua (E. S. R, 31, p. 325) regarding colora- 

 tion as indicating and locating the utilization of such compounds are also re- 

 viewed in this connection. 



The localization of manganese in plants, C. Acqtja (Ann. Bot. IRomel, 12 

 {1914), No. 3, pp. 361-368) .—This is a reply to the above note. 



Toxicity and malnutrition, R. H. Tkue {Science, n. ser., 42 {1915), No. 1075, 

 pp. 195, 196). — The author discusses the terms "toxicity" and "poison" in 

 relation to their physiological significance, and attempts to arrive at a more 

 definite understanding regarding their use. The most satisfactory solution of 

 the problem seems to lie in the supposed relation existing between ions and the 

 protein of the living organism. 



The action of potassium cyanid when introduced into tissues of a plant, 

 W. MooEB and A. G. Ruggles {Science, n. ser., 42 {1915), No. 1070, pp. 33-36). — 

 In a previous publication (E. S. R., 32, p. 152) an account is given of experi- 

 ments by Sanford on the destruction of Icerya purcJiasi by the use of potassium 

 cyanid placed in the tissues of the tree. The authors have carried on experi- 

 ments with potassium cyanid placed in the stems of geranium plants and also 

 in apple trees to determine the path of translocation of the introduced substance. 



As a result of their investigations they conclude that the treatment would 

 have little or no value for the larger number of wood-boring insects, as the 

 hydrocyanic acid does not travel in the cambium of the trees, but only through 

 the old trachea). For the herbaceous and semiv>'oody plants the presence of the 

 chemical, it is believed, woiild endanger the life of the plant. 



The amount of creatinin in plants, M. X. Sullivan (Ahs. in Science, n. ser., 

 42 {1915), No. 1071, p. 69). — Investigations of the author have shown the 

 occurrence of creatinin in plants, the quantity having been determined in recent 

 experiments. Only from 1 to 6 parts per million were found in ungerminated 

 seed of wheat and soy bean. The amount increased during germination, and in 

 wheat seedlings 10 to 12 days old, from 40 to 65 parts per million of creatinin 

 were found. 



The formation of creatinin by bacteria, M. X. Sullr^an {Ahs. in Science, n. 

 ser., 42 {1915), No. 1071, p. 69). — In experiments by the author it was found 



