524 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.35 



added to the Iridaceae, as a sufficient number of genera in the former family 

 have been examined to create a strong presumption that the phenomenon of si- 

 multaneous quadripartition is general also for this family. 



The ripening of seeds in legumes, C. Schneider (Landw. Jahrh., 48 (1915), 

 No. 5, pp. 739-789, pi. 1, fig. 1). — It is stated that during the process of ripening 

 of legumes, before the green color has given place to yellow but not after that 

 stage, there is a partial transformation of materials and transfer thereof to 

 the seeds. This results in a gain of weight to the seeds at the expense of the 

 other portions of the plant, the nonnitrogenous constituents preceding and the 

 nitrogenous materials following. Backward plants show differences in this 

 respect. Different legumes show characteristic ratios as regards their various 

 constituents. AVhile the readiness to germinate is developed early, the germi- 

 nation percentage is increased during the stage of yellowing, which should be 

 completed before gathering the crop, as early harvesting checks the process of 

 after-ripening and lowers the germination percentage. 



Parallel tests of seeds by germination and by electrical response, Maby T. 

 Fkaser (Ann. Bot. [London], 30 (1916), No. 117, pp. 181-189) .—ThesQ experi- 

 ments, undertaken with a view to the further development of the electrical 

 test used by Waller (E. S. R., 13, p. 461) on the germinability of seeds looking 

 to its possible commercial application, are said to have yielded results which 

 were quite consistent throughout the same samples of grain germinated under 

 given conditions. It is stated that variations in electrical response of gi-ains 

 under varied conditions are strikingly paralleled by variations in the germina- 

 tion values. A certain amount of evidence has already been obtained that there 

 is a time of maximal electrical response, probably corresponding to the time 

 when growth becomes established. The electrical response can be ascertained 

 in a much shorter time than the total germinative value. It appears to be 

 possible also to discriminate on the basis of electrical response between live 

 seeds of high and those of low vitality. 



Relations between light and germination, G. Gassneb (Ztschr. Bot., 7 

 (1915), No. 10, pp. 609-661, figs. 2). — This is a series of preliminary studies 

 including the latent influence of light on germination, the influence of desic- 

 cation, the relations between light and media favoring or hindering gei-mina- 

 tion, the influence of light as related to seed bed temperature and after-ripen- 

 ing, the effects of previous treatments, the influence of chaff and of the semi- 

 permeable seed coat in the case of Chloris cUiata, and coloration of seed and of 

 medium. 



Studies in electroculture, R. Trnka, B. MysIk, and §. Sajfeet (Vistnik 5. 

 Sjez. 6es. Mk. Pfir., 1915, p. 408; aJ)S. in Bot. Centbl., 129 (1915), No. 17, p. 

 ^8). — It is stated that while experimentation showed an increase of crops as 

 a result of electrical influence, especially when employed during the hours of 

 sunlight, it has not been sufficient to warrant its practical employment. 



The infl.uence of radio-activity on dissimilation processes, V. ZooBNiCKi' 

 (Vdstnik 5. Sjez. Ces. Uk. Pfir., 1915, p. 431; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 129 (1915), 

 No. 15, p. 378). — It is stated that while concentrated emanations from radio-active 

 material injure living plants, very weak ones favor starch formation. The 

 formation of sugar is said to be possible only when sunlight is added. 



Are spore-forming bacteria of any significance in soil under normal con- 

 ditions? H. J. Conn (New York State Sta. Tech. Bui. 51 (1916), pp. 3-9).— The 

 author states that the spore-forming bacteria, Bacterium mycoides, B. cereus, 

 and B. megatherium, are nearly always present in soil and that they have been 

 considered characteristic and importnnt soil organisms. In nitrogenous cul- 

 ture media, these bacteria grow rapidly and cause a vigorous ammonitication, 



