AGRICULTURAL BOTANY. 827 



The formation of anthocyanin in mitocliondria, M. Guillieemond (Compt. 

 Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris], 156 {1913), No. 25, pp. 1924-1926) .—As the result of 

 studies on buds of the walnut and rose, the author claims to have shown that 

 a close relation exists between anthocyanin and tannin in these plants, the 

 ujitochondria being intimately concerned with the origin of both as of chloro- 

 phyll, xanthophyll. and carotin. This is in accordance with views held by V. 

 Grafe (E. S. R., 27, p. 228) and others, to the effect that anthocyanin is not the 

 result of oxidation of glucosids preexistent in the cellule, but that it is formed 

 in place, so to speak, as the result of mitochondrial activity. 



Experiments on the availability of glucosamin hydrochlorid as a source 

 of nitrogen for the nutrition of corn and beans, M. L. Hamlin {Jour. Anier. 

 Chem. Soc, 35 {1913), No. 8, pp. 10^6-1049, fig. i).— "Two sets of experiments 

 were carried out ; in the first corn and beans were used, and in the second only 

 beans. In each set one series of plants was grown in one of the usual culture 

 solutions, a second series in a solution containing no nitrogen, and a third 

 series in a solution containing glucosamin hydrochlorid as the sole source of 

 nitrogen. In the second set, beans were grown in solutions containing different 

 concentrations of glucosamin. No attempt was made to grow the plants under 

 bacteriologically sterile conditions. 



" In every case glucosamin had directly or indirectly a very deleterious effect 

 and caused a speedy withering . . . From the . . . experiments it is evident 

 that under the conditions of growth glucosamin could not be utilized as a source 

 of nitrogen for nutrition, owing either directly to its own characteristics, or 

 indirectly to conditions it may have caused, such as the growth of some mold." 



Variations of carbohydrates in the development of leaves, E. M. Dtjrand 

 (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris], 156 {1913), No. 25, pp. 1926-1929) .—The 

 tabulated results of a study at 4 stages of Fagiis sylvatica, AmpeJopsis lieder- 

 acea, and Betula alha in regard to the weights of the various forms and the 

 total of carbohydrates in the leaves are cited to show that toward the end of 

 the vegetative period there is a general diminution of carbohydrates following 

 a maximum reached in August or September. The maximum of reducing 

 sugars is attained at or just before the reddening or yellowing of the vegeta- 

 tion, after which these rapidly disappear. Starch, when present, gradually 

 diminishes from its maximum to zero in the leaves while these ai'e still green. 

 Amyloids reach their maximum in the green leaves of Ampelopsis, but in yel- 

 lowed leaves of Betula. Celluloses, which diminish steadily in Ampelopsis, in- 

 crease continually in Betula. The diminution of the principal carbohydrates 

 continues in all detached leaves, but is most rapid in those exposed to rain. 

 The greater portion, but not all, of the carbohydrates that disappear toward 

 the close of the vegetative period go to the trunk, the change to soluble forms of 

 carbohydrates being favored by the occurrence of cold weather. 



Quantitative experiments on the effect of formaldehyde on living plants, 

 Sarah M. Baker {Ann. Bot. [London], 27 {1913), No. 107, pp. 411-U2, pis. 2. 

 figs. 4). — The author describes experiments in which plantlets were grown in 

 atmosphere containing known quantities of formaldehyde vapor in light or in 

 darkness. It is said to have been found that formaldehyde can be used for the 

 synthesis of food materials to some extent (not equally well at all concentra- 

 tions) in light. In darkness it seemed to stimulate respiration, but an excess 

 produced a toxic effect more marked than in light. Acetic aldehyde was not 

 utilized. Formaldehyde, it is thought, may function as a stage in photosyn- 

 thesis, light energy being required for its utilization. 



The power of growth in plants, G. E. Stone {Pop. 8ci. Mo., S3 {1913). No. 3, 

 pp. 231-239, figs. 10). — The author has described a number of very striking 



