'I' 



522 BXPEBIMENT STATION RECOKD. 



onistic action toward tlie acids. It is thouglit tliat the action of the acids 

 could be explained by the possibility that they transform zymogens in the seed 

 into active ferments and at the same time attack some of the reserve mate- 

 rials in the seed, such as the starch. 



The principal modifications in the anatomy of the seedlings due to the acids 

 are said to be a retardation in the thickening of the supporting tissues, greater 

 size of the central cylinder, and an increase in the conducting tissues. 



The influence of light on seed germination and its dependence upon other 

 factors, H. Baar {8itzJ)er. K. Akad. Wiss. [Vienna], Math. Islaturio. KL, 121 

 (1912), I, No. 7, pp. 667-705, figs. 4). — The author reports that germination of 

 seeds of Amarantus was hindered by light, a tender age of the seeds generally 

 increasing their sensitivity. The maximum limitation was noted at tempera- 

 tures between 10 and 5° C. Physalis franchetti, which germinated better in 

 light than in darkness at 35 to 15°, gives a better response to darkness than 

 to light at 15 to 5°. The substratum is said to be of more importance in this 

 connection in case of the lower temperature. Germination of fresh seeds of 

 Clematis vitalha at low temperatures is favored by darkness, that of older 

 seeds by light. Seeds of Begonia semperflorens germinated better in light. 



A bibliography is appended. 



A first study of the relationship between the weight of the bean seed, 

 Phaseolus vulgaris, and the time required for its germination, J. A. Harris 

 {Plant World, 16 (1913), No. 10, pp. 267-274, figs. 2).— From the data obtained 

 in a series of experiments with P. vulgaris, the author finds that as the weight 

 of the seed increases the time required for germination becomes longer. 



Alcohol formation by sprouting wheat, S. Kostytscew and A. Scheloumoff 

 (Ber. Dent. Bot. Gesell., 31 {1913), No. 8, pp. 422-^31).— The authors state, in 

 regard to living wheat sprouts, that they form with complete aeration no 

 alcohol. In the presence of toluol, the formation of alcohol is only 3 per cent 

 of carbon dioxid, but with incomplete aeration, 50 per cent as much as that of 

 carbon dioxid. With living embryos all of the carbon dioxid formed is thought 

 to be referable to normal respiration, with those not capable of growth only half. 



The respiration of living and of killed wheat seedlings, S. Kostytschew, 

 W. Brilliant, and A. Scheloumoff (Ber. Deut. Bot. Gesell., 31 {1913), No. 8, 

 pp. 432-441)- — It is stated that an apparently slight limitation of the air 

 decreased considerably the amount of oxygen taken up into both living and dead 

 roots of wheat. While certain phosphates exert no perceptible influence upon 

 the production of carbon dioxid and the absorption of oxygen by living wheat 

 embi*yos, fermented sugar solutions increased both proportionately in the case 

 of living plantlets. Dead plants showed an increase of carbon dioxid only. 



The influence of location on leaf development of Ipomcea pes-caprae, Z. 

 Kamerling {Rec. Trav. Bot. Neerland., 10 {1913), No. 2, pp. 147-152, figs. 2).^ 

 Comparative measurements of leaves of I. pes-caprce grown on open coasts with 

 those grown in partial shade are cited to show that while development in the 

 apical portions (which is completed relatively early) is much the same in 

 both situations, development of other portions of the leafblade and of the 

 petiole is very much greater in case of partially shaded plants. 



Is there a mutual stimulation of plants through root influence? T. L. 

 Lyon and J. A. Bizzell {Jour. Amer. 8oc. Agron., 5 {1913), No. 1, pp. 38-44)- — 

 Experiments in growing different plants on the same area at the same time are 

 held to show that a number of common agricultural plants named, such as 

 wheat and mustard, timothy and red clover, barley and buckwheat, and peas 

 and lettuce, are advantageous to each other when gi'own on the same ground. 



Secretion by roots of substances toxic to the plants, M. Molliabd {But. 

 8oc. Bot. France, 60 {1913), No. 5, pp. 442-446). — Comparison of the develop- 



