274 Freeh)- id- Stowdvd : 



luent considerable amounts of salt are absorbed, and moreover 

 afford a more ac'ciir<ate measure of the order of magnitude of 

 this process. 



In these and similar determinations, the material, after 

 desiccation at 105° C to lOT" C, until its weight was approxi- 

 mately constant, was carefully and completely carbonised at a 

 low red-heat, then repeatedly extracted with hot water ; the 

 aqueous extracts were filtered, and filtrate and washings, after 

 cooling, were made up to a definite volume. Titrations of 

 definite volumes of the filtrate were then carried out. The 

 values calculated from these daia are summarised in the table 

 beneath. 



Table 1a. 



Percentages of moisture and chlorides calculated on air- 

 dried tissue. 



Peeled tubers (untreated) 

 Peeled tubers after 6 days 



steeping in 10 per cent, brine 6G.9 - 2.29 - 10 

 Peeled tubers after 6 days 



steeping in 20 per cent, brine 65.86 - 4.96 - 20 



The tubers after treatment were found to have completely 

 lost their originally solid texture, and to possess a rubber-like 

 elasticity, a condition induced by the extensive plasmolysis of 

 the more peripherally situated portions of the storage tissue. 



It is of interest to note the occurrence, at a comparatively 

 early stage in these steeping experiments, and notably in the 

 weakest concentration of brine (5 per cent.), of marked bac- 

 terial development and activity. Tlius in this instance the 

 onset and rapid progress of the phenomenon even under the 

 temperature conditions stated, render it necessary to terminate 

 this experiment on the fifth day. In every instance bacterial 

 growth was chiefiy confined to the external solution, and the 

 motile types present were those usually associated with starch 

 degradation. 



