100 Problems of Economic Biolofiij in East Africa 



first two or three times this was done no effect either on the rate or on 

 the amount of germination was apparent, the results showing 98 per cent, 

 germination in 48 hours. Later, however, with a greater concentration 

 of gas, the rate of germination was accelerated, 98 per cent, germination 

 being obtained in 24 hours. This result was quite unlooked for, and is 

 the reverse of what would he expected. The usual result of soaking seed, 

 for instance coffee, in a solution of formalin (over night in a 0-3 per cent, 

 solution) is to retard its germination from one month to anything up to 

 three months according to the age of the seed. The effect of the gas on 

 the Fusarium conidia was not tried owing to the absence of infected 

 material at the time this work was started. 



{Received March 8th, 1921.) 



