267 



germination was increased and the growth of the seedlings was more 

 nearly normal; but when the water content of the soil was increased to 

 50 or 75% of saturation (Series A, Tables 2 and 3) the per cent, of 

 germination was markedly decreased and the subsequent growth of 

 many of the seedlings abnormal. 



The germination and growth of grains immersed in Sudan III 

 kerosene but unstained is normal in 25 and 30% saturated soils. The 

 slightly stained grains, that is those containing small quantities of 

 kerosene, frequently produced normal seedlings when the water con- 

 tent of the soil did not exceed 25% saturation. In 30% saturated 

 soil the per cent, of normal growth of these seedlings was greatly re- 

 duced. In soils of 50 and 75% saturation all grains showing the 

 slightest penetration were killed, as were also a considerable number 

 in which the presence of oil could not be detected from external ex- 

 amination. 



Traces of kerosene are always present when once the grains have 

 been immersed in it. This is shown by the decreased germination in 

 soils of high water content and also by other and more direct evi- 

 dences. Grains immersed for comparatively short periods retain the 

 taste of the oil after six months' exposure to dry air at room tempera- 

 ture. Because of the varying moisture content of the corn, and possibly 

 changes due to the presence of the kerosene, the exact amount of oil 

 taken up and retained could not be accurately determined. Quantita- 

 tive evidence, though desirable, was not necessary to show that a con- 

 siderable residue remained after volatilization had been carried to the 

 limit used in this work. The question, then, of the disposition of the 

 oil or its residues in those cases in which no injurious effects are pro- 

 duced becomes important. 



Schmidt ('91), in his studies on the translocation of oils in the 

 living plant, devised a method by which he succeeded in directly intro- 

 ducing almond oil, cocoa butter, and other oils into the tissues of the 

 stem. He showed that these oils were taken up and moved with con- 

 siderable rapidity through both stem and leaf. He concluded that both 

 neutral oils and fatty acids could be taken up by the growing plant, 

 saponified and emulsified in a manner similar to that carried on in the 

 animal organism. 



Kryz ('09 and '13), investigating the effects on plants of oils 

 used as insecticides, treated Impatiens with vaseline, and Datura and 

 Alisma with kerosene. In the latter case he planted the seeds in 

 flower-pots containing garden soil and sprinkled the soil with a 5% 

 solution of the oil both before germination and after the plants 

 had reached considerable size. He showed that the oil was taken up 



