61 



it was easily iiiterjueteil that the discoloration and los^s ol leal l>_v the plants in 

 the greenhouse was the direct efi'ect of an abnormal absorption of water Miduced 

 by the unaccustomed high temperature acquired by the small quantities < f soil in 

 the pots. The attempt was made to give the plant more nearly the normal con- 

 ditions of temperature, and at the same time grow it in culture solutions. Since 

 it is found in very moist localities the latter condition offered no violent changes 

 to the habits of the plant. Ordinary culture jars of a capacity of one liter, pro- 

 vided with zinc tops, were used. The diageotropic rhizomes were imbedded in 

 asbestos fibre in a sunken chamber in the zinc tops in such manner that the fibrous 

 roots depended into the Huid beneath. The jars were set their full de|»th in a 

 roomy box full of porous soil. Ry means of a constant drip from a water tap thn 

 earth was kept saturated, and by reason of the initial low temperature of the 

 water and the rapid evaporation the fluid substance was kept quite cool. Sq 

 nearly does this meet the natural conditions of the plant that specimens several 

 years old were lifted from the soil in the woods and successfully grown by this 

 method. The writer now has several plants which have been under such tieat- 

 ment during a period of nine weeks. They are of normal size and stature, and 

 at this date (December 18) exhibit a number of flowers, opening buds and matur- 

 ing seeds, while the development of the roots can be followed with the greatest 

 ease. Tliis method has been used by students in water culture experiments with 

 the cultiviited i)lants very successfully, and by its use it lias been found jiossibln 

 to bring under continuous observation during the winter season several species of 

 hardy native plants. In investigations on material of this kind it is believed it 

 will prove valuable. 



Work Shklvks iok Laboratory. Uv Kathkrink K. (ioi>i>KN. 



These are shelves which were constructed in such a manner as to do away 

 with all vibiations from the Hoor and walls. This object was attained by the use^ 

 of iron pipe. Kouiul holes were cut through the floor, through which were driven 

 two iron pipes, two and one-half inches diameter, into the ground beneath to a 

 depth of about three feet. If the ground were very Hrm, a lesser depth would do. 

 The pipes were left a convenient height above the Hoor. Heavy planks had holes 

 bored in the two ends, through which the pipes fitted closely, the planks being 

 held firmly in position by means of clamps placed beneath them. By nie.nis of 

 the clamps the height of the shelves can be varied at any time to suit one's con- 

 venience. This kind of shelf is preferable to that which is suspended from the 

 walls of a building, as the latter vibrates with the building. 



