BAG LEGUMINOS &. 
hyphe. These gonidial forms and hyphx vary considerably 
in the same genera. The hyphe and gonidia found in the gum 
of Acacia modesta from the Punjab differ in shape and size 
from the same forms observed in Acacia Farnesiana from 
Bombay, and the forms occasionally met with in Acacia arabica 
differ from both. It seems therefore improbable that only one 
species of fungus produces the gummosis in the tribe acacia as 
stated by the above observers. That gum has the power’ of 
converting starch into dextrine, is readily proved by its action 
on starch paste, but the statement of Wiesner that whilst it 
converts starch into dextrine, it produces no sugar reducing 
Trommer’s reagent, I am unable to confirm. In several | 
experiments performed with different gums, a reducing sugar 
was in every instance abundantly produced, and it is probable 
_ that the action of gum on starch is similar to that of diastase, 
when the hydration products are dextrine and maltose, the 
proportions of which vary according to the conditions of the 
experiment, especially as regards the temperature employed. _ 
With the aid of iodine the gradations in the transformation or 
hydration of the starch may be easily followed. When the 
gum and starch paste has been standing a short time, iodine — 
' gives a-blue or violet coloration, after a longer period some 
shade of crimson, the erythrodextrine of Gruber, and finally 
the mixture ceases to give any reaction when the conversion 
of the starch is then complete. Gum which is permeated with 
fungus, as that derived from Acacia Farnesiana, has a more 
rapid action on the starch paste than a gum free or nearly so 
from fungus as that from Anogeissus latifolia. Acacia 
Farnesiana gum will convert its own weight of starch, made 
into paste, in two or three days at the ordinary temperature of 
Bombay, about 80° F. At a higher temperature the trans-— 
formation is quicker. 
