I08 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COTTESWOLD CLUB 



above ground half might be pulled up, and again a selection 

 of the healthiest and most equally grown seedlings were 

 left to continue the experiment. 



The amount of nitrogen in each set of seeds was 

 carefully calculated, and due allowance therefore sub- 

 sequently made. 



In order to give the plants, so far as humanly possible, 

 natural conditions to grow in, a situation in the garden 

 was chosen for them, where a free current of air was to be 

 found, and protection against heavy rain and storms was 

 afforded by screens made of glass with iron frames. 

 During the hours of the day when the sun's heat was 

 excessive, the pots were transported on rails specially 

 constructed to facilitate quick movement from the sun to 

 suitable shade, improvised for the purpose, of frames, 

 covered round with card-board, but open at each end, and 

 all admitting free currents of air. 



Distilled water (first third rejected) was alone used for 

 watering the plants, and the humidity of the soil was 

 regulated within the limits, 8-i8%. 



Different species of plants require different degrees of 

 humidity, and the same plants at different ages or periods 

 of growth similarly flourish best in soils of varying states 

 of moisture. 



It should be noticed that four grammes of Carbonate of 

 Lime were added to each pot, but this does not affect in 

 any way the chemical results. 



We now come to the consideration of the general 

 results obtained during the years 1883-5. 



The plants cultivated were Hordeum distichum var. 

 Chevalier Barley, ordinary oats, and field peas (var. 

 printanier), the two first belonging to the Gramineae and 

 the last to the Leguminosae. Taking first the barley : in 

 1883 fourteen pots were devoted to this crop, and 

 fourteen grains were sown in each pot, seven were taken 

 out after germination, leaving seven to grow to maturity. 



