MEMOIRS OF THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN. 



TI7 



formed in the buds of the bulbs or corms. The 

 flower buds retained their dormant condition for 

 a time, then perished. The widths of the nor- 

 mal and etiolated leaves were found to be about 

 equal, but the etiolated leaf was a half longer than 

 the normal green one. When etiolated leaves 

 were brought into light no further increase could 

 be detected either in width or length. A slight flat- 

 tening of the partially rolled or curved leaves 

 ensued, however. 



Hyacinthus sp. 

 HyacintJms sp. developed leaves 30 cm. 

 in length, which were rolled in tube form, 

 and were 11 and 12 cm. in width when flattened 

 out for measurement. Secondary leaves from 

 lateral scales of the bulb attained half this length 

 and retained the cylindrical form. No develop- 

 ment of the inflorescence could be seen. 



Hydrastis Canadensis L. 



Rootstocks of Hydrastis Canadensis placed 

 in the dark room in January began growth a 

 month later. Sterile stalks bearing only leaves 

 reached a height of 30 cm. with a diameter 

 about equal, or in some instances exceeding the 

 normal. The petiole at first showed an elbow 

 immediately below the lamina, but which disap- 

 peared on maturity, and the lobes of the lamina 

 were appressed with the upper surfaces together 

 and directed upward. The stems bearing both 

 leaves and flowers showed a much greater elon- 

 gation, but their length bore about the same 

 proportion to the normal. The curvature of the 

 petiole at first enclosed or shielded the peduncle 

 and pendulous flower bud, thus presenting an 

 elbow of stem as it pushed upward. Finally, 

 however, the petiole became erect, as well as 

 the peduncle which was formerly protected by it. 



Fig. 72. Hydras/is. Etiolated stem. 



