(il ) 



is not the case follows from the fact that the same results are 

 obtained in the dark and that consecjuently the presence also of 

 the non-assimilating lea\'es renders a strong longitudinal growth of 

 the stem possible, which does not occur if onh the flower is preserved 

 on the top. It will be superfhious to mention figures in this respect. 



No more does it appear necessary to give in extenso the measu- 

 rements proving tliat removal of the pistils, the stamens or the 

 petals has with Eranthis little or no influence on the longiluiHiial 

 growth of the stem. On the other hand it is not superfluous to 

 remark that the leaf-whorl must be prettj' completel}- cut away if 

 we want soon to arrest growth. The three green leaves namely 

 show basal growth themselves and if their foot is not damaged, this 

 latter may appreciably grow in size in the course of a few days; 

 at the same time the stem continues growing in length. 



Example: foot of the three green leaves kept; also the flower 

 intact. 



Date 8.2 11.2 15.2 20.2 26.2 

 Lengtli in mm. 54 81 113 145 145 



Already on the 13'^' tlie leaf-whorl had considerably^ grown out; 

 at the edge nothing of the nature of a wound could be seen any more. 

 In the same time a stem of 102 m.m. length on which the leaf- 

 whorl had been completel}' cut away, the flower remaining intact, 

 had only reached a length of 117 m.m. 



If one should be inclined to think that not the presence of the 

 whorl of green leaves but the intact conditioii of the junction of 

 the leaves on the stalk is the principal point here, I must remark 

 that of this junction zone a layer of tissue may be removed all 

 round without the longitudinal growth being materiall}' affected. 

 Also from the somewhat vaulted receptacle a part may be removed 

 or the middle part may be hollowed without any other consequences 

 than would ensue on the plucking off of the floral parts situated on i(. 



Finally we remark that Eranthis-siems, cut off near the junction 

 on the rhizoma can continue growing for da3'S when they are put 

 with their feet in water and then show the same behaviour as whole 

 plantlets. Besides, the presence of one out of the three green leaves 

 is sufficient to render a considerable growth in length of the stem 

 possible; e.g. lengthening from 53 to 89 mm. in two weeks. That 

 also with Eranthis-lenyes the growth of the leaf-stalk depends on 

 the presence of the leaf-disk will now be obvious ; I have ascertained 

 myself of it by measurements, however. 



