Germination and Growth of Species of Salvia. 355 



remarkable adaptation for fixing the nutlet in a position 

 where it shall have a chance of germinating to advantage, or 

 it may afford aid in the actual process of germination by 

 retaining moisture in close proximity to the seed. This 

 production of a thick mucilaginous envelope is very C[uickly 

 recognised upon the immersion in water of nutlets of a full 

 black colour ; it is not long, however, before it appears in 

 those species with lighter coloured or even shining coats to 

 the nutlet. 



In S. interrupta, which we noticed as possessing the 

 largest and most spherical nutlets of all the species, no 

 production of mucilage can be induced even by immersion 

 in boiling water. 



Gee^uxatiox. 



The following tables have been drawn up to shew the 

 observed difference in the rates and results of germination of 

 the various species. 



In some there was evidently a second period of germina- 

 tion, when conditions were more favourable, after the pots 

 had been placed in the fi'ame. For the most successfully 

 germinated species we have added the total percentage of 

 individuals observed, but it is not probable that data on this 

 point are absolutely correct. 



It is natural for us to enquire whether we can account in 

 any way for these observed differences, either by reference to 

 the countries to which the plants are native, or by reference 

 to their peculiar habitats, or from some other cause evident 

 in the nutlets themselves. 



"We must refer to the list previously given for information 

 regarding the countries of which the various species are 

 natives, but we do not think that much can be learnt fi'om 

 reference to the native country without much more detailed 

 information as to the exact habitats preferred by the species. 

 Unfortunately, such information is not forthcoming in many 

 cases. AVe believe, however, that definite morphological 

 characters may be associated with successful or unsuccessful 

 germination under different conditions of treatment, and 

 these morphological characters have, doubtless, direct 

 relationship to the plant's special habitat. 



