540 The effects of Light on the Germination of Seeds. 



rays, they will turn in a similar manner to radiated light. 

 But in all experiments with red fluid media, they have as 

 decidedly bent from it. I do not know how to account for 

 this as the effects of mere heat ; it would appear that some 

 property resides in the red rays which acts in opposition to 

 the general law. But many further investigations and ex- 

 periments are requisite on this point, before this circumstance 

 can be fully and satisfactorily explained. 



It has been stated by Dr. Draper, that he has found, under 

 the influence of the bright sun of Virginia, that plants have 

 grown well in light which has been made to permeate an 

 intensely yellow solution of considerable thickness. I am 

 not certain if the germination of seeds has been eff'ected 

 under the same circumstances ; but even if they have been 

 made to germinate, it admits of explanation. The fervent 

 rays of southern climes would permeate media by which the 

 subdued rays of northern latitudes would be entirely ob- 

 structed. In proof of this, I may remark, that during the 

 height of the splendid summer of 1842, I was myself suc- 

 cessful in procuring the germination of a few seeds under 

 the influence of the yellow light. At the same time, some 

 very remarkable photographic results were obtained, which 

 distinctly proved the atmosphere to have been in such a con- 

 dition that a larger quantity of the sun's rays were enabled 

 to penetrate it and reach the earth. It was also observed, in 

 some localities, that the foliage of all trees was of a darker 

 green, and that many flowers, particularly those of a pink, or 

 pale red color, generally assumed a particular and decided 

 blue or lilac tint. 



The soil in which the plants grew was the same in each 

 of the boxes used ; but it was several times observed that, 

 under the yellow glasses and fluids, fungi made their appear- 

 ance. From the occurrence of these vegetables, under the 

 same circumstances, on several occasions, I was naturally led 

 to observe their production with greater care. I could not, 

 with the utmost attention, make the Agaricus miiscarius 

 grow behind any other absorbent media than the yellow, 

 under which it grew luxuriantly. This circumstance appears. 



