The Effects of Radio- Active Ores and Residues on Plant Life. 15 

 SUMMARY OF THE EXPERIMENTS. 



IN THE OPEN AIR. 



Whilst not pretending that the results of a single season's experiments, 

 embracing only a few subjects, can be considered sufficiently definite to prove 

 the value, or otherwise, of the effects of Radium on plant life in general, the 

 tests enumerated in the foregoing pages afford some evidence that Radium 

 emanations possess the property of developing and increasing growth. 



Many of the Radish, Lettuce, and Pea trials which were dressed with 

 radio-active Ore showed considerable superiority over those grown in plain 

 soil, but the cost of the Ore far outweighed the worth of the larger crop. On 

 the other hand, if future investigation conclusively shows that soil once dressed 

 with radio-active material can be used to equal advantage over a period of 

 years (as suggested on page 4), the original outlay would probably be justified. 



No material difference in results was apparent between the trials with 

 Ore incorporated with the soil and those with Ore placed at the bottom of the 

 boxes or pots. 



The quantity and degree of radio-active material to ensure the best return 

 cannot be definitely stated, but it would appear that a light dressing is likely 

 to give as good results as a larger amount. 



In the trials with Rape seed, the influence of the radio-active material 

 in accelerating germination was most consistent in all the tests, but it was 

 evident that a very small quantity of low grade Residue proved as effective 

 as a considerable amount of Ore containing a much larger proportion of Radium. 



It is proposed to continue the experiments on modified lines, based on 

 the experience already gained. 



IN THE LABORATORY. 



In these germinating tests also there is no indication that better results 

 are obtainable with Ore possessing considerable radio-activity than with 

 Residue of low value, nor have these trials generally proved superior to the 

 " controls." 



The observations printed opposite each table on pages 9 to 13 speak for 

 themselves, but it should be noted that in Series D and E (Red Clover) a 

 larger proportion of weak and hard seeds were energised to swell, without, 

 however, the radicle breaking through the coat, than in Series B and C (Red 

 Clover). Whether this feature was due, as suggested, to the presence of zinc 

 or not, it is important, and merits further investigation. 



