69 



of the bean being capable of any actual metamorphosis it 

 merely performs the functions of a matrix by nourishing the 

 embryo with the albuminous substances of which it is com- 

 posed, which to facilitate absorption, probably undergo cer- 

 tain gradual changes to suit increasing requirements. The 

 rootlets once sufficiently developed draw nourishment from 

 the soil which they rapidly penetrate, and a veritable seed- 

 ling is the result, and it stands to reason that if the sub- 

 stance of the seed is imbued with some prophylactic steep 

 and the ground freely mixed with some substance known 

 to be inimical to Fungoid development, that the young 

 plant would be healthy and that its constitution being as it 

 were fortified it would be less liable to the insidious attacks 

 of such pests as Hemileia. This I consider a subject 

 worthy of careful attention and although I put forward 

 mv suggestions with the greatest diffidence I earnestly ad- 

 vocate both practical and persistent investigation. 



