33 



lation between the removal of the endosperm and the comparative 

 development at this time. 



The numbers run from right to left in order that they may 

 correspond with the location of the rows in Pig. 10. It was 

 necessary to take the picture of the plat from this side on 

 account of more advantageous light conditions. 



COUCLUSIOES. 



Though perhaps it is futile to attempt conclusions at this 

 stage of the experiments, or in the light of the various diffi- 



ties in the way of making a completely satisfactory trial, 

 it seems to the writer that there is considerable doubt east 

 upon the theory of the extra food, supply. If this factor were 

 at all the most important one it would seem that the removal 

 of one half or two-thirds of the material would certainly cause 

 a profound difference in the development at least of plants 

 from the same class of seed. Moreover, the difference between 

 the effect on the small seed and on the large should be less 

 u^on the small seed, proportionally since less endosperm in pro- 

 portion was removed from it than from the large. The facts as 

 developed from an examination of the figures in regard to the 

 heights show that the reverse is the case and that the effect 

 on the small amounted to 9,2$ while the effect on the large 

 was but 4,2,1. 



is certain that all the factors concerned in what we are 

 pleased to refer to as vitality and vigor, etc., are really 

 but little understood. Therefore since there is something 

 which we refer to as vigor, or response to environment, or 

 indicate by various other terms, is it not possible that it 



