Auximones 



They are contained in the silver fraction of phos- 

 photungstic acid precipatated from an aqueous 

 extract of the evaporated residue of alcoholic solution 

 of bacterized peat. They are probably isolated in 

 the form of crystals or batonnets. Raw peat does 

 not contain them. It must be inoculated, and it 

 is during inoculation that they are produced from 

 the humus. They are therefore the result of 

 bacteriological action. 



The effect of the auximones is absolutely astonish- 

 ing. Even in an infinitesimal proportion they 

 stimulate growth in an extraordinary manner, as 

 was seen when we visited Prof. Bottomley's labora- 

 tory. 



He had taken three or four potatoes and put 

 them, without any earth, in an ordinary wooden 

 box. In the bottom of the box was a layer of 

 sphagnum and another layer was placed on the 

 top to exclude the air. From these three or four 

 tubers in a few weeks he had obtained a heavy 

 crop of potatoes. Other experiments which are 

 being carried on in the laboratory with wheat, 

 maize, etc., are also very interesting. All that was 

 necessary to get those results was to administer 

 small quantities of liquid containing auximones. 



Auximones act, that is evident. But how ? 

 The problem is in a fair way to be solved. Mean- 

 while, in the opinion of those who have seen the 

 results, the laboratory trials ought to be exchanged 

 for practical application, and if the results then 

 confirm the hopes raised by those now known, the 

 effect of the discovery will be incalculable, rendering 

 inestimable benefits to agriculture and causmg 



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