the etherizatiox of pl.aa'ts. 73 



Mechanical Application of Anesthetics. 



While there is no one method of subjecting plants to the vapors 

 of anesthetics which may be considered superior to all others, there 

 are certain general rules by the observance of which one may attain 

 a greater degree of uniformity and success in his results. Woody 

 plants like lilacs, spireas, viburnums, etc., force much more satis- 

 factorily if grown in pots the season in which they are to be forced. 

 In other words, better results are secured from pot-grown plants 

 than from those grown in the open ground, at least that has been the 

 experience of the writer. This has also been found to be true in the 

 case of peonies and iris. 



The balls of earth of the plants to be treated should be reasonably 

 dry. Their removal from the pots for treatment is not a necessary 

 procedure. 



The earlier practice of completely covering the balls of earth or 

 the pots with dry sand is not an essential factor. The writer has 

 secured equally as good results Avithout such protection. Dry 

 sawdust may be used if so desired. 



The receptacle to be used for etherization purposes should be so 

 constructed as to be essentially air tight when closed. Wooden, 

 metal, or cement cases may be used. Those used at the Vermont 

 Station are constructed of two thicknesses of matched lumber with 

 building paper between. The interior is thoroughly coated with 

 paraffin applied when hot. The door fits tightly and, after closing, 

 the crack surrounding it is filled with melted paraffin, hence there 

 is no possibility of leakage of gas. The anesthetic used is poured 

 through an opening in the top of the case on to a sponge in a 

 receptacle suspended immediately beneath. The sponge facilitates 

 the vaporization of the liquid used. With the closing of this intake 

 the process is completed. 



Period of Treatment and Dosage. 



The duration of treatment and the amount of the anesthetic used 

 are directly dependent upon the following factors: 1. Class of 

 plant treated. 2. Season of year in which the treatment is given. 



