lamp will markedly influence a bed of lettuce sixty 

 feet square. 



Siemens found that the electric light was effica- 

 cious in producing chlorophyll in the leaves of 

 plants; that it promoted the growth of the whole 

 plant ; and also hastened the development of 

 flowers and fruit, giving to the former more intense 

 coloring, and to the latter finer flavor. In straw- 

 berries the rich red color and fine flavor were 

 especially noticeable, and the berries were brought 

 to ripeness two weeks before the usual time. Mel- 

 ons, also, were quite responsive to the light, and 

 were much improved in aroma. 



In experimenting with the electric light one will 

 find it very interesting to study its effects upon 

 plants at different distances, as well as the effects 

 of different transparent substances placed between 

 it and the plants. Some plants are apparently 

 scorched by the light, even if not near enough to 

 feel the effects of its heat. The ultra-violet rays, 

 which seem to cause this, are largely absorbed by 

 plain glass. When a part of a plant is shielded 

 from the light by a piece of ordinary glass one 

 may sometimes see a distinct line of demarkation 

 between the part so protected and that exposed to 

 the glare of the light; even a single leaf may be 

 partly scorched and partly of an intenser green as 

 a result of its position in this respect. 



But one must find the length of time each plant 

 prefers the light to profit most by its influence, in 

 addition to ascertaining its preference for intensity 

 and for the color of the glass surrounding it. 



