where where they are exposed to the action of 

 atmospheric electricity. 



" 2. Plants protected from the action of the 

 atmospheric electricity have, in the same space of 

 time, given from fifty to seventy per cent, of fruit 

 and seed less than the plants placed in ordinary 

 conditions, that is to say, to which electricity has 

 free access. 



" 3. The proportion of albuminous substances 

 does not appear to depend sensibly upon the influ- 

 ence of electricity, while plants that are protected 

 from it appear to contain less water and more min- 

 eral substances. 



" 4. Tall plants have a harmful influence upon 

 the development of plants that grow at their base, 

 not only by depriving them of light and heat, but 

 also because they absorb atmospheric electricity at 

 their expense." 



Leclerc, who was experimenting at the same 

 time, agreed with Gardini. Celi tested the matter 

 in another way. He planted three grains of corn in 

 a flower-pot, and placed it under a bell-glass. In 

 another pot of the same size, filled with the same 

 quality of earth, he planted three similar grains, 

 and placed the pot under a bell-glass of the same 

 size as the former one. He provided so that each 

 would receive the same amount of water and air. 

 Thus both were protected from the influence of 

 atmospheric electricity. He then arranged one 

 of the bell-glasses so that a wire passed through its 

 top and ended in a number of radiating points just 

 within. This wire was connected with an insulated 



