PREFACE 



ELECTRICITY is analogous to heat and light, 

 and, like them, has an influence upon the 

 growth of plants. What this is, it is the purpose 

 of the author to inquire into with his readers by 

 presenting to them a summary of what has been 

 accomplished in the comparatively new science of 

 electro-horticulture, and by discussing with them 

 the rationale of the action of electricity upon 

 vegetation. 



That he may afford assistance to some who are 

 already at work, and possibly influence others to 

 investigate into this fascinating subject, is his sole 

 motive in offering to the public this monograph. 



He has had in view the popular rather than the 

 scientific aspect of the subject, and hence has 

 limited himself to what he felt would most appeal 

 to the average reader. 



G. S. II. 



PASADENA, CAL., October i, 1898. 



