224 TANNINS 



this connexion Cook and Taubenhaus * have found that in 

 many cases tannin has a tendency to retard or inhibit the 

 growth of Fungi, the parasitic forms being more sensitive than 

 the saprophytic. In some cases the spores are killed, whilst 

 in others germination is much impeded. On the other hand, 

 low percentages of tannin may in some instances stimulate 

 germination and also fruiting. The behaviour of Fungi 

 towards tannin varies with the species and sometimes even 

 with the individual, more especially in the case of spores. 



To conclude, the different substances included under the 

 term Tannin are so numerous as to make it improbable that 

 they all have the same physiological significance. 



"Cook and Taubenhaus: "Delaware Coll, Agric. Exper. Station" Bull., 

 91, 1911. 



