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TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 95 
(d) Several symmetrically disposed pits in the wall of the inferior ovary: 
ex. Monochetum, &c. 
(e) One receptacular pit; ovary superior: exs. Brownea, Tamarindus, 
Jonesia, &e. 
[(f) One pit in prolongation of receptacle beyond the inferior ovary: 
ex. Quisqualis. This was omitted when communication was read.— 
A. D.] a 
Experimental Studies on Annular Incisions on Mulberry Trees. 
By Professor E. Farvre. 
The following propositions are the result of the experiments which the author 
has made for several years :— 
1. Annular incisions on mulberry trees produce general or local effects. The 
general effects consist at first in a greater activity given to the growth above the 
parts in which the incision has been made, then in a gradual diminution of the 
growth, the consequence of which is the destruction of the branches upon which 
the operation takes place. The local effects consist— 
A. In the alteration of the ligneous layers which have been deprived of the pro- 
tective influence of the bark. 
B. In the ordinary production of a reparative ““bourrelet” on the upper lip of 
the incision. 
C. In the growth of the branch above the incision. 
D. In the production of shoots more or less vigorous under the inferior lip of 
the incision; occasionally in the production round this inferior lip of a small 
“bourrelet.” 
2. The time in which the incision is made has a great influence on the effects 
produced. The reparative tissue and the growth above the incision are essentially 
connected with the state of vegetation. If the vegetation is suspended by winter, 
no “bourrelet” is visible, and growth is at a standstill; on the contrary, if the 
vegetation is active as in summer, and especially in spring, the formation of the 
reparative tissue is easy and rapid. The formation of the “bourrelets,” in all 
times of healthy vegetation, testifies to a continuous activity in the circulation of 
the sap. 
3. The incision differs in its effects according as it is made upon the stem or 
root, or the young herbaceous shoots or branches of several years’ growth. 
The incision made on the stem causes the destruction of the parts situated 
above the incision, whilst the incision made on the root destroys the parts above 
the incision. 
The “bourrelets’”’ then are situated on the destroyed parts, in the case of stems 
or branches, but, on the living parts, in the case of roots. 
The incision made on the root causes a growth of numerous small roots; this 
development (of small roots) has become practically useful. 
If the branches subjected to incision are young and herbaceous, the formation 
of the “bourrelet” is quicker, and the destruction of the superior parts is less 
likely than if the operation were performed on ligneous branches. 
These results may be practically applied to the propagation of cuttings. 
4, The presence or absence of leaves has great influence upon the formation of a 
“)ourrelet” and the production of small roots, and on the healing of the wound 
made by the incision. The absence of leaves produces the absence of a reparative 
“bourrelet.”” 
Hence the leaves manifestly influence the elaboration and the descent of sap, to 
which the formation of a “bourrelet” is due. The influence of the leaves on the 
nutrition of the roots is an important and practical consequence on the aforesaid™ 
facts. 
5. The age of the branch operated on, and the depth of the incision, modify 
remarkably the results of the operation. If one operates on a small ligneous branch 
of two or more years’ growth, on the removal of the surrounding ligneous layers, if 
the annulation is made in the summer, the leayes fade in one or two days, the 
branch dies, and no “bourrelet’’ can be formed. If one operates in the same man- 
