412 The Botanical Gazette. [November, 
different predominating forms but in no case was there any 
evidence that would lead one to think that any of the species 
tested possessed any pathogenic peculiarities. ‘ie 
Relation to gaseous environment. : 
Of the different forms isolated this season, almost all are 
decidedly aerobic. No growth takes place in plate cultures 
covered with sterilized mica sheets and the manner of growth 4 
in gelatin tubes demonstrates their predilection for oxyget. 
Only one species, B. litorosus, manifested any indifference to 
its gaseous surroundings. This species thrived quite as well 
along inoculation track as superficially, and in cultures pre 
pared according tq Buchner’s pyrogallic acid method, 4 
marked growth was to be noted in nutrient bouillon. 
Effect on nitrate solutions. : 
The effect of bacteria ‘upon the nitrogen-containing com 
poundsisanimportant one. The fertility of soils depen ; 
a large degree on the oxidizing action of certain bacterial — 
forms. These convert the ammoniacal compounds 1n\ 6 
available nitrites and nitrates. Beside these oxidizing age? : 
however, there are a large number of germs that cei ; 
antagonistic property of reducing these salts to age are ; 
stances. The Franklands!® and Jordan‘? have stu le 
number of forms that were isolated from t 
water supplies and noted their ability to reduc 
tions to both nitrite and free ammonia. 
The Species now under discussion wer 
similar line of experiment to see if they 
nitrates that might be in marine waters. ; 
The nitrate solution used as a nutrient medi 
following composition: 1% pept. sicc. (Merck s); I. 
c.p.); 1000° Lake Michigan water. 
‘ ao water was pores te chemically and no trace 0 
gen in the form of nitrite was to be found. 
flasks containing one hundred cubic centimeters 
tion were used for cultures and after 1! 
the various forms of micro-organisms they 
35°C. for a period of twenty-four hours i Sate 
nitrites by the sulphanilic acid and nap y 
chlorate test. 
e also subjected fe 
had any effect 0” a 
had the 
norm KNO, 
f nitro 
were incu 
d then analy? 
ed fot 
hydro" 
t0Zeits. f. Hyg. vi. 373. 
11Rep’t Mass. State Bd. of Health. 1890. 
