" 1898] GERMINATION OF FUNGUS SPORES 379 
tubes and bottles used were, of course, very thoroughly washed 
before introducing another chemical or one of different strength. 
The drop being upon the cover glass, a clean teasing needle or 
platinum needle was touched to the stock culture, and then to 
the hanging drop. Before using 
this needle with another chemical 
it was washed. Sterilization was 
nowhere necessary, as the culture 
was to be of such short duration 
that bacteria or other fungi did 
not develop. 
The cultures of Penicillium 
crustaceum (Linn.) Fries were 
made otherwise. A small piece of bread 2X 1X1™ was soaked 
in the solution under experimentation, then placed ms > oe 
tube where it was about three quarters immersed in the solution. 
It was then inoculated with the Penicillium, evaporation being 
prevented by a stopper to the tube. 
Readings were made with this fungus when the checks had 
begun to grow well. 
In order to insure that a proper planting had been made, 
and to be sure that no spores had been germinated previous 
to being placed in the solution, each slide was microscopically 
examined before placing away. 
The series of cultures being made, the slides bearing them 
were placed away in a thermostat on a metallic slide holder. 
SOLUTIONS. 
Inasmuch as the object of the work was to investigate the 
effect of the salts upon the growth of the fungus, it was deemed 
advisable to prepare solutions the composition of which should 
be based upon their molecular weight rather than upon a per- 
centage basis. To do this the molecular weight of the salt, 
base, or acid was estimated, and this weight taken in grams was 
dissolved in one liter of water. Such a’ solution is designated 
throughout this article as a normal solution. Thus, potassium 
