TRANSACTIONS OP SUB-SECTION K« 605 



on respiration varied with the current, 50 microamperes producing an increase of 

 about 30 per cent., whilst 150 microamperes had no effect, and 500 to 600 micro- 

 amperes resulted in a 20 per cent, decrease, these figures being approximations. 

 Considering the variability of different sets of seeds, which was shown by 

 experiment, the results show marked consistency. 



3. Overhead Discharge. — The positive pole of an electrical machine was con- 

 nected with a platinum loop above the seeds, which were themselves 'earthed.' 

 Thus discharge passed from ' point ' to seeds. The results were irregular at 

 first, and this was traced to the evolution of ozone, which in the confined atmo- 

 sphere exerts a very depressing effect upon the output of carbon dioxide. A 

 beaker of turpentine was inserted to absorb the ozone, and then increase of 

 respiration resulted on electrification. The amount of increase varied with 

 different sets of seeds, the largest obtained being 110 per cent, with peas. 



4. The Soils and Farming of the South Bourns. By A. D. Hall, F.F.S. 



MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4. 



Biscussion on how best the University Agricultural Bepartmcnts may come 

 in contact with the Farmer. 



(i) A Consideration of the Irish System as modified to suit English Conditions 



By R. Hart-Synnot. 



(ii) Ways in which the University may help the Farmer. 

 By J. R. Ainsworth-Davis. 



(1) Conduct of original research relevant to agriculture and dissemination of 

 results obtained. When open-air work is required farmers are always willing to 

 give facilities. 



(2) Bureau of information in cases of difficulty, where knowledge of farm 

 institutes and so forth may be inadequate. 



(3) Training of experts to take part in higher grades of research, experiment, 

 and education. 



(4). Provision of agricultural education for those destined to be concerned with 

 the land on a large scale, other than as in (3). 



(5) Taking the lead in correlation of agricultural research, experiment, and 

 education within a given sphere of influence. 



(C) Provision of summer schools of agriculture for teachers in secondary and 

 elementary rural schools. 



(7) Provision of extension lectures and classes in suitable centres. 



(iii) The Blacc of the Agricultural Instructor. By J. II. Burton. 



Joint Biscussion with Section B on the Fart played by Enzymes in the 

 Economy of Blants and Animals. — See p. 365. 



