148 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [ FEBRUARY 
First, spinosity is a limit to variation. It is shown by the individual and the 
2 ge . P itality.” 
consequent inability of the organisms to change due to decreasing vitality, 
—H. N. WHITFORD. E 
Mr. BERNHARD JACoBI (with the assistance of Professor Dr. Stahl é 
Jena) has prepared a summary of recent researches on proteid formation @ 4 
green plants. From the Biologisches Centralblatt 18:602. 1898, we sa 
late; Ha 
“The present state of our knowledge concerning the place and condi 
for the formation of proteids in green plants . . . . is as follows: : 
“The special center for the synthesis of proteids is the foliage leaf. 
“In the cells participating directly in proteid formation this process (undet 
otherwise normal conditions of vegetation) may be begun in darkness, sm 
carbohydrates enter into reaction with nitric acid, ammonia or amides ) 
end. But how far the process mentioned progresses depends on the sea 
of available carbohydrates. Bee 
“If the latter are present in abundance the formation of proteids will take | 
place. If, on the contrary, only small amounts of carbohydrates —— 
prot 
able, the process ceases in darkness with the formation of amides. 
when an adequate augmentation of the carbohydrates is provided for 
can be produced. 
“The supplying of these carbohydrates may be accomplished co 
ficially or naturally. In the first case the synthesis of proteids may be.a¢ ei 
plished in darkness. By the natural method the carbohydrates could = 4 
ac 
“The special source of energy is furnished by the carbohydrates yore 
selves. However, in many cases light also appears to play a part oe ge 
of energy. Godlewski found that, even in air free of carbonic — Ast 
nated seedlings were able to form proteids from nitrates and sugar fi 
Detmer thinks that in this case light ‘has a special importance we 
aad because only small amounts of carbohydrates were ave} ne 
« K. B, 
