104 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [AUGUST 
off about the middle and the cotyledons left intact. The axial buds 
developed in all (fig. 3). This was repeated later for different pur- 
poses on scores of plants, and the result was always the same, except 
that occasionally only one shoot would develop. 
Experiment 2.—Twelve plants were used, the epicotyl was cut off 
and one cotyledon was removed. In all cases shoots developed from 
both axils. 
Experiment 3.—Seven plants were used, the epicotyl was cut off 
and both cotyledons were cut off but left in their natural position 
so as not to introduce other factors, as light, air, or moisture from the 
soil. All developed shoots from both axils. This was repeated on 
many plants with similar results. 
Experiment 4.—Three plants, almost mature, 4o-so%™ high and | 
with 6-8 internodes, were used. The cotyledons had been used up 
and had dropped away; the lower part of the stem had become quite 
hard, almost woody, and hollow. The plants were cut off a few 
centimeters above the ground, and five of the six primordia developed 
shoots. © 
Here as in the other three experiments it is clear that food derived 
from the cotyledons is no essential part of the stimulus which causes 
the young buds to develop. In the next three experiments the 
attempt was made to remove the terminal bud and at the same time 
diminish the nutritive supply of the other buds even to the point of 
starvation. oe 
Experiment 5.—Five plants that had been grown with their roots 
in tap water were transferred to distilled water. All the cotyledons — 
Were cut off and also the epicotyl. All five of the plants slowly but 
completely regenerated. Here all supply of food from the sul 
stratum, from the cotyledons, and from the leaves is removed. ie 
this experiment and others a large number of check plants showed 
that the cutting away of the cotyledons had no effect on the young 
buds if the primary axis was left intact. a 
Experiment 6.—Four seeds just germinating were taken, the 
radicle being 4°™ long, and the young stem with its leaves being: ge 
between the cotyledons. The cotyledons were forced open and pe 
cut off, leaving only the small stem and root. The plants were thea 
Placed with the root in distilled water in the dark, and left for 1"? 
