9 2 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [February 



we shall show, when speaking of the edaphic factors, the quantity of 

 salt present in the soil in some of the coast formations is quite incon- 

 siderable, but still the plants exhibit the same characters typical of 

 those which grow where salt occurs in the soil. 



We cannot here escape the conclusion that the influence which is 

 exerted on the plants in one case by the salt-water content in the soil, 

 in the other case is brought about by some other cause of similar kind. 



Analysis of spray from the sea reveals the presence of a large amount 

 of salt, usually even more than in the sea water, because water is 

 evaporating from the drops of spray and the fine particles of moisture 

 near the ocean. This salinity of the spray is greater at a high tempera- 

 ture, as the evaporation is then more intense, and it is common to find 

 on hot days, with sea wind carrying moisture landward, that salt is 

 deposited in form of crystals on the plants and on other objects, as 

 well as on the ground. 



A few analyses will be given to illustrate this large quantity of salt in 



the 



atmosphere on the sea coast. In all instances when samples of spray were 

 secured, the method was as follows. Pieces of muslin, thoroughly examined 

 and found free from salts, were dried and kept in tight-closed jars until exposed 

 at the place were the sample was to be taken. The muslin was then exposed 

 to the sea spray; the temperature and time of exposure were registered, the 

 muslin bottled, and later examined in the laboratory. At the same time sam- 

 ples of the sea water were secured for chemical analysis. The following results 

 were obtained from four observations: 



I. Nagu, Hogsar, Finland, August 22, 1897. Atmospheric temperature 

 19? 5 C. Sky clear. Velocity of wind about 7™ a second. Muslin exposed for 

 i h i5 m , at a distance of 9™ from the water. Salinity of spray sample 0673 

 per cent., of sea water 0.662 by areometric measurement, and 0.632 per cent 

 by chemical analysis. Temperature of water 15^0 C. As is the case in this 

 observation the areometric value of salinity is always somewhat higher than 

 that obtained by analysis. 



II. Hango Tulludd, Finland, September 9, 1897. Atmospheric temperature 

 21? 2 C. Sky partly overcast. Velocity of offshore wind about io m a second. 

 Muslin exposed on the beach, 5™ from water, for 2 h . Salinity of spray sample 

 0.625 per cent., of sea water 0.607. Water temperature 13^6 C. 



III. North Beach, near Perth, Western Australia, September 16, 1902- AtmoS * 

 pheric temperature 24?6 C. Sky clear. Velocity of wind, measured Witt 

 anemometer (of Crova type, from Negretti & Zambra, London) averaging 

 12. 3 m a second during time of observation. Muslin exposed on the beach, 8* 

 from the water, for 4 * 15™. Salinity of spray 4.68 per cent., of sea water 3 24 

 per cent. Temperature at the surface io?6 C. 



