104 



tion or the use of aseptic precautions in the case of absorbing roots sus- 

 pended in air — nutrient solution being supplied by occasional dipping or 

 by a spray. Apparently, the carbohydrate is absorbed sufficiently rapidly to 

 avoid deleterious development of bacteria or molds on the root surfaces. 



On the theoretical side : Casting about for a unifying scheme for the 

 many methods of growing plants, an experiment by Julius Sachs (1874) on 

 the growth of roots in air, in water, and in soil is recalled, from which Sachs 

 concluded that roots develop best when they are supplied both air and water 

 in easily available form — that is, water in the liquid form, and air in the 

 form of free gas. His experiment also indicated that air and water may 

 be supplied separately, the root being now in air and now in water. Pro- 

 ceeding on the suggestion contained in this experiment by Sachs, a canvass 

 is made of possible culture methods for plants according to the form in 

 which air and water are supplied to the plant roots, and it is noted how 

 readily the various methods, old and new, of growing plants fit into this 

 scheme. 



The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 P.M. 



Respectfully submitted, 



John W. Thomson, Jr. 

 Recording Secretary 



NEWS NOTES 



Mr. G. C. Nearing who has been a frequent contributor to Tor- 

 REYA on the topic of lichens announces the first of a series of a 

 sixteen-page section that will comprise his volume "The Lichen 

 Book." The entire book will contain thirty groups and the first 

 twelve are now^ nearly completed. The drawings will appear along- 

 side the description which will enhance the usefulness of the book. 

 The material that appeared in Torreya will be extended since new 

 forms have been collected. The system of keys w'ill consist of thirty- 

 five charts most of them double paged. About 500 species will be de- 

 scribed and the finished book will be close to 400 pages. 



Mr. Nearing will assume publication of the series and the terms 

 of subscription are $1.00 in advance for five sections of sixteen 

 pages. The entire publication cost not to exceed $5.00. The sections 

 as issued will be loose and unlDOund. When the series are completed 

 the subscriber will receive, in addition to the loose-leaf sections, a 

 complete book bound in cloth. It is estimated that a period of three 

 years will be necessary to complete the work. Air. Nearing will en- 

 deavor to keep the series as a beginner's book for quick reference. 

 Cross references will anticipate likely confusions. 



