468 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [DECEMBER 
resinic acid in ducts and canals; (3) resene is derived from resinic 
acid in the presence of steam; (4) resene is converted into resinic 
acid in the presence of oxygen. 
A suggestion of the effects of resinic ester sad resene on the 
vegetative growth of B. sagittata, and in consequence an idea of the 
physiological nature of the products, is shown by the effect of these 
substances on the living protoplasm. Although this plant is not 
listed among the poisonous plants of the western stock ranges along 
with the death camas (Zygadenus venenosus), the loco weeds (Aragal- 
lus and Astragalus spp.), the larkspurs and the lupine (Lupinus 
ornatus), it is the common belief of stockmen that the root and 
stem of B. sagittata often cause stock poisoning, especially among 
sheep. Certain experimental proof of this toxic property of the 
resinic esters and the resene of this plant will be presented. 
A neutral potassium resinate was prepared from titration with 
a saturated solution of potassium hydrate and an alcoholic solution 
of the resinic acid. The alcohol was allowed to evaporate and the 
ester dissolved in water to make a saturated solution. A few drops 
of this solution were introduced into a watchglass containing fila- 
ments of Chara in 10 cc. of tap water. Such a dilute solution 
of the ester was not sufficient to effect any osmotic changes in 
any appreciable way. Observations were made in the following 
manner. 
A filament of Chara had previously been singled out and the 
rate of flow of the protoplasm under low power of the microscope 
noted. A convenient distance was chosen on a blank paper at the 
side of the microscope, and by means of a camera attachment the 
time for this distance flow was then taken to ascertain the average 
time flow. Such an average in this case was found to be 20 seconds, 
with a maximum at 22 and a minimum at 18 seconds. A final nor- 
mal reading was taken at 9:14 A.M. and the specified amount of the 
ester introduced. Five minutes later the time flow was 30 seconds; 
6 minutes later, 27 seconds; 7 minutes later, 25 seconds; 8 minutes 
later, 23 seconds; 13 minutes later, 23 seconds; 15 minutes 
later, 20 seconds; and at 10:38 A.M., 19 seconds. This shows 
an immediate effect in the time flow and a rather rapid recovery. 
When a double dose of the solution, that is, 6 drops of the 
