316 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [october 



light in light- demanding seeds have their effect in bringing about 

 hydrolysis of proteins. His evidence is hardly conclusive. It is 

 quite possible, however, that dormancy in an embryo may be due 



sim 



conditions. If so, it may be any one of several aside from protein 

 hydrolysis. If such cases exist, they stand more or less in contrast 

 with the case worked out by Eckerson (io). 



Fischer found phosphoric and certain organic acids more 

 effective as forcing agents for Alisma than their dissociation would 

 insure on the basis of hydrogen ions. This we are unable to explain. 



intact 



possible that 



main 



medium in the carpel 



get a hold on the seed coats. The seed coats seem to form 



media 



ery 



teria. Both layers of cells 

 If cultures were started in 



rpel 



embry 



attack of fungi and bacteria. As Fischer 



ermination 



This we are quite confi- 



formation 



actually decomposing the coats. At 25 C, 0.001 N hydrochloric 

 acid will not cause the rupture of the coats in Alisma even after 

 many days' soaking, and this concentration of acid permits but 

 little growth in the naked embryo. It is evident then that the acid 



swellin 



to break the coat and still allow the embryo to grow after it had 

 broken the coat. Fischer had the preconceived notion that the 

 embryo was dormant, and therefore neglected the possibilities 

 that have proved to be much more to the point. This makes it 

 probable that in putrefying waters in nature the germination is 

 brought about by the direct attack of the seed coats by the organ- 



formed 



mol 



germinati 



Fischer comes 



permeable 



