1920] OVERHOLSER &• TAYLOR— TEMPERATURES 287 



Experiment 2 



In the preceding experiment with the highest temperature 

 used (io4°F.) the Bartlett pears kept longest. The authors 

 wished to ascertain whether temperatures higher than those 

 employed in the first experiment would be more satisfactory. 

 To determine this, and also to repeat in a measure the first experi- 

 ment, a second experiment was conducted. 



Observations on temperature and humidity 



The method of procedure was just as outlined for the first 

 experiment, except that the temperatures in the large drying 

 oven were somewhat higher than was the case in experiment 1; 

 that is, the top shelf (no. 1) had a temperature averaging 90 F. 

 as contrasted with 85 F. in the first experiment; shelf no. 2 

 averaged 99.2°F. instead of 88° F.; shelf no. 3 averaged 109* r\ 

 instead of 94 F.; and shelf no. 4 averaged 121 .2° F. as compared 

 with 104 F. The Freas oven averaged about ioi°F.; while in 

 the first experiment it was kept at about 95 F. The other temper- 

 atures and the humidity w r ere just about the same as for the first 

 experiment. 



The experiment was begun on September 25, 191 8. One set 

 consisted of 5 lb. grape baskets filled with first crop Bartlett 

 pears; a second set consisted of second crop Bartletts; and the 

 third set was filled with Easter pears. One lot of each set was 

 placed under each of the varying conditions. By an improved 

 arrangement for maintaining a high humidity, it was possible to 

 fill the water pan from outside without opening the door of the 

 oven. Since the writers knew just about what to expect from the 

 large oven as well as the other compartments, and since the hygro- 

 thermographs were operated throughout this experiment as in the 

 first one, it was not found necessary to open the door at frequent 

 intervals to take readings. The hygrothermograph showed that 

 the temperatures and humidity were quite uniform, in fact more 

 so than in the first experiment because of better control, except 

 on two occasions. The first was from noon, September 28, to noon, 

 September 30. During this time the water pan was dry and the 

 humidity dropped considerably below 50 per cent. At the same 



