APPENDIX. 169 



electricity is passed through a vessel of water in 

 which growing roots are suspended the roots are 

 said to bend toward the positive pole, or side at 

 which the current of electricity enters. This is 

 believed to be due to the contraction of the proto- 

 plasm or cell contents upon that side of the root. 

 There is no evidence that the growth of the roots 

 is affected, and no good reason to believe that 

 plants are ever benefited by a direct application of 

 electricity, the only effect, on their health, so far 

 as known, being that, as with animals, they are 

 killed or injured by a heavy discharge of electricity. 

 A word may be added regarding the effect of 

 electric light on plants, which is now attracting 

 attention. The experiments thus far conducted go 

 to show that growth can be accelerated by means of 

 electric light, but its effect on fruitfulness is still 

 undetermined. The expense of this method of 

 lighting will prevent its use in the cultivation of 

 plants except, possibly, in rare cases. 



