146 DISEASES OF CEOPS. 



Tscliirch, applying to the outgrowths on the roots of 

 Cucumis. Tschirch {Berichte der Deutschen Botanischen 

 Gesellschaft, Heft 2, 1887), in describing the root-tuber- 

 cles found in the Leguminosce, stated that most probably 

 they were storehouses for nitrogenous compounds — these 

 compounds being subsequently used up in the ripening 

 of the seed. On submitting the nodules, roots, etc., of 



,^i~^M. 



Fig. 48. — Boot of Chodmbek 



Infested with one of the Ustilagmese. causing nodnlar ont-growths. 

 (Nat. size.) 



Cucumis to chemical analysis, the following percentages 

 of albuminoids were obtained : — 



I. n. ni. 



Albuminoids (nitrogenous substances) in nodules 20-24 19-96 20-51 

 „ in roots (without nodules) . . . 1-92 2-00 2-06 

 „ in stems and leaves 3-21 3-24 3-30 



Although the analyses appeared to support Tschirch's 

 idea, it was soon discovered by a microscopical study of 

 the roots, that the nodular outgrowths were due to a 

 parasitic fungus belonging to the Ustilaginece, or the same 



