76 



VITAL ACTIONS. 



which occur in fruits during ripening, is the decom- 

 position or dissipation of the water that they attract 

 from the stem. A diminished supply of water will, 

 under equal circumstances, produce an accelerated 

 maturation, because less time will be required to 

 decompose or dissipate this element; and, on the 

 other hand, an excessive supply of water will retard 

 or prevent ripening, in consequence of the longer 

 time required for the same purpose. 



Table of the Proportions of Carbon and Water in a few of the 

 commonest Vegetable Secretions. ' 



