ba Gabi nee aed 
1884.] The Exhalation of Ozone by Flowering Plants. 475 
the phosphates to that organ of the plant, and it may reasonably 
be supposed that in the chemico-vital changes going on in the 
ovules, phosphorus is liberated and acted upon by the moisture 
which the leaves and petals are so actively transpiring. 
As corroborating this view we may allude to the phenomena 
of phosphorescence in plants as observed by M. Crié and others. 
In a communication to the French Academy, M. Crié states: “ It 
is well known that the flowers of phanerogams are capable, under 
certain circumstances, of producing phosphorescent light. The 
phenomenon has been verified, especially of the nasturtiums and 
the marigold. Some years ago I myself saw phosphorescent light 
emitted in stormy weather from the flowers of the 7; ropeolum 
majus cultivated in a garden.” Although an absolute decision 
may not be possible, the above facts, when taken together, are 
Suggestive of the correctness of this explanation. The subject, 
however, merits further investigation. 
In the light of the present experiments there can scarce be a 
doubt but that a manifest relation does exist between vegetation 
and the ozonic condition of the atmosphere. And this, it will be 
conceded, is not the least hygienic influence possessed by plants. 
During fair weather all flowering vegetation in nature is contribu- 
ting ozone to the atmosphere. In this connection it should be 
me in mind that vegetation is largely blooming, that numerous 
field plants, the forest trees, as well as all fruit trees put forth 
wers, and that during this period they all add their quota of 
T to the surrounding medium. Again, not all blooming 
Plants or trees produce their flowers at the same time of the sea- 
cee ala it happens that there are a certain proportion of dif- 
a flowering in turn from early spring till late in 
bas and hence the effect upon the atmosphere with reference 
Pe ibaa of ozone they give to it must be pretty constant 
We here — vegetative period wherever vegetation abounds. 
à ave another evidence of the fact that in His eternal 
of ee of nature has intrusted to plant life the task 
ay mng the harmonious composition of the atmosphere. 
Prevent it oe of ozone in the atmosphere is essential to 
ti k i becoming too much polluted for animal respira- 
~ "€ products of decomposition, particularly of azotized 
which are SA are known to be a fruitful cause of disease, igi 
‘pidemic Sgn by some to serve as carriers for the germs o 
contagious diseases. 
