By Edward Solly, Esq. 



59 



In order to facilitate subsequent experiments, and to supply data 

 for any calculations, which might be required, it appears desirable to 

 ascertain by careful experiments, the exact quantity of inor- 

 ganic matter taken up from the soil by the more ordinary plants 

 when growing in full vigour. Accordingly, a series of the most im- 

 portant vegetables, herbs, and fruits, in the Gardens of the Society, 

 has been submitted to this kind of investigation, and a portion of the 

 results is embodied in the following Table; which shews the 

 proportion of water, organic and inorganic matter contained in the 

 various plants examined, together with the proportion which the 

 inorganic bore to the organic part of the dry plant. The plants 

 were all carefully selected, none but clean healthy specimens being 

 taken ; they were dried in a stove at a temperature of about 200° 

 Fahr. ; and were considered dry when several hours exposure to that 

 temperature occasioned no further reduction in weight. The dry 

 plants were burnt to coal on porcelain, or polished iron plates 

 heated by gas lamps, and the coals incinerated at the lowest pos- 

 sible temperature in platinum basins. 



