260 Upon the rate of growth by Plants, 



Rate of growth under the lowest Temperature. 



In this instance it is evident that in general the lowest tempera- 

 tures were unfavourable to growth. But it is to be observed that 

 the Vine attained its minimum growth on only one of these occa- 

 sions (in the afternoon); that the Fig indicated the minimum night 

 growth on two occasions ; and, what is most inexplicable, we have 

 9 cases of the growth being actually above the average in presence 

 of the lowest temperatures : such tender plants as the Fig, the 

 Scarlet Runner and the Gourd (on three occasions out of six) be- 

 ing the species in which this singular anomaly took place. 



It docs not seem desirable to extend these tables further : for 

 if the observations are analysed for the effects of wind or bright 

 light, there are the same inexplicable discrepancies. Indeed the 

 average of the afternoon growth being so much higher than that 

 of the morning, as was shown in the table at p. 255, seems to render 

 an examination into the effect of light superfluous ; for it must be 

 admitted that on an average we have more light between noon 

 and 8 P.M., the time of the afternoon observations, than in either 

 of the other periods. 



