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VII. On the power possessed by Plants of absorbing coloured in- 

 fusions by their roots. By G. J. Towers, Esq. C.M.H.S. 



Read Nov. 4, 1834. 



I am well aware that many of the most eminent philosophers have 

 immersed cuttings of a vast variety of plants, herbaceous as well 

 as frutescent, into coloured infusions, with a view to detect the 

 conduits of the sap. For several seasons, I adopted the same 

 method myself, and always traced deposits of the colouring matter 

 made use of, among, and around (rather than within) those bundles 

 of fibres, which were considered the conducting vessels of the 

 ascending sap. I investigated these processes and the effects 

 produced, by every means, and in every way within my command ; 

 and though I witnessed enough to afford a stamp of truth to the 

 testimonials of the writers I consulted, yet I could never trace 

 the results to the extreme minutiae which I found recorded. I 

 yielded a tacit assent to the evidence of great authority, and con- 

 cluded that my own method or machinery, were, to a certain 

 extent, defective : but I did not remain satisfied, for it was evident 

 that mutilations, and such all cuttings are, could never afford 

 legitimate proofs of the precise nature, nor even situation of the 

 nutritive organs, that are actuated by the vital principle. I there- 

 fore resolved to take another course ; and believing the Balsam to 

 afford one of the readiest means of inspection, struck several cuttings 

 in the spring, or took young seedlings, with pure transparent stems ; 

 and after washing their roots, immersed them in strong infusions 

 of log- wood, others I retained in pots of mould, and watered the 

 soil with the coloured liquor. I found that in every instance 



VOL. II. 2nd. series. G 



